Emma Wilson
Mushrooms are a popular ingredient in fajitas, offering a meaty texture and a healthy, vegetarian-friendly alternative to traditional chicken or beef fillings. They can be seasoned and cooked in various ways to enhance their flavour and texture, such as by marinating them in lime juice or vinegar, or by sautéing them with spices. When combined with other classic fajita ingredients like bell peppers, onions, and guacamole, mushrooms make for a delicious and nutritious addition to this Tex-Mex dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mushroom | Portobello, Portabella, Shiitake, King Oyster |
| Type of dish | Vegetarian, Vegan, Chicken, Meat |
| Other ingredients | Bell peppers, Onions, Avocado, Guacamole, Lime juice, Salsa, Cilantro, Radishes, Lettuce, Ricotta, Black beans, Corn tortillas |
| Preparation | Sliced, Marinated, Baked, Roasted, Sautéed, Grilled |
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What You'll Learn
Portobello mushrooms are a good meat substitute
Portobello mushrooms are a great meat substitute in fajitas. They have a "'meaty'" texture and are easy to flavour, making them a perfect replacement for chicken or beef. Portobello mushrooms are also a good source of copper, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D, making them a nutritious option for those looking for a vegetarian or vegan alternative to meat.
When preparing Portobello mushrooms for fajitas, it is recommended to slice them about 1/2 inch thick. You can also remove the stems and scoop out the gills, although this is not necessary. Marinating the mushrooms in a mixture of taco seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice adds flavour and moisture to the dish. Some people also add balsamic vinegar to the marinade.
To cook the mushrooms, heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add a high-smoke neutral oil, such as vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt, stirring to combine. Let the mushrooms sit for about 90 seconds before flipping and seasoning with fajita seasoning. Repeat this process until the mushrooms are browned and softened, being careful not to overcook them.
Portobello mushroom fajitas are a healthy and delicious option for those looking for a vegetarian or vegan alternative to traditional meat-based fajitas. They are also a good source of nutrients and can be easily adapted to personal preferences and dietary restrictions.
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Mushrooms can be marinated
To prepare the mushrooms, start by removing the stems and scooping out the gills if desired. Slice the mushrooms about 1/2 inch thick. You can then add them to a marinade of olive oil, lime juice, and taco seasoning, or a mixture of vegetable oil, garlic, salt, chilli powder, ground cumin, paprika, sugar, and lime juice. Leave the mushrooms to marinate for up to an hour before cooking.
Once marinated, the mushrooms can be cooked in a cast-iron skillet over high heat with a pinch of salt. After 90 seconds, stir in some fajita seasoning and leave for another 90 seconds. The mushrooms should be browned and softened but not mushy. Alternatively, the mushrooms can be baked in the oven at 450°F for 20 minutes, and then broiled for an additional 3 minutes until the peppers are lightly charred.
Marinated mushrooms are a tasty and healthy addition to fajitas, providing a good source of nutrients and a satisfying texture. They can be prepared in advance and cooked quickly, making them perfect for a weeknight meal.
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Chicken and mushroom fajitas
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 large bell peppers, sliced into strips
- 1 medium/large yellow onion, sliced into strips
- 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced
- 4 oz Monterey Jack Cheese, grated
- 1/3 cup cilantro, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1 lime
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- Tortillas
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Lettuce
- Salsa or hot sauce
Method
Firstly, make the marinade by combining the cumin, paprika, chilli powder, salt, pepper, garlic, lime juice, and 2 tbsp of olive oil in a bowl. Add the chicken to the bowl and stir until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for up to an hour.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the remaining olive oil. Add the chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine.
To assemble the fajitas, warm the tortillas in the microwave or on a hot pan. Place a warm tortilla on a plate and add sour cream and guacamole, followed by lettuce. Top with the chicken and vegetable mixture, followed by the grated cheese. Finish with salsa or hot sauce and enjoy!
Variations
For a vegetarian option, simply leave out the chicken and add more vegetables or mushrooms. You can also try using portobello mushrooms, which make a great "meaty" substitute for chicken or beef. To make the dish even healthier, use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas.
Feel free to get creative and add your own twist to this recipe! Fajitas are a great way to use up any leftover vegetables in your fridge. Enjoy your chicken and mushroom fajitas!
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Vegetarian/vegan fajitas
Fajitas are a classic Tex-Mex dish that can easily be made vegetarian or vegan. Mushrooms are a popular choice for vegetarian fajitas, as they are meaty and take on seasoning well. Portobello mushrooms are a favourite, but you can also use oyster mushrooms or shiitakes. If you're using portobellos, slice them about 1/2" thick, and consider scooping out the gills—this is optional, but it will make your dish look less messy. If you want to get fancy, you can also remove the stems.
For the veggies, bell peppers and onions are a must. You can use any colour of bell pepper, but make sure to cut out the white parts as they have a lot of water and will make your fajitas soggy. Cut your peppers and onions into long, thin strips, or slices. You can also add other veggies like zucchini, squash, or even jalapenos if you like your fajitas spicy.
To cook your fajita filling, heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can use a neutral oil or olive oil. Add your veggies and mushrooms in batches so you don't overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they're charred, then season with your favourite fajita seasoning and stir. You can make your own fajita seasoning by combining spices like chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Continue cooking until the veggies are tender but still have some bite.
Serve your fajita filling with warm tortillas and your desired toppings. Some topping options include vegan sour cream, avocado or guacamole, fresh coriander or parsley, lime wedges, hot sauce, and vegan cheese.
Vegetarian fajitas are a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight meal that can be on the table in under 30 minutes. They're also a great option for meal prep, as you can cut up the veggies and make the fajita seasoning in advance.
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Classic fajita ingredients
Fajitas are a classic Tex-Mex cuisine that can be easily adapted to suit vegetarian, vegan, and meat-based diets. The beauty of fajitas is that they are versatile and can be made with a variety of classic ingredients.
For the protein component, you can choose from chicken, steak, or portabella mushrooms. Portabella mushrooms are a popular vegetarian option as they have a meaty texture. If you're after a more "meaty" bite, king oyster mushrooms are a great choice. For extra protein, you can add tofu, soy curls, veggie sausage, or black beans.
The classic fajita vegetables include bell peppers and onions. For the bell peppers, a combination of red and green is traditional, but you can use any colour you like. Poblano and jalapeno peppers will add a spicy kick. When preparing the onions, it is recommended to cut them pole to pole for better flavour and texture.
To season your fajita, create a mixture of garlic powder, cumin, smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and salt. You can also add lime juice and olive oil to make a marinade for your protein and vegetables.
Finally, fajitas are typically served on flour or corn tortillas. Common toppings include guacamole, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, pico de gallo, cheese, refried beans, avocado slices, radishes, and tomatoes. For a vegan option, top your fajita with homemade guacamole and fresh cilantro.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, mushrooms are a great addition to fajitas. They are a tasty vegetarian substitute for meat and can be used to make the dish healthier and more colourful.
You can use portobello, shiitake, button, or king oyster mushrooms.
You can cook the mushrooms in a skillet on high heat with oil and salt. You can also add a pinch of fajita seasoning. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan and cook the mushrooms in batches if necessary.
