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Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish featuring grilled meat (traditionally skirt steak, but also chicken, shrimp, or vegetables) cooked with onions and bell peppers, served sizzling on a hot skillet. The components are typically wrapped in warm flour or corn tortillas and topped with condiments like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and cheese. The dish originated in the ranching communities of Texas and Northern Mexico.
A typical serving of beef fajitas with two tortillas and standard toppings is moderately high in protein from the meat, but also contains significant fat, especially if using sour cream and cheese, and provides a good amount of iron and B vitamins. The calorie count can range from about 400 to 700 calories per serving, depending heavily on portion size and the amount of added fats and tortillas.
The word 'fajita' comes from the Spanish 'faja,' meaning 'belt' or 'sash,' referring to the cut of skirt steak. Culturally, fajitas are a prime example of Tex-Mex fusion cuisine, transforming a humble, economical cut of meat into a celebrated, interactive dining experience.