These Easy Vegan Fajitas are fun and colorful! Packed with crisp peppers, onions, and tasty spices, they are perfect for a quick meal.
Who doesn’t love a dish that’s as pretty as it is tasty? I love loading mine up with avocado and salsa for an extra kick. So simple and yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bell Peppers: The real stars of this dish! I love using a mix of red, yellow, and green for color and sweetness. If you’re in a pinch, frozen peppers work too, although fresh is always best for crunch.
Onion: Red onions give a great flavor and color contrast. If you prefer something milder, you can substitute with sweet onions. White onions work well but will have a sharper taste.
Spices: Cumin and smoked paprika add depth and warmth. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika with a touch of liquid smoke can do the trick. For a spicier kick, try adding cayenne pepper!
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and chewy, but corn tortillas are a great gluten-free option. Make sure to check if they’re labeled vegan. Feel free to experiment with other wraps, like lettuce leaves for a low-carb option!
How Do You Make the Vegetables Perfectly Tender?
The key to delicious fajitas is cooking the vegetables just right. Sauté them until they’re tender but still have a bit of crunch. The goal is to keep that fresh taste!
- Start with medium heat and don’t rush the process. This helps to release the sweetness in the peppers and onion.
- Add garlic later in the cooking to keep its flavor fresh and vibrant.
- Mix in the spices thoroughly but don’t let them cook too long; adding them just a few minutes before finishing keeps their flavors bright.
Trust me; this will make your fajitas so flavorful and satisfying!
Easy Vegan Fajitas with Colorful Peppers
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Vegetable Filling:
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), thinly sliced
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas (check vegan-friendly to be sure)
- Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, salsa, vegan sour cream, lime wedges
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and another 15 minutes for cooking. In just around 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, colorful meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté the Vegetables:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften but still have a nice crunch. This keeps the fajitas lively!
2. Add Garlic and Spices:
Next, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, sprinkle in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, dried oregano, black pepper, and salt. Make sure to stir well, so all the veggies are coated in those delicious spices!
3. Finish Cooking the Vegetables:
Continue to cook the seasoned vegetables for another 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and flavorful. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten up the flavors.
4. Warm the Tortillas:
While the veggies are finishing up, you can warm the tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over low heat for about 30 seconds on each side or microwave them briefly until they’re pliable. This step makes them easy to fold!
5. Assemble and Enjoy:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Serve the spiced vegetable mixture on the warm tortillas. Top them with fresh cilantro and any optional toppings you like, such as avocado slices, salsa, vegan sour cream, or lime wedges. Fold them up and dig in – your vibrant, easy vegan fajitas are ready to enjoy!
FAQ about Easy Vegan Fajitas with Colorful Peppers
Can I Use Different Vegetables in This Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed so everything stays tender but not mushy.
How Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
If you like some heat, consider adding chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the spice mix. For extra flavor, you can also include some red pepper flakes while sautéing the veggies.
Can I Make These Fajitas Gluten-Free?
Yes! Simply swap out regular flour tortillas for gluten-free corn tortillas. Just check the package labels to ensure they are vegan-friendly, as some brands may add non-vegan ingredients.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fajita filling in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You may need to warm the tortillas separately again!
