Content Summary
All you need are a few simple ingredients to make your tastebuds do a happy dance. This foolproof guide gives you everything you need to know about how to make restaurant style fajitas at home, plus a few fun variations to keep things interesting.
The Fajita Formula
What's the secret to making perfect fajitas? It's all in the seasoning!
What seasoning do Mexican restaurants use on fajitas? While there are many different ways to season fajitas, we've found that this simple blend of pantry staples hits all the right notes:
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a nice depth of flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight container until ready to use.
Fajita Variations
Now that you've got the basics down, it's time to have some fun! Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
1. Fajita Bowls
Skip the tortilla and pile all your favorite fajita fixings into a bowl. Top with avocado, sour cream, or salsa for a satisfying meal any time of day.
2. Sweet & Spicy Fajitas
Adding a touch of sweetness to your fajitas is easier than you might think. Simply substitute honey or agave nectar for the sugar in the seasoning blend. Add some fresh fruit like pineapple or mango for an even sweeter treat!
3. Vegetarian Breakfast Fajitas
Scrambled eggs, cheese, and your favorite breakfast toppings wrapped up in a warm tortilla. Add some hot sauce for an extra kick!
Mexican Food For Vegetarians
You're having a few friends over for dinner and you want to make something everyone will enjoy. But wait—you've got a couple of vegetarians in the mix. No problem! These restaurant style fajitas & tacos recipes are vegetarian-friendly and delicious enough that even the meat-eaters at your table will be asking for seconds.
Recipe 1: Grilled Portobello Fajitas
Ingredients:
- 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 red onion, sliced into thin strips
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. In a large bowl, combine mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Grill vegetables for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and slightly charred.
4. Serve on whole wheat tortillas with your favorite toppings.
Recipe 2: Tacos With Spicy Cauliflower
Ingredients:
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the tacos:
- 8-10 soft taco shells
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Spread cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, stirring once or twice, until tender and slightly browned.
4. Assemble tacos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and roasted cauliflower "meat." Top with cilantro and sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe 3: Vegetarian Burrito With Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 red onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the burritos:
- 4-6 whole wheat tortillas
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream, for serving (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large bowl, combine cooked rice, black beans, corn, bell pepper, onion, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. Assemble burritos with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and shredded cheese. Top with sour cream, if desired. Enjoy!
With these 3 easy and delicious recipes, you're sure to please everyone at your next gathering—vegetarians included! Not enough? Watch the below video for 5 more vegetarian dishes. You can cook the whole week of Mexican vegetarian food. So fire up the grill and get cooking! Everyone will be asking for seconds.
The best way to save space on your kitchen countertop is to invest in a multipurpose appliance. A blender and food processor combo can do it all - blend, shred, mince, chop and mix.
Check out this blog post for a list of the best models on the market. With this time saving gadget, you'll be able quickly make various Mexican food dishes.
Jane Vo
Happy cooking!
Catchy Fin
