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Pork Fajita Meal Prep Bowls - Easy, Flavor-Packed Lunches for the Week

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Pork: 1.5–2 pounds pork tenderloin (lean and quick-cooking) or pork shoulder (more marbled, extra juicy), thinly sliced
  • Bell peppers: 3 medium (mix of red, yellow, and green), sliced into strips
  • Onion: 1 large yellow or red onion, sliced
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Lime juice: 2 tablespoons, plus more for serving
  • Olive oil: 2–3 tablespoons, divided
  • Fresh cilantro: Small handful, chopped (optional)
  • Rice or base: 4 cups cooked rice, brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice
  • Optional add-ins: 1 can black beans (rinsed and drained), corn kernels, sliced jalapeños, avocado (add fresh when serving)
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne (optional, for heat)

Method
 

  1. Cook your base: Make rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice according to package directions. Fluff and set aside. For extra flavor, add a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lime while it rests.
  2. Slice the pork: Trim any excess fat from the pork tenderloin or shoulder. Slice thinly against the grain into strips about 1/4 inch thick for fast, tender cooking.
  3. Season the pork: In a bowl, combine pork strips with half of the spice mix, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and 1 tablespoon lime juice. Toss to coat. Let it sit while you prep the veggies.
  4. Prep the veggies: Slice peppers and onion into thin strips. In a separate bowl, toss with the remaining spice mix and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  5. Sear the pork: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add a little oil if needed. Cook pork in batches in a single layer for 2–3 minutes per side until just cooked through and lightly browned. Do not overcrowd the pan. Transfer to a plate.
  6. Cook peppers and onions: In the same skillet, add the peppers and onions. Cook 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp with some char. Add garlic during the last minute, stirring until fragrant.
  7. Combine and brighten: Return pork to the skillet with the veggies. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon lime juice. Toss to coat and warm through. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lime.
  8. Optional add-ins: Stir in black beans or corn to heat through, or keep them separate for assembly.
  9. Assemble bowls: Divide cooked base among 4–5 meal prep containers. Top with pork and fajita veggies. Garnish with chopped cilantro if using.
  10. Cool and seal: Let bowls cool uncovered for 15–20 minutes, then seal and refrigerate.