This easy vegan fajita bowl is the perfect weeknight dinner recipe! It is so easy and quick to make and the whole family will love it!
*Originally published August 8, 2021 and updated with new copy and photos 4/18/22.
This Easy Vegan Fajita Bowl is exactly what it sounds like, easy! This is the perfect weeknight dinner to make any day of the week! There is no oven required to make this dinner and everything comes together in about 40 minutes. It is the perfect filling and delicious dinner!
This was inspired by some of my taco recipes here. You can check out these Portobello Lime Tacos and These Taco Bell Spicy Potato Soft Tacos for some more taco goodness!
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Why This is The Best Vegan Fajita Bowl
- No Oven Required- The best part of this recipe is that there is no oven required so you don't need to heat up your house! All the components are made on the stovetop for easy meal prep!
- Under 10 Ingredients- With under 10 ingredients this meal is easy and budget friendly. It is also whole-food and plant-based.
- Fresh and Filling- With beans as the protein base, this this vegan fajita bowl is fresh and filling. With bright herbs like cilantro and fresh acidity from the limes, you won't want to miss out!
Ingredient Notes
- Cilantro Lime Rice- The base of the Vegan Fajita Bowl is this Cilantro Lime Rice. It is easy to make and you can make it directly in the rice cooker with minimal hands on time.
- Fajita Vegetables- Fajita Vegetables consist of bell peppers and onions. I like to use a mix of different colored bell peppers to brighten up the dish.
- Black Beans- I keep this recipe simple by using black beans as the main source of protein in this recipe. Black beans are packed with nutrients and filling!
See the recipe card for the full ingredient list and quantities.
Instructions
- Add the rice, water, and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rice cooker.
- Cook until the water has been absorbed, then transfer the rice to a large bowl. Most rice cookers have a setting depending on the type of rice you use. For me, I clicked the "White Rice" setting.
- Transfer the rice to a bowl and fluff with a fork.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, lime juice, and lime zest. Add additional salt to taste.
- Thinly slice the peppers, jalapeno and onion. Add the peppers, jalapeno and onion into a pan with a little bit of olive oil and cook on medium-high heat. The goal is to get the peppers charred and soft and release their natural sweetness. Cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the black beans
- To assemble the bowl, layer the rice and then top with the black beans, fajita vegetables and additional toppings. I LOVE using this 4 Ingredient Guacamole as a topping!
- Serve immediately.
Hint: Use a cast iron skillet to caramelize the peppers and onions. Not stick skillets won't work nearly as well to get that nice char look and flavor.
Substitutions
- Keto - To make this recipe keto, use cauliflower rice instead of brown rice, it will cut the carbs down significantly, additionally, the beans pack on a lot of extra carbs. Replace the beans with tofu, seitan, or tempeh for a vegan keto-friendly meal.
- Low-Sodium - Use a low sodium brand of beans and rinse the beans thoroughly to remove excess salt.
- Nightshade-Free- Swap the bell peppers for other fun veggies such as Zucchini or squash.
Variations
- Sweet Potato- Add some sweet potato if you want to add some additional filling and sweet vegetables.
- Quinoa - Ditch the rice and make this with quinoa to keep it nutrient dense and give it a fun variation.
- Taco Meat- If you want to make this high-protein, you can add some vegan taco meat to the dish alongside the black beans. My Vegan Taco Salad uses a chickpea and walnut taco meat that is delicious!
Check these Cilantro and Lime Portobello Tacos that utilize an avocado crema!
FAQ's
They are similar but they are not the same. Fajita Bowls are known for their use of specific fajita vegetables whereas burrito bowls do not need to contain fajita vegetables.
Topping ideas include: salsa, pico de gallo, guacamole and lots of fresh cilantro!
Yes! These burrito bowls are full of plant-based healthy ingredients! They are whole-food friendly and will keep you full!
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. See below for the equipment you will need to make this recipe.
- Rice Cooker
- Cast Iron Skillet
- Chef Knife
- Cutting Board
Storage
This veggie fajita bowl is the perfect meal prep lunch. I use these containers to store it in and it will last up to a week in the fridge.
These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
Top Tips
- Take your time sautéing the vegetables. They are the main focus of the dish and will bring so much flavor as you cook them. The natural sweetness will come out of the vegetables and they will take on great flavor.
- Invest in a Cast Iron Skillet. To get the perfect char on vegetables like they do at chipotle, you will want a good cast iron skillet. They are cheap and one of my favorite kitchen utensils. Non-stick skillets will not get the same char.
- These fajita bowls make great lunch meal prep! Assemble them in airtight glass containers and they will keep all week long!
Other Great Recipes You Will Love!
- Vegan Portobello Mushroom Tacos
- Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos
- Roasted Veggie and Black Bean Tacos
- Taco Bell Spicy Potato Soft Tacos
Easy Vegan Fajita Bowl
Ingredients
- Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 Red Bell Pepper
- 1 Green Bell Pepper
- 1 Yellow Onion
- 1 14.5 ounce can black beans
- 2 Jalapeños seeds removed and sliced
Instructions
- Add the rice, water, and 1 teaspoon of salt to a rice cooker.
- Cook until the water has been absorbed, then transfer the rice to a large bowl. Most rice cookers have a setting depending on the type of rice you use. For me, I clicked the "White Rice" setting.
