Fajitas
A sizzling skillet of colorful bell peppers, onions, and hearty mushrooms, all tossed in a smoky, zesty spice blend. Perfect for wrapping in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for a fun and interactive Tex-Mex night.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Spice Mix and Vegetables
- b.In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper. Set aside.
- c.Ensure all your vegetables (bell peppers, onion, mushrooms) are sliced uniformly to promote even cooking.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Onions and Peppers
- b.Place a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and heat until it shimmers, about 1-2 minutes.
- c.Carefully add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the hot pan. Spread them in a single layer as much as possible.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring only occasionally, allowing the vegetables to develop a nice char. They should be tender-crisp.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Add Mushrooms and Spices
- b.Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring more frequently, until they release their moisture and begin to brown.
- c.Sprinkle the prepared spice mix evenly over the vegetables. Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to coat everything and toast the spices until they are very fragrant.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Warm Tortillas
- b.While the vegetables finish cooking, warm the tortillas. You can do this one by one in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or wrap the stack in a damp paper towel and microwave for 45-60 seconds until warm and pliable.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the juice from one or two lime wedges over the sizzling vegetables and give it a final toss.
- c.Serve immediately, bringing the skillet to the table with the warm tortillas and your favorite toppings like salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or shredded cheese.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For an authentic restaurant-style sizzle, ensure your cast-iron skillet is very hot before adding the vegetables.
- 2Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it will steam the vegetables instead of charring them. Cook in two batches if necessary.
- 3Don't over-stir the peppers and onions initially. Letting them sit allows them to develop a delicious char.
- 4A final squeeze of fresh lime juice just before serving brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness.
- 5For meal prep, slice the vegetables and mix the spices ahead of time. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Protein Boost
Add a can of rinsed and drained black beans or pinto beans along with the mushrooms for extra protein and fiber.
Make it SpicyMake it Spicy
Sauté one or two thinly sliced jalapeños along with the bell peppers for a significant heat increase.
Cheesy FajitasCheesy Fajitas
Sprinkle a cup of shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese over the vegetables in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to melt.
Different VeggiesDifferent Veggies
Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables like sliced zucchini, yellow squash, or corn kernels.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamin C
Bell peppers, especially red and yellow ones, are an excellent source of Vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and skin health.
High in Dietary Fiber
The combination of peppers, onions, and mushrooms provides a significant amount of dietary fiber, which is crucial for digestive health and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Heart-Healthy
This dish is low in saturated fat and cholesterol. The use of olive oil and plenty of vegetables supports cardiovascular health.
Packed with Antioxidants
Onions, garlic powder, and colorful vegetables contain various antioxidants that help protect your body's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of two fajitas (vegetable filling and tortillas only) contains approximately 400-450 calories. This does not include toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado, which will increase the calorie count.