Sautéed Onions & Peppers Fajitas Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)

Today, we are making Sautéed Onions & Peppers Fajitas Veggies (Chipotle Copycat)! What are fajita vegetables? If you’re a fan of Chipotle, you probably know all about their delicious fajita veggies mix! Fajitas veggies hail from Mexico and are a delightful medley of sautéed vegetables commonly used as a filling for fajitas, a popular Mexican dish.

The typical lineup includes thin strips of sliced peppers and caramelized onions, cooked to perfection with a blend of spices, imparting a savory and slightly sweet flavor. The veggies contribute a vibrant and crunchy texture, adding depth to the overall fajita experience.

But what is a fajita? Where did the name come from? The name “fajita” comes from the Spanish word “faja,” which translates to “belt” or “sash.” A fajita specifically is any grilled meat, with peppers and onions on a flour or corn tortilla. The reasoning behind the name translating into “belt” is due to the specific type of steak used in a fajita.

How to Make Fajitas Veggies at Home

Now, this recipe recreates the Chipotle experience at home, by using all the ingredients that usually go into their recipe. Chipotle’s classic recipe for their fajitas veggies has the following basic ingredients: sauteed peppers, Mexican oregano, red onions, salt, and sunflower oil. We’re using almost all the same simple ingredients to make this copycat recipe! The cooking process is also relatively simple. You can stir fry the onions and sweet bell peppers in oil, then add in the seasoning and voila!

These simple ingredients play a crucial role in creating a well-balanced fajita, whether you’re opting for a version with something similar to Chipotle’s vegetarian or vegan protein options, or exploring different fillings. Beyond their role in fajitas, you can also use them as a versatile and flavorful topping for tacos, warm tortillas, or even as a tasty side dish. The beauty of fajitas veggies lies in their simplicity and adaptability. You can customize the mix by adding ingredients like tomatoes, mushrooms, or garlic to suit your taste preferences.

Why You’ll Love These Sautéed Onions & Peppers Fajitas Veggies

Taco Companion: Elevate your taco experience with these mouthwatering chipotle fajitas veggies! Whether you’re a taco traditionalist, a burrito enthusiast, or a burrito bowl connoisseur, this simple recipe is a game-changer. Imagine a sizzling pan of sautéed peppers and onions, perfectly seasoned and ready to take your taco game to the next level. But there’s more! These veggies aren’t just limited to taco shells though! Throw them on a bed of rice, stir-fry them with some savory soy crumbles or tofu for an extra protein punch, or stuff them into a generously filled burrito with all your favorite toppings. The possibilities are endless, and this easy weeknight dinner recipe is about to become your new favorite recipe!

Homemade Chipotle Bowl: Bring Chipotle recipes into your home with these sautéed peppers and onions! No more waiting for your UberEats to drop off a Chipotle burrito bowl when you can easily prepare these at home. Use a mix of different peppers for a bold, bright and colorful recipe. It’ll be much cheaper than ordering out! Plus, it works great as a meal prep so you can have this for multiple meals versus ordering just one serving.

Easy to Make: When it comes to cooking, there isn’t a dish much simpler than this. All we have to do is saute onions and peppers with oil and a bit of spice on top, and that’s all! Suddenly, you have a delicious recipe ready to be a topping for a rice bowl or wrapped in a taco.

Substitutions

Sweet Peppers: Use different colors of green, orange, red and yellow peppers. I used green bell peppers here because I didn’t have orange, yellow or red bell pepper, so you can customize it as you like. Make sure they are firm to the touch and perfectly ripe. Ensure they’re firm to the touch and perfectly ripe for that crisp texture and sweet taste.

Onions: While the recipe calls for the bold flavor of red onions, feel free to switch things up with white onions if that’s more to your liking. The key here is to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences, using whatever you have on hand. However, steer clear of green onions (scallions) in this particular recipe. We’re aiming for the robust taste of red or white onions to complement the chipotle goodness.

Avocado Oil: Substitute with canola oil or vegetable oil. Olive oil isn’t the top pick for stir frying here because it has a lower smoke point as compared to vegetable oil. The high smoke point of vegetable oil makes it suitable for the high heat involved in stir-frying. Avocado oil also has a neutral flavor, allowing the natural tastes of your ingredients to shine through. It’s a great all-purpose choice.

Oregano: The original Chipotle recipe uses oregano. It brings an earthy, warm undertone to the mix, and an amazing fragrance. Dried oregano especially adds in that concentrated flavor burst as opposed to fresh! To switch it up, try using dried thyme for a slightly earthy and subtle citrusy notes, dried marjoram for a sweeter, more floral taste, or fresh cilantro for a burst of freshness and hint of citrus.

Sautéed Bell Peppers & Onions Fajitas Veggies Recipe Notes

Some of my favorite ways to use this recipe is in taco shells, burrito bowls or soft flour tortillas with guacamole, vegan sour cream, fresh veggies and rice!
Add in some lime juice, or chili powder for an extra kick.
Cut the peppers and onions into thin, even strips. This ensures they cook evenly and blend together seamlessly in this dish.
Add in some chopped walnuts, a drizzle of lime juice or more for flavor. You can even char the onion and peppers on a BBQ grill in the summer to give them a smoky flavor!

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If you make these Sautéed Onions & Peppers Fajitas Veggies, then leave a comment and star rating! Don’t forget to tag your photos @peanut_palate on Instagram. Enjoy!