Portobello Fajitas

While fajitas are traditionally prepared with grilled meat and veggies, we often find ourselves making Portobello Fajitas for a plant-forward approach. This recipe is proof that vegetarian alternatives can be just as savory and satisfying!

Portobello mushrooms act as a meat substitute in this recipe, offering a hearty, earthy flavor and a tender, meaty texture that even non-vegetarians will love. The bell peppers and red onions add a touch of sweetness and color, while the fajita seasoning brings heat and depth.

Once everything is pan-fried, we love serving our fajitas with a side of warm flour or corn tortillas, avocado slices, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. But you can pile on any fajita toppings you like.

For more vegetarian fajitas, check out our roasted vegetable fajitas, eggplant fajitas, and tofu fajitas.

Why You’ll Love Portobello Fajitas

These portobello mushroom fajitas are one of our favorite meals during the week! Here’s why:

• Made in one pan: Everything comes together in just one skillet, making this recipe great for quick weeknight dinners.
• Great for vegetarians: This is a great option to make for meat-free Mondays or plant-based friends and family members.
• Rich in flavor: The homemade fajita seasoning perfectly infuses the veggies with a blend of smoky, spicy, and savory notes.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for portobello fajitas:

• Portobellos: These large mushrooms have a meaty texture and robust flavor, making them an excellent meat substitute. Button or shiitake mushrooms will also work.
• Bell peppers: Add a sweet, slightly tangy flavor and a crunch. Feel free to use any color you prefer like yellow bell peppers or red bell peppers.
• Red onion: Provides a sweet and savory flavor once cooked. Yellow or white onions are also good options.
• Olive oil: To sauté the vegetables and add depth of flavor. You can also use other vegetable oils like canola or avocado.
• Seasonings: We use a smoky and spicy mixture of chili flakes, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. If you don't have these spices on hand, use a pre-made fajita blend or your own homemade taco seasoning. You can also add spices like chili powder and chipotle powder.

How To Make Portobello Fajitas

1. Prep The Veggies & Seasoning

Begin by slicing the bell peppers, red onion, and portobello mushrooms into strips. Since the vegetables will shrink as they cook, it’s best to slice them thicker than you’d like them to turn out. Meanwhile, toss all your fajita seasoning spices together and set the bowl aside.

2. Cook The Veggies

Make sure to use a large skillet to fit all of the veggies without overcrowding it too much. Cook the bell peppers in some olive oil followed by the onions. Once those are softened, add the sliced mushrooms and cook them until they're tender.

Add the fajita seasoning blend to the softened vegetables and mushrooms, giving everything a good stir to release the flavors of the spices.

Ingredient Spotlight: Portobello Mushrooms

Portobello mushrooms are a staple ingredient for vegetarian cooking due to their versatility and rich flavor. Here’s why we love them:

• Flavor and texture: Portobello mushrooms have a robust, earthy flavor that many describe as 'meaty.' This makes them a satisfying substitute for meat in many dishes.
• Nutrition: Portobellos are low in calories, yet high in essential nutrients like potassium, selenium, and B vitamins.
• Culinary uses: Due to their large size and hearty texture, portobello mushrooms can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed and are commonly used in sandwiches, stews, and fajitas.

When shopping, look for portobellos with smooth, unblemished caps. They should be firm to the touch, not slimy or soft. Store them in a paper bag in the refrigerator to keep them fresh.

What To Serve With Portobello Fajitas

Serve your portobello fajitas in warm tortillas and top them with flavor-packed garnishes and sides like these:

• Creamy guacamole
• Habanero salsa, salsa verde, or hot sauce
• Sour cream or Mexican crema
• Grated cheese or queso fresco
• Pickled jalapeños or pickled red onions
• Refried beans or cauliflower rice

Storage and reheating

Portobello fajitas make for great leftovers and meal prep. Just follow these simple storage instructions:

• Fridge: Once cooled, store the fajita mixture in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: You can freeze the fajita mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Reheat the fajitas in a skillet over medium until warmed through. We like to add a bit of oil to the pan to ensure everything becomes crispy again.
• Prep ahead: The vegetables and fajita seasoning can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, simply sauté the vegetables and add the seasoning.

Easy Variations To Change The Flavor

We’re always on the hunt for more ways to add flavor to our recipes so we can continue to reuse them without getting bored! Here are some easy variations so you can keep making this recipe over and over again:

• Add protein: If you're not vegetarian, mix in some cooked chicken or beef to the fajitas.
• Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, queso fresco, or Cotija on top.
• Beans: Add cooked black beans or pinto beans to the veggie mix.
• Grilled: For a smoky, charred flavor, roast the vegetables on a grill instead of sautéing them.