These easy vegan fajitas are colorful and packed with flavor! Made with fresh peppers and onions, they’re delightful when wrapped in a warm tortilla.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but munch on the sweet, caramelized peppers while cooking. They are a perfect dinner choice for everyone, even meat lovers!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Olive Oil: This is a great base for sautéing. If you need an alternative, avocado oil or coconut oil can work just as well, providing a different flavor profile.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors – red, yellow, and green – for a vibrant dish. If you only have one or two colors, don’t worry! Any combination will taste great. You can also use poblano peppers for a slight kick.
Onion: Yellow onion is my favorite for its sweetness when cooked. However, you could swap it with red onion for a sharper taste or even white onion if that’s what you have.
Spices: The spices are what really make these fajitas pop! If you prefer milder flavors, reduce the chili powder. You can also add a pinch of cayenne for heat, or leave it out entirely.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Caramelized Vegetables?
Caramelizing veggies is key to enhancing their natural sweetness. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a hot skillet and enough oil. This helps them cook evenly.
- Make sure to stir them frequently. This prevents burning and promotes even caramelization.
- Don’t rush! Allow about 8-10 minutes for the peppers and onions to soften and develop that nice golden color.
- Add garlic later in the cooking process to prevent burning and ensure it remains flavorful.
Easy Vegan Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Salt to taste
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas (check for vegan)
For Optional Garnishes:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Avocado slices
- Salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making it a quick and easy meal that can be ready in just about 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Heat the Oil:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This will give you a nice base for the veggies to cook.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook them, stirring frequently, for about 8-10 minutes. You want the veggies to become tender and slightly caramelized—this is where the flavor shines!
3. Add Garlic and Spices:
Once the vegetables are nearly done, stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything well and let it cook together for another 2-3 minutes to let those spices really come alive.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the veggie mixture is cooking, warm the tortillas in a separate dry skillet or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they are soft and pliable. This will make them much easier to fill.
5. Assemble Your Fajitas:
Once the peppers and onions are cooked, serve them on the warm tortillas. You can add as much or as little as you like!
6. Garnish and Enjoy:
Top with optional garnishes like fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and slices of avocado or salsa. Then, simply fold the tortillas and enjoy your delicious vegan fajitas!
FAQ for Easy Vegan Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While bell peppers and onions are classic choices, you can experiment with other vegetables. Zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn can add unique flavors and textures to your fajitas!
How Do I Make These Fajitas Spicier?
If you’re looking for some heat, try adding sliced jalapeños, or increase the chili powder or cumin. You can also serve them with a spicy salsa to bring up the heat level!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in a skillet or microwave before serving it again. Tortillas can be wrapped in foil and frozen for later use!
Can I Make These Fajitas Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make this dish gluten-free. Always check labels to ensure that the tortillas are certified gluten-free.
