National Fajita Day
Get ready to fire up the grill and let the good times sizzle because on August 18 every year, National Fajita Day comes to spice up your summer! This delicious day is all about indulging in the vibrant, smoky, and declicious flavors of fajitas.
Are you a fan of juicy steak, tender chicken, or vibrant veggies wrapped in a warm tortilla? If so then this is the perfect excuse to gather friends, crank up the music, and dive into a fiesta of flavors.
Learn About the History of Fajitas
It all started back in Texas. The dish traces its roots to the 1930s along the Texas-Mexico border, where Mexican ranch workers, known as 'vaqueros', were often paid with less desirable cuts of beef, like skirt steak.
However, resourceful and creative, they grilled this meat over open flames, seasoned it with bold spices, and wrapped it in tortillas for a hearty meal. The term “fajita” comes from the Spanish word faja, meaning “strip” or “belt,” referring to the cut of meat used.
The dish stayed a regional gem until the 1980s when restaurants like Ninfa’s in Houston put fajitas on the map, serving them with sizzling platters of grilled meat, peppers, and onions. Today, fajitas are a global favorite, with endless variations- chicken, shrimp, pork, or even tofu making them a versatile dish for all palates.
How to Celebrate National Fajita Day
- Host a Fajita Fiesta: Invite friends over for a DIY fajita bar! Set out bowls of guacamole, salsa, sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro. Let everyone customize their fajitas for a fun, interactive meal. Bonus points for a margarita or mocktail station to keep the party lively!
- Try a New Twist: Feeling adventurous? Experiment with fajita variations like grilled portobello mushrooms for a veggie-packed option or pineapple-marinated pork for a sweet-and-savory kick. You could even swap tortillas for lettuce wraps for a lighter take.
- Visit a Local Tex-Mex Spot: If cooking isn’t your thing, head to your favorite Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurant to enjoy their fajita specials. Many spots roll out deals or unique fajita dishes to celebrate the day, complete with that signature sizzling platter.
- Share the Love on Social Media: Snap a pic of your fajita masterpiece and post it with #NationalFajitaDay.
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