Save It This One-Pan Vegan Fajita Rice Skillet is a vibrant, satisfying meal featuring smoky fajita vegetables, tender rice, and hearty black beans—perfect for a flavorful and easy weeknight dinner. By combining all the components of a classic fajita into a single pan, this recipe ensures maximum flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.
Save It Sautéing the colorful bell peppers and onions creates a sweet, caramelized base that perfectly complements the hearty black beans and rice. As the rice simmers in vegetable broth and tomatoes, it absorbs all the rich seasonings, resulting in a dish that is both nutritious and comforting.
Ingredients
- Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 jalapeño, deseeded and sliced (optional)
- Rice & Beans: 1 cup long-grain white rice (or brown rice, rinsed); 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (14.5 oz / 410 g) can diced tomatoes with juices; 2 1/4 cups vegetable broth
- Spices: 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp chili powder; 1/2 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional Garnishes: 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 lime, cut into wedges; Sliced avocado or vegan sour cream
Instructions
- Step 1
- Heat a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a few tablespoons of water for oil-free cooking.
- Step 2
- Add the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté for 4–5 minutes, until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Step 3
- Stir in the garlic and jalapeño. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Add the cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, coriander, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the vegetables evenly with the spices.
- Step 5
- Add the rice, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and vegetable broth. Stir until well combined.
- Step 6
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 18–20 minutes (white rice) or 40–45 minutes (brown rice), until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
- Step 7
- Remove from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork.
- Step 8
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 9
- Serve hot, garnished with cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado or vegan sour cream if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a large deep skillet with a lid is essential for even cooking and moisture retention. If you choose to substitute brown rice for added fiber, ensure you adjust the cooking time and broth as noted in the instructions. For safety, always check labels on your vegetable broth and canned beans for potential gluten or soy cross-contamination if you have specific dietary sensitivities.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This versatile meal can be customized by adding extra protein like cubed, sautéed tofu before serving. If you prefer a more intense, smoky flavor, try adding a pinch of chipotle powder to the spice mix. Additionally, this recipe is great for meal prep as leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish the skillet generously with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges to squeeze over each portion for a bright acidity. Top with creamy sliced avocado or a dollop of vegan sour cream to balance the spices. It pairs wonderfully with warm corn tortillas or a simple side salad.
Save It With 345 calories and 12g of protein per serving, this One-Pan Vegan Fajita Rice Skillet is a nutritionally balanced and delicious option for any night of the week. Enjoy the bold, Mexican-inspired flavors in a meal that is as wholesome as it is easy to prepare.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice works well and adds extra fiber. You'll need to cook it for 40–45 minutes instead of 18–20 minutes, and may need to add a splash more broth if the liquid absorbs too quickly.
- → How spicy is this dish?
The mild heat comes from chili powder and the optional jalapeño. It's generally family-friendly, but you can increase the spice by adding more jalapeño, chipotle powder, or cayenne pepper to taste.
- → Can I make this oil-free?
Absolutely. Simply sauté the vegetables in a few tablespoons of water or vegetable broth instead of olive oil. The spices and tomato juices provide plenty of moisture and flavor.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to refresh the texture.
- → What other proteins can I add?
Cubed sautéed tofu, tempeh, or plant-based crumbles work well. You can also add corn, sweet potatoes, or extra beans for more variety and substance.
- → Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The rice texture may soften slightly after freezing.