- Transfer the rice to a bowl and fluff with a fork.
- Stir in the chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, lime juice, and lime zest. Add additional salt to taste.
- Thinly slice the peppers, jalapeno and onion. Add the peppers, jalapeno and onion into a pan with a little bit of olive oil and cook on medium-high heat. The goal is to get the peppers charred and soft and release their natural sweetness. Cook for about 15-20 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the black beans
- To assemble the bowl, layer the rice and then top with the black beans, fajita vegetables and additional toppings. I LOVE using this 4 Ingredient Guacamole as a topping!
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Take your time sautéing the vegetables. They are the main focus of the dish and will bring so much flavor as you cook them. The natural sweetness will come out of the vegetables and they will take on great flavor.
- Invest in a Cast Iron Skillet. To get the perfect char on vegetables like they do at chipotle, you will want a good cast iron skillet. They are cheap and one of my favorite kitchen utensils. Non-stick skillets will not get the same char.
- These fajita bowls make great lunch meal prep! Assemble them in airtight glass containers and they will keep all week long!
Nutrition
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Pastor Natalie says
Another yummy recipe. Thank you so much for sharing with variations especially for someone with dietary restrictions. This looks delicious and very easy to make. 😊
Pastor Natalie
Letstakeamoment.com
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! I find it important to always include dietary alternatives!
Alexandra says
This made for such a delicious dinner!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed!
Jean says
we tried it for dinner and it was so good and filling.
kaydimaggio says
Glad you enjoyed!
Sue says
Love all the fajita flavors in vegan form. I could eat this every day!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Tavo says
Loved the recipe! Made in minutes, full of flavor and nutritious ingredients! I am adding this to my weekday easy lunch repertoire. Thanks!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! I am glad you enjoyed!
Lucy says
Bowls are my go to dinner most nights as they're such a simple and nutritious meal. I absolutely love your fajita version, it's packed full of delicious flavours. I'll definitely be serving mine with some guacamole! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! I love bowls too, they are quick and super nutritious!
Shannon says
I will definitely have to try this one! Love having meatless options in our dinner rotation! Thanks for sharing!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy!
Meryl says
Love this recipe! So much flavor and color, I love that it's versatile and a great weeknight dinner. Thanks!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy!
Kevin Foodie says
Thanks for sharing this healthy summer recipe. This will pair well with my taco bowls i make at home from soft shell taco. Thanks Fresh Fig
kaydimaggio says
Thanks Kevin! I hope you enjoy!
Julia says
This was so good, with lots of lovely flavours and textures. It was so quick and easy to make that it's going to become more of a fixture on our lunch menues. Thank you for sharing this.
kaydimaggio says
That makes me so happy! Glad you liked it!
Sondra Barker says
Such a healthy and amazing dinner!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Choclette says
Ooh this is so my kind of food. I adore buddha bowls and the like and your fajita bowl idea is such a very good one. I'm a big fan of Mexican food too, so I'm in for sure.
Pinned & followed.
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! I hope you enjoy!
Aditi Jain says
This looks healthy & delicious
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Arti says
As a full time working women i am always on a lookout for easy dinner ideas. This one has everything that i need it’s nutritious, quick and easy to make.
kaydimaggio says
Yes girl! I get you! I hope you enjoy!
Natalie says
What a great idea! Brilliant! I love fajitas but I never tried this bowl version. I'm making this is for lunch tomorrow. Can't wait.
kaydimaggio says
Hope you enjoy!
Marinela says
Your plant-based meals are always so vibrant and colorful! And this easy vegan fajita bowl is no exception! I don't want to get near the oven too, so this healthy dish is the perfect idea for dinner this week, thank you for sharing, Kayla!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you so much! That is so sweet of you!
Jimmy Clare says
I really want you to send me one of these. They look so amazing, yummy, and easy to make.
kaydimaggio says
Haha! I'll send one your way!
Ruth says
Looks delicious! We have gone plant-based and I love your recipes. They are really helping with the transition.
kaydimaggio says
So glad you are enjoying them!
Anaiah says
I LOVE fajita bowls so much and this one was amazing! Charring your veggies with cast iron is definitely the way to go and makes all the difference. This was the perfect plant based summer meal!
kaydimaggio says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Amanda Dixon says
We loved this bowl! It was super easy to put together and so hearty with the perfect fresh taste from the pico.
kaydimaggio says
Thank you! So glad you loved it!
Chef Dennis says
This vegan fajita bowl is really delicious. My wife enjoyed having this.
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Mama Maggie's Kitchen says
This looks insanely, incredibly good. Sooo yummy!
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!
Daniela Weiner says
With the abundance of produce in my fridge, I decided to make this recipe for dinner and it was AMAZING! Thank you for such an easy recipe. Will make again!
kaydimaggio says
So glad you liked it!
Anna says
I really enjoyed this recipe, made it yesterday for dinner and it was super easy and so delicious!
kaydimaggio says
So glad you liked it!
kaydimaggio says
Glad you enjoyed it!
Mihaela | https://theworldisanoyster.com/ says
I saw your recipe earlier and decided it is just perfect for a rapid and healthy dinner! No negotiation with the carnivores today! LOL
kaydimaggio says
Haha! I love it!
Swathi says
This vegan fajita bowl looks yumm
kaydimaggio says
Thank you!