Fajitas are one of the most popular family dinners in the UK — quick to make, endlessly customisable, and genuinely enjoyable to eat. Old El Paso kits take most of the prep work out of the equation, but there are a few things you can do to take them from good to genuinely great.
What's in an Old El Paso Fajita Kit?
A standard Old El Paso Fajita Kit contains flour tortillas, a seasoning sachet, and a salsa sachet. The kit provides the base — you supply the protein, peppers, and toppings.
The Best Protein Options
Chicken thighs rather than breast give you more flavour and stay juicier when cooked at high heat. Slice them into thin strips against the grain. Beef skirt or flank steak is the traditional choice for fajitas — it has great flavour and cooks quickly. King prawns are an excellent quick-cook option. For a vegetarian version, portobello mushrooms and halloumi work brilliantly.
The Secret to Great Fajitas: High Heat
The single most important factor in great fajitas is cooking at very high heat. You want a hot cast iron pan or griddle — not a non-stick pan on medium heat. High heat creates the charred edges and caramelisation that give fajitas their characteristic flavour. If your pan isn't smoking slightly, it's not hot enough.
Step-by-Step Method
Step 1: Marinate the Protein
Mix the Old El Paso seasoning sachet with 2 tablespoons of oil and the juice of half a lime. Coat your sliced protein and leave to marinate for at least 20 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge for deeper flavour).
Step 2: Prepare the Peppers and Onions
Slice 2 bell peppers (mixed colours) and 1 large onion into thin strips. These will cook separately from the protein.
Step 3: Cook the Peppers and Onions First
Get your pan smoking hot with a splash of oil. Add the peppers and onions and cook on high heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have charred edges and are slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Protein
In the same hot pan, cook your protein in a single layer — don't overcrowd the pan or it will steam rather than sear. Cook chicken strips for 3–4 minutes per side; beef strips for 2 minutes per side for medium. Return the peppers and onions to the pan for the final minute.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Wrap the tortillas in foil and warm in the oven at 180°C for 5 minutes, or heat individually in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side. Warm tortillas are significantly more pliable and taste better than cold ones.
The Best Toppings
Sour cream, guacamole, grated cheddar, and the included salsa are the classic combination. Old El Paso also makes excellent ready-made guacamole and sour cream that pair perfectly with the kits.
Shop Old El Paso Fajita Kits, Guacamole, Sour Cream, and Flour Tortillas at Reign Goods — free delivery on orders over £30.