Mushroom and Bell Pepper Fajitas
Sizzling, smoky, and packed with colorful veggies! These vegetarian fajitas feature meaty portobello mushrooms and sweet bell peppers, all tossed in a zesty homemade spice blend. A perfect, vibrant weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes.
For 4 servings
5 steps. 15 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare Vegetables and Seasoning Mix
- b.Wash and prep the vegetables: thinly slice the bell peppers and onion. Wipe the mushrooms clean with a damp cloth and slice them about 1/4-inch thick.
- c.In a small bowl, combine the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create the fajita seasoning blend.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Sauté Onions and Peppers
- b.Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
- c.Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the hot skillet. Spread them in a single layer as much as possible.
- d.Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring only occasionally, until they are tender-crisp and have developed a nice char on the edges.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Cook the Mushrooms
- b.Push the onions and peppers to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the empty side.
- c.Add the sliced mushrooms to the oiled side of the skillet in a single layer.
- d.Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms have released their moisture and started to brown and caramelize.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Combine and Season
- b.Once the mushrooms are browned, toss them together with the onions and peppers.
- c.Sprinkle the prepared fajita seasoning blend evenly over all the vegetables.
- d.Stir continuously for 1-2 minutes to coat everything well and toast the spices until they become very fragrant.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Finish and Serve
- b.Remove the skillet from the heat. Squeeze the fresh lime juice all over the vegetable mixture and stir in the chopped cilantro.
- c.While the vegetables are cooking, warm the tortillas one by one in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30-45 seconds until soft and warm.
- d.Serve the sizzling fajita filling immediately with the warm tortillas and your favorite toppings, such as guacamole, salsa, 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, use a cast-iron skillet and ensure it's very hot before adding the vegetables.
- 2Avoid overcrowding the pan. If necessary, cook the vegetables in two separate batches to ensure they sauté and char rather than steam.
- 3For extra flavor, you can marinate the sliced mushrooms in 1 tbsp of olive oil, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, and half of the spice mix for 15 minutes before cooking.
- 4Warm your tortillas right before serving. This makes them pliable and prevents them from breaking when you fold them.
- 5Leftover filling can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It's great in salads, bowls, or quesadillas.
Adapt it for your goals.
Add Protein
Stir in a can of drained and rinsed black beans or pinto beans during the last 2 minutes of cooking for a protein boost.
Make it SpicyMake it Spicy
Add one thinly sliced jalapeño or serrano pepper along with the bell peppers for a significant kick of heat.
Different VegetablesDifferent Vegetables
Feel free to add other vegetables like sliced zucchini, summer squash, or corn kernels. Add them along with the mushrooms.
Cheesy FajitasCheesy Fajitas
Sprinkle shredded Monterey Jack or a Mexican cheese blend over the hot filling just before serving and let it melt slightly.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Vitamins and Antioxidants
Bell peppers are an excellent source of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports immune function. Mushrooms provide B vitamins like niacin and riboflavin, which are crucial for energy metabolism.
Excellent Source of Dietary Fiber
This dish is loaded with vegetables, making it high in dietary fiber. Fiber aids in digestion, helps maintain stable blood sugar levels, and promotes a feeling of fullness, which can help with weight management.
Heart-Healthy Plant-Based Meal
As a plant-based dish, these fajitas are naturally free of cholesterol and low in saturated fat. The use of olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, contributing to better cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
A serving of two fajitas (without toppings) contains approximately 410-450 calories. The final count will vary based on the size of your tortillas and the type and amount of toppings you add.