How to cook bell peppers and onions for fajitas

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If you're craving the delicious, smoky flavor of fajitas, then you'll love this easy recipe for cooking bell peppers and onions. These sautéed vegetables are a staple in Tex-Mex recipes and are the perfect side dish for steak fajitas, chicken fajitas, or even veggie fajitas. Let’s break down the simple steps to get those perfect, fajita vegetables every time. Here are tips for how to cook bell peppers and onions for fajitas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to cook the best bell peppers and onions for fajitas:

• 1 red bell pepper
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• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 yellow bell pepper
• 1 red onion or yellow onion
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil (or any oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil or vegetable oil)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• A squeeze of lime juice (optional)

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Prep the Bell Peppers and Onions

Start by prepping your vegetables:

• Slice the bell peppers into thin strips. You can use a variety of colors—red, green, yellow, and orange bell peppers—for a mix of flavors and colors. Make sure to remove the seeds and the white membranes from the inside of the peppers.
• Slice the onions into thin strips as well. You can use red onions, yellow onions, or sweet onions depending on your preference.

2. Heat the Skillet

For the best results, use a large skillet or a cast iron pan. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking.

3. Cook the Onions First

Add the sliced onions to the hot skillet. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Stir frequently to prevent them from burning.

4. Add the Bell Peppers

Once the onions have softened, add the sliced bell peppers to the skillet. Toss them together and cook for another 5-7 minutes. You want the peppers to be tender but still a little crisp.

5. Season the Vegetables

While the vegetables cook, season them with:

• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat

Keep stirring the veggies to ensure they’re evenly coated with the seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes.

6. Finish with a Squeeze of Lime (Optional)

For an extra burst of flavor, squeeze some lime juice over the cooked peppers and onions. This gives them a tangy, fresh finish.

Tips for Perfect Fajita Vegetables

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the skillet can steam the vegetables rather than sauté them, so cook in batches if needed.
• Use high heat: Cooking over medium-high heat ensures the vegetables get that slight char that’s key to great fajita veggies.
• Mix up the colors: Using a variety of bell pepper colors adds more flavor and visual appeal to your dish.

How to Use These Cooked Bell Peppers and Onions

These sautéed bell peppers and onions are a versatile addition to many dishes. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:

• Fajitas: Add them to steak fajitas, chicken fajitas, or veggie fajitas for a delicious Tex-Mex meal.
• Burrito bowls: Use them as a topping for a burrito bowl with cilantro lime rice, black beans, and sour cream.
• Tacos: They also make a great filling for tacos, alongside grilled vegetables, avocado, and your favorite protein.
• Side dish: Serve them as a side dish with flour tortillas, skirt steak, or portobello mushrooms for a complete meal.
• Meal prep: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and use them in various meals throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of onions?

Yes! You can use red onions, yellow onions, or sweet onions based on your taste. Each type offers a slightly different flavor.

2. What oil is best for sautéing peppers and onions?

You can use olive oil, vegetable oil, or avocado oil—anything with a high smoke point will work. Canola oil is another great option for cooking at higher temperatures.

3. How do I store leftovers?

Place any leftover cooked peppers and onions in an airtight container and store in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days and are perfect for meal prep.

Conclusion

Cooking bell peppers and onions for fajitas is quick, simple, and adds incredible flavor to your Mexican dinner. Whether you're making veggie fajitas, steak fajitas, or just need a delicious side dish, these sautéed peppers and onions are the perfect addition to your meal.

Next time you're in the kitchen, whip up a batch of these flavorful veggies for your fajitas or tacos, and enjoy the bright colors and bold flavors at your dinner table!

You might also like Sheet Pan Fajitas (easy Chicken sheet-pan recipe) and Birria de res Recipe (Best Quesabirria Tacos).

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