Low Carb Keto Instant Pot Fajitas

I’ve made a lot of keto fajitas that promised “quick and flavorful”—and ended up tasting like steamed sadness. You know the type: mushy peppers, gray beef, bland broth. Not this one.

This version nails the trifecta: fast, full of flavor, and under 7g net carbs per serving. And thanks to the Instant Pot, it comes together in less than 20 minutes—with texture that actually holds up.

Let’s get into it 👇

Why This One Works So Well (Low-Carb Edition)

Most Instant Pot fajitas go wrong in one of three places:

• Skipping the sauté (aka, meat without flavor)
• Overcooking the veggies into fajita-flavored pudding
• Not balancing the acid and fat (so everything feels flat)

This version fixes all three:

• We brown the steak first to lock in flavor.
• Veggies go in last, right before pressure—so they stay tender-crisp.
• Lime juice and beef broth give it that restaurant-style pop without spiking your carbs.

What I Used (And Why It Worked)

• 450g / 1 lb Skirt or Flank Steak – Sliced thin against the grain = juicy, not chewy. Both cuts are lean but flavorful.
• 2 tbsp Fajita Seasoning (divided) – Make sure it’s low-carb (some brands sneak sugar in). I use homemade or check labels.
• 1 tbsp Avocado Oil – High smoke point, clean fat.
• 2 Bell Peppers – Peppers are higher-carb for a veggie, but manageable here. Red and yellow are sweetest; green is lowest in carbs.
• 1 Medium Onion – Adds depth, only ~4-5g net carbs per serving.
• 120ml / ½ cup Beef Bone Broth – Rich flavor, collagen bonus.
• 2 tbsp Fresh Lime Juice – Brightness and acidity without sugar.

Pro tip: I track this in Carb Manager as “homemade steak fajitas (no tortilla)” and portion into 4 for easy macros.

Keto Swaps That Actually Work

Want to mix it up? Here’s what I’ve tested:

Ingredient	Swap	Notes
Skirt Steak	Chicken Thighs	Works great, just pressure cook for 5 mins instead of 2.
Bell Peppers	Zucchini or Mushrooms	Lowers carbs, still flavorful—but slice thick or they’ll get soggy.
Beef Broth	Chicken Broth	Milder flavor, totally fine. Don’t use water—it flattens the dish.
Lime Juice	Apple Cider Vinegar	Works in a pinch, but you’ll miss that citrus zing.

Keto Missteps and How I Fixed Them

What Went Wrong	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Steak turned tough	Cut too thick or with the grain	Slice thinly against the grain
Mushy peppers	Left on pressure too long	Quick release immediately after cooking
Watery fajitas	Skipped sauté step	Always sear that meat first—flavor matters!

Step-by-Step: How to Make It

1. Season the Steak – Toss sliced steak in 1 tbsp of the fajita seasoning.
2. Sauté in the Instant Pot – Hit “Sauté” > “More.” Add oil, sear half the steak ~2 min per side. Repeat with second batch. Return all steak to pot.
3. Veggie Time – Add peppers + onions + 1 tbsp seasoning. Stir to coat.
4. Add Broth + Lime – Pour in broth and lime juice. Do not stir too much.
5. Pressure Cook – Lid on, vent sealed. Cook on High Pressure for 2 minutes.
6. Quick Release – As soon as it beeps, release pressure. Don’t walk away!
7. Serve It Up – Scoop into lettuce wraps or keto tortillas. Add avocado, cheese, or sour cream if you want to up your fats.

Keto Cooking Tricks That Help

• Pre-slice your steak & freeze in portions – Makes this a true 10-min dinner.
• Batch your fajita seasoning – I make a triple batch and store it in a mason jar. Zero guesswork.
• Microwave low-carb tortillas with a damp paper towel – Makes them more pliable and less cardboard-y.

How I Store and Track It

• Fridge – Airtight container, good for 4 days.
• Freezer – Cool completely, freeze in bags. Thaw overnight in fridge.
• Reheat – Oven at 180°C / 350°F, covered in foil, 10-15 min.

Microwaving works, but your peppers might go mushy. If you care about texture, go oven.

What I Googled Before Making This

Will this spike my blood sugar?
Nope—6.2g net carbs per serving, with fat and protein to blunt any response. Just keep an eye on the fajita seasoning label.

Can I use frozen peppers?
You can, but they’ll be soft and slightly watery. Better fresh if you want snap.

Can I skip the sear step?
Technically yes, but then it’s steam-poached steak. Which is a no from me.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1/4 lb steak fajitas + 3/4 cup vegetables (or 1/4 entire recipe)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	256 kcal
Total Fat	12.5g
– Saturated Fat	4.9g
Cholesterol	70mg
Sodium	210mg
Potassium	660mg
Total Carbohydrate	9.2g
– Dietary Fiber	3g
– Sugars	5g
Net Carbs	6.2g
Protein	26.8g

Check out More Recipes:

• Low Carb Keto Ground Beef Zucchini Skillet
• Low Carb Keto Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
• Low Carb Keto Ground Beef Stroganoff Recipe