These Skillet Tofu and Black Bean Fajitas are a smoky, sweet and slightly saucy stovetop fajita filling made with firm tofu, black beans, peppers, onions, tomatoes, lime and fajita seasoning. They’re vegan, super colourful and ready in about 25 minutes, with the black beans making them more filling than plain veggie fajitas.
I usually spoon into warm tortillas with my tropical salsa and coriander, but it's equally good in a fajita bowl.
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Why I Make Fajitas in a Skillet
A skillet is perfect for this recipe because you want the peppers and onions to sear gently without loosing their moisture.
The tofu sits in the pan with the fajita seasoning, black beans and tomato, so it picks up the flavour while still holding its shape.
This is what makes the recipe different from my air fryer veggie fajitas with tofu. The air fryer version is a little drier and more hands-off. This skillet version is saucier and better if you want a warm tortilla filling with black beans.
Hayley's Important Ingredient Notes
Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post
Tofu
Use firm or extra-firm tofu so it holds its shape in the pan.
I like cutting it into thick strips rather than tiny cubes because it feels more fajita-like. Add the tofu after the peppers, black beans and seasoning are mixed, so it is less likely to break.
For a simple tofu recipe you can use in bowls, wraps or salads, try my crispy air fryer tofu.
Peppers & onions
Slice the peppers and onion into strips. They should soften in the skillet but still have some bite. I do not like them completely floppy here.
Black beans
Black beans make these fajitas more filling and give the skillet mixture a slightly saucy texture.
They also make this recipe feel more like a proper vegan dinner rather than just tofu and peppers in a wrap.
If you love black beans in Mexican-style vegetarian meals, try my sweet potato and black bean quesadilla or espresso black bean tacos.
Fajita Seasoning
I usually adapt from this homemade fajita seasoning recipe or sometimes use a shop-bought mix for convenience.
A homemade mix gives you more control over the salt and chilli, but a packet is absolutely fine when you want dinner quickly.
I use similar smoky, chilli-led flavours in my air fryer cheesy potatoes and mexican air fryer roasted peanuts.
Tomato puree or crushed tomatoes
This helps the seasoning coat everything. I prefer passata or crushing tinned tomatoes. I find that tomato paste would probably be too thick but you could thin it out with water first before adding to the pan.
Lime and coriander
I add these at the end so the flavour is retained. Adding coriander early will make it wilt!
The lime wakes up the beans and tofu, and the coriander makes the whole skillet taste fresher.
How to make Tofu Fajitas
Slice the onions and peppers into thin strips. Slice the drained extra-firm tofu into thick strips.
Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add a little bit of oil.
Tip in the sliced onions and peppers and sauté until just softening.
- Soften the peppers and onions: Heat oil in a skillet, then add the sliced peppers and onions. Cook until they just start to soften, but still have colour and bite.
- Add the beans and seasoning: Add the fajita seasoning, black beans, tomato puree or crushed tomatoes, and salt. Mix well so the vegetables and beans are coated.
- Add the tofu strips: Add the tofu strips and stir gently. Try to keep the tofu in larger pieces rather than breaking it into the mixture.
- Finish with lime and coriander: Cook until the tofu is hot and the filling looks saucy. Finish with lime juice and fresh coriander.
Another option is to first pan-fry the tofu, remove, cook the veggies and then tip the tofu back into the pan. This is only if you prefer crispy tofu.
Tips For Success
- Use firm tofu. Soft tofu will break too easily.
- Cut the tofu into thick strips. They hold together better in the skillet.
- Do not overcook the peppers. They should still have a little bite.
- Add the tofu gently. Stir carefully so the strips do not break.
- Let some tofu touch the pan. This helps it pick up a little colour.
- Use enough seasoning. Tofu and beans both need flavour.
- Finish with lime. It makes the filling taste brighter.
Suggested Serving Ideas
I like to serve the skillet filling in warm tortillas with something fresh, something creamy and a squeeze of lime.
For toppings, try mango pico de gallo, a tropical mango avocado salsa, fresh strawberry avocado salsa or creamy cilantro sauce. You can also use yogurt garlic sauce if you want something cooling.
For a more filling meal, turn the fajitas into a bowl with mexican cilantro lime rice, avocado, salsa and extra coriander. You could also add mango avocado black bean salad on the side if you want something fresh, colourful and still in the same flavour family.
For sides, try air fryer carrot fries, air fryer avocado fries, or air fryer corn on the cob.
When I'm making a snacky party-style spread, I serve the fajitas with tortilla chips and this exciting cranberry jalapeno cream cheese dip.
To finish the meal, I’d go for a cold mango mocktail, cardamom mojito mocktail or saffron and cardamom mexican horchata.
Desserts on theme that I love are fresas con crema or air fryer sweet grilled pineapple.
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can't wait to see you all there!
📖 Recipe
Skillet Tofu and Black Bean Fajitas
Equipment
- Skillet cast iron
Ingredients
- 2 cup firm tofu drained and cut into strips
- 1 cup onion sliced
- 2 cup peppers sliced (red and yellow)
- 1 cup black beans
- 3 tablespoon fajita seasoning
- 3 tablespoon oil
- ¼ cup crushed tomatoes
- 2 tablespoon lime juice
- 2 tablespoon coriander
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Slice1 cup onion and 2 cup peppers into thin strips. Slice 2 cup firm tofu into thick strips.
- Heat a skillet on medium-high heat and add 3 tablespoon oil.
- Tip in the sliced onions and peppers and saute until just softening.
- Add 3 tablespoon fajita seasoning, 1 cup black beans and ¼ cup crushed tomatoes and salt Mix well.
- Add the tofu strips and gently stir and allow the mix to cook until the tofu has lightly browned.
- To finish, squeeze 2 tablespoon lime juice and sprinkle 2 tablespoon coriander.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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Katie Crenshaw says
The tofu had a great flavor with the fajita seasoning and complimented the peppers and onions. It turned into a delicious, fast, and easy meal.
Erin says
These fajitas were so easy! I needed a vegan meal for a friend and this worked out perfectly. Even I liked them and I normally hate tofu. 😉 Thanks!
Monica says
What a delicious combo! I love how this recipe gets the tofu so nice and crisp - just what you want in a fajita. A new favorite for sure!
Krysten says
My sister in law came to town and she's vegan, so I found a bunch of recipes to make for her. This one was her favorite! We did pinto beans instead of black beans, but other than that kept everything this same! I subbed in chicken for us, super yummy.
Elaine says
Yummy. I have such a fondness for tofu and when I stumbled upon this recipe, I knew I had to make it. And boy, I'm glad I did. It was so delicious and had great flavor. Great recipe.
Lauren says
I'm trying to go back to my vegetarian years and eat more meatless dishes. This is the first time I've had tofu fajitas and they were delish! Adding to my regular veggie rotation!
Sophie says
Your Tofu Fajitas recipe was a game-changer! The perfectly seasoned tofu combined with the vibrant array of bell peppers and onions made for a delicious and satisfying meal. Thank you for sharing this fantastic recipe; it was a hit, and I'll definitely be making it again!
Gloria says
If you are looking for a plant-based option for fajitas, this is it. Looks like meat. You just might sway some meat eaters.
Marta says
We're doing Meatless Mondays so I made your tofu fajitas for my family to take to lunch and everyone is raving about how tasty they are!
Bernice says
I usually make chicken fajitas but our daughter was visiting and she is vegan. I switched it up with your recipe and found a new favourite in the process. Thank you so much!