Texas Grilled Peppers and Onions Fajita Style
Introduction
Fire up your Arteflame grill for this vibrant, sizzling recipe of Texas-style grilled peppers and onions—perfect for tacos, fajitas, or as a savory side. Using the flat griddle cooktop allows these colorful vegetables to sear in their own juices with a rich, buttery flavor that’s impossible to resist. With no pots, pans, or oven needed, your veggies get that authentic smoke-kissed taste and perfect caramelization only direct grilling can offer. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 3 large bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), sliced into strips
- 1 large red onion, sliced into thick wedges
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced for heat
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame Grill
- Pour a little vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the center of the grill.
- Stack firewood on top of the soaked napkins.
- Light the napkins and allow the fire to build. After 20 minutes the grill is ready to go with temperature zones across the griddle.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
- While the grill heats up, slice the bell peppers and red onion into strips and wedges.
- In a large bowl, toss the sliced veggies with melted butter, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Grill on the Arteflame
- Place the peppers and onions directly on the Arteflame flat cooktop griddle near the center for higher heat.
- Use your spatula to occasionally stir and flip the veggies for even searing.
- Allow the butter and heat to work their magic—you're looking for softened vegetables with perfect char marks and caramelization after about 10-12 minutes.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the vegetables to a serving platter.
- Top with fresh chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve hot in warm tortillas, over steak, chicken, or simply as a vibrant vegetarian side.
Tips
- Use butter for grilling instead of oil for richer flavor and a beautiful golden sear.
- Keep veggies close to the center of the Arteflame cooktop for better caramelization.
- Don't overcrowd the griddle—spread them out to allow even grilling.
- Add sliced jalapeños or a squeeze of lime for extra zing.
- Pair this with a protein reverse-seared on the center grill grate to complete your meal.
Variations
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Tex-Mex Black Bean Peppers: Add pre-cooked black beans to the griddle for a hearty meatless protein boost.
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Chipotle Lime Peppers: Toss veggies with chipotle seasoning and fresh lime juice before grilling.
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Spicy Sausage & Peppers: Grill sliced chorizo sausage alongside the veggies for a full meal.
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Sweeter Southern Style: Use sweet Vidalia onions and drizzle with a little honey post-grill.
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Herb Garden Style: Mix in fresh thyme, rosemary, and oregano while grilling for aromatic depth.
Conclusion
Grilling peppers and onions Texas-style on your Arteflame grill transforms basic vegetables into smoky, caramelized flavor bombs. Whether loaded into tacos, layered on steak, or served as a side, this recipe is incredibly simple but delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Use those natural flavor-enhancing zones on your Arteflame’s flat top and blow your guests away—it’s just better grilled.
Best pairings
- Reverse-seared skirt steak or chicken breast from the Arteflame center grill grate
- Warm corn or flour tortillas
- Fresh guacamole and pico de gallo
- Mexican rice or charro beans
- Cold margaritas or a citrusy IPA