Steak quesadilla can be a mouthwatering treat for the tastebuds. They can also be a viable healthy option since its main components are whole grains, meat and veggies. Read below to learn how to prepare them in a few easy steps.
Quesadilla, the fame & the flavor
The origins of steak quesadilla can be traced back to the first quesadilla, a dish that was born in Mexico. During the colonial period, the mixing of indigenous and Spanish cultures resulted in a multitude of traditions and dishes that are loved to this day.
Tortillas, a type of Mexican bread made with grain, were a staple in the diets of indigenous folk. Soon, the tortilla began to be experimented with and it gave many unique flavor combinations, one of which was the meat, sauce and veggie stuffed quesadilla. Today, the quesadilla is prepared by people across the world with their own personal touches. The version we will learn today aka the steak quesadilla – a testament to the lovability and versatility of this classic dish!
Steak quesadilla: what makes it great?
It could be the copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette, a sauce that can tantalize your tastebuds with only a whiff, or it could be the crunchy, fresh veggies coated in a cheesy and indulgent sauce, or it could be the steak, of course!
You could add these steak quesadillas to your dinner rotation and they will definitely put a huge smile on your family’s faces (and yours, with how easy they are to make) and earn you tons of compliments. Best part is, they come together in less than an hour, and are perfect as the main dish for any day or any profile of guests.
Ingredients required for Steak Quesadilla
Let’s get down to business! Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect steak quesadillas:
For the Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette
- 2 chipotle peppers
- 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- ½ teaspoon of pepper
- ½ teaspoon of oregano
- ¼ teaspoon of cumin
- ⅔ cup of oil
For the steak quesadillas
- 1-2 top sirloin steaks
- Olive oil
- Steak seasoning (e.g., Montreal Steak Seasoning)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 1 sliced onion
- 2 sliced green peppers
- 4 tablespoons butter
- Salt
- Pepper
- Garlic powder
- Flour tortillas
- Shredded Monterey Jack cheese
These are all the ingredients you’ll need to make the best steak quesadillas. You can tweak this recipe according to your tastes, too.
The preparation method: Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette
By starting with the sauce, you ensure enough time is left for the steak quesadilla to cook. First, you must prepare the copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette in advance. This sauce will remind you of Taco Bell’s unique tangy and zesty flavors.
This is to allow the flavors to develop and deepen while it chills in the fridge. Start by gathering all the ingredients and setting up your food processor, preparing it for a blend. Add everything except the oil into the processor: 2 chipotle peppers, 3 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, ½ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and oregano, and ¼ teaspoon of cumin. Begin blending these ingredients together.
As the mixture starts to come together, gradually pour in ⅔ cup of oil in a slow, steady stream. This step is crucial for emulsifying the vinaigrette, ensuring it reaches the perfect consistency. Once the ingredients are fully blended and smooth. Transfer the vinaigrette into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator.
This resting period will allow the flavors to harmonize well together, resulting in a delicious dressing ready to enhance your steak quesadillas.
How to prepare the JUICIEST Steak Quesadilla:
Now that the sauce is resting, the steak quesadillas can be prepared.
- Begin by taking 1-2 top sirloin steaks and thinly slicing them against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Place the sliced steak in a container, then drizzle with some olive oil. We will now add the quesadilla seasoning. To enhance the flavor, add your preferred steak seasoning (Montreal Steak Seasoning is a great option), along with 1 tablespoon of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice, and ¼ cup of soy sauce. Mix everything together thoroughly so that the steak is well-coated.
- Once combined, seal the container with a lid and let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to enhance and really make the steak quesadillas unforgettable.
- After the steak has marinated, take it out of the fridge and set it aside.
- While the steak is resting, prepare your veggies. Slice 1 onion and 2 green peppers, then cook them in a skillet with 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. If you have a griddle, this is a great way to cook the veggies as well. As they cook, season them with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to bring out their flavors.
- Once the veggies are softened and slightly caramelized, it’s time to cook the steak.
- Heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated steak until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- Now it’s time to assemble the steak quesadillas. Lay a flour tortilla flat and sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over it. This is the best cheese for quesadillas. Add a layer of the cooked steak, followed by the sautéed peppers and onions. Top it all off with a bit more shredded cheese, then fold the tortilla over to create the quesadilla.
- Cook the steak quesadilla in a skillet or on the griddle until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
Serving tips – Steak Quesadilla
Once your steak quesadillas are perfectly golden and the cheese is oozing, they’re ready to serve! Make sure to serve them hot so the shell of the steak quesadilla is super crispy.
For an extra kick, serve the delicious steak quesadillas with a side of sour cream and a drizzle of the copycat Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette for dipping. These steak quesadilla recipes are not only simple to make but incredibly delicious. Plus, they’re customizable for picky eaters—just leave out the onions if someone isn’t a fan. Now that they are done relish every single bite and watch the faces of amazement as the flavor packs a delectable punch!
Customize your very own Steak Quesadilla!
As this recipe is fairly simple to make, with most of the ingredients already available in your pantry, you can tweak and change the steak quesadillas to your own tastes.
For instance, if you need a healthier alternative but still want the charms of this steak quesadilla, you could use dairy free cheese and you could substitute the meat with chicken for a source of lean protein, or even fish, if you’re in the mood for it! Simply adjust the cooking times according to the type of protein you’re choosing. If you want a vegan option, you could make the steak with mushrooms or vegan meat, both available at most grocery chains across the country.
The veggies used can also be substituted according to your preferences. Add lettuce, mushrooms, tomatoes and any other vegetables you would like, since this steak quesadilla recipe is a canvas for all your culinary imagination. You could also adjust the spice level by adding pepper.
You could also use an air fryer to crisp up the steak.
Conclusion
As is evident, the steak quesadilla is a versatile meal option suitable for fancy dinners, a quick breakfast or an indulgent lunch. They are perfect for meal prep. Also, great additions to any potluck! It can be tailored to individual tastes as well, so there is an option for everyone, even vegan friendly ones. Kids will love it, and so will adults; it is that universal. So, have you tried our steak quesadilla recipe yet? If not, try it now!
FAQs
What is a steak quesadilla recipe?
Ans: Steak quesadillas are meat filled tortillas with veggies and a delicious sauce, a dish originated from Mexico.
How to make quesadillas?
Ans: Follow our recipe to make the best steak quesadillas.
How long is the preparation time for steak quesadillas?
Ans: It takes less than an hour to create the crispiest, juiciest steak quesadillas.
Can you make steak quesadilla at home?
Ans: Yes, anyone can prepare them at home.
