Veggie Fajitas from Uncle Julio's feature sauteed bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms, served sizzling hot on a cast-iron skillet with warm flour tortillas, guacamole, pico de gallo, and melted cheese for a vibrant and flavorful Tex-Mex experience.
Equipments
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cast-iron skillet
- Spatula or tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Serving platter
- Tortilla warmer
- Cheese grater
- Spoon (for guacamole and pico de gallo)
Ingredients
- 2 bell peppers (red and yellow)
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 medium zucchini
- 8 oz (225g) cremini mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 avocados
- 1 lime
- 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
- 1 jalapeño
- 2 medium tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and cremini mushrooms are key for authentic veggie fajitas, providing a rich texture and vibrant color. Use fresh, firm vegetables to ensure crispness after sauteing in olive oil with spices like cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, and garlic powder for that signature Tex-Mex flavor. Freshly shredded Monterey Jack cheese melts perfectly on top, enhancing the dish's creaminess. Your guacamole and pico de gallo should be made from ripe avocados, zesty lime, jalapeno, and fresh cilantro to add brightness and a hint of heat. Veggie Fajitas from Uncle Julio's copycat menu deliver a sizzling, flavorful experience that balances fresh vegetables with classic Tex-Mex seasonings.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Wash and dry all vegetables.
- Slice bell peppers into thin strips.
- Slice onion into thin strips.
- Slice zucchini in half lengthwise, then into half-moons.
- Wipe and slice mushrooms.
- Prepare guacamole: mash avocados with lime juice, half the chopped red onion, salt, and some chopped cilantro in a mixing bowl.
- Prepare pico de gallo: mix diced tomatoes, jalapeño (seeded and minced), remaining red onion, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt.
- Heat cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add olive oil to skillet.
- Sauté onions and bell peppers for 2-3 minutes.
- Add zucchini and mushrooms to skillet.
- Season mixture with cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir and cook until vegetables are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- Warm flour tortillas in a tortilla warmer or wrap in foil and heat in oven.
- Grate Monterey Jack cheese.
- Transfer sautéed veggies onto a serving platter or leave on skillet for a sizzling effect.
- Serve immediately with warm tortillas, shredded cheese, guacamole, and pico de gallo on the side.
Substitution
Veggie Fajitas from Uncle Julio's copycat menu combine sauteed bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms, creating a colorful and flavorful Tex-Mex dish. If you don't have cremini mushrooms, button or portobello mushrooms work well as substitutes, offering a similar texture and taste. Your choice of tortillas can also be varied; corn tortillas provide a gluten-free option while whole wheat adds extra fiber and nutrients. Using a non-stick skillet instead of cast iron is fine but ensure it's hot enough to achieve that signature sizzle. Adjust the spice levels by adding more jalapeno or chili powder to suit your heat preference without overpowering the other flavors.
Tips
Ensure all vegetables are thoroughly dried after washing to prevent excess moisture that can steam rather than saute the veggies, resulting in a less vibrant texture. When slicing bell peppers and onions into thin strips, aim for uniform thickness to allow even cooking and avoid burnt edges. Use medium-high heat on the cast-iron skillet to achieve a slight char on the vegetables, enhancing their smoky flavor, but stir occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Warm your flour tortillas just before serving to keep them soft and pliable, and offer your guests fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, and melted Monterey Jack cheese for the fullest Tex-Mex flavor experience.
Nutritions
Veggie Fajitas from Uncle Julio's provide a nutrient-rich meal featuring fiber and vitamins from bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms. The inclusion of healthy fats from avocados in the guacamole enhances heart health, while spices like cumin and chili powder contribute antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits. Flour tortillas add carbohydrates for energy, and melted Monterey Jack cheese supplies calcium and protein essential for muscle function and bone strength. Your serving packs a balanced combination of macronutrients and micronutrients ideal for a flavorful and wholesome Tex-Mex dish.
Storage
Store leftover veggie fajitas in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor. Keep guacamole and pico de gallo in separate containers with plastic wrap pressed directly onto the surface to prevent browning. Reheat the sauteed vegetables gently in a skillet to preserve their texture before serving with warm tortillas and cheese.
Variation or Alternatives
For a protein boost, you can add black beans or grilled tempeh to the sauteed veggies for extra texture and nutrients. Swap the cremini mushrooms with portobello for a meatier bite or add corn kernels for natural sweetness. Instead of flour tortillas, try warming up corn tortillas or whole wheat wraps to add variety and a different flavor profile. Your guacamole can be enhanced by mixing in diced mango or pineapple for a sweet, tropical twist.
Allergies
Your Veggie Fajitas from Uncle Julio's contain several common allergens, such as dairy from the melted Monterey Jack cheese and gluten from the flour tortillas. Bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms can sometimes trigger sensitivities or mild allergic reactions in certain individuals. It's important to verify all ingredients, especially spices and fresh produce, for potential cross-contamination or specific allergies you may have.
Why this recipe?
Veggie Fajitas from Uncle Julio's restaurant are popular for their vibrant mix of fresh, grilled vegetables seasoned with authentic Mexican spices, delivering a flavorful and healthy dining experience. The combination of colorful bell peppers, onions, zucchini, and mushrooms offers a satisfying texture and rich taste that appeals to both vegetarians and those seeking lighter options. Making a copycat version allows you to recreate this delicious dish at home with control over ingredients and customization to your taste. Your homemade Veggie Fajitas can match the restaurant's quality while offering a fresh, wholesome alternative to dining out.