Shrimp fajitas are a flavorful, vibrant, and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner party. Loaded with juicy shrimp, crisp bell peppers, and onions, this Tex-Mex favorite is both healthy and satisfying. Whether wrapped in warm tortillas or served over rice, these shrimp fajitas are a crowd-pleaser that youโll want to make again and again.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes.
- Packed with bold, fresh flavors.
- Perfect for meal prep or a weeknight dinner.
- Versatileโserve with tortillas, rice, or a salad.
- Healthy and naturally gluten-free.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Bell peppers (red, yellow, and green), thinly sliced
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Olive oil
- Lime juice
- Garlic, minced
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Tortillas, for serving
Directions
- Prepare the shrimp: In a bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, and seasonings (chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper). Let it marinate for 10โ15 minutes.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Sautรฉ the bell peppers and onions until tender and slightly charred, about 5โ7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp. Cook for 2โ3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.
- Combine: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together and cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the shrimp fajitas hot with warm tortillas and garnish with fresh cilantro.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Protein Swap: Replace shrimp with chicken, steak, or tofu for a different twist.
- Extra Spice: Add diced jalapeรฑos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the fajitas over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese over the fajitas before serving.
- Vegetarian: Load up on extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian version.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover shrimp fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 5โ7 minutes or in the microwave for 1โ2 minutes, until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating.
2. What type of tortillas should I use?
You can use flour or corn tortillas, depending on your preference.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the vegetables and marinate the shrimp a few hours ahead to save time.
4. How can I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Avoid overcooking the shrimp. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
5. Are shrimp fajitas spicy?
This recipe is mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat level by adding or reducing chili powder and paprika.
6. Can I cook this on a grill instead of a skillet?
Absolutely! Use a grill pan or skewer the shrimp and vegetables for grilling.
7. What toppings pair well with shrimp fajitas?
Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and shredded cheese are all great options.
8. Can I freeze shrimp fajitas?
Itโs not recommended to freeze cooked shrimp fajitas as the texture of the vegetables and shrimp may change.
9. What sides go well with shrimp fajitas?
Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple green salad pair beautifully with shrimp fajitas.
10. How do I know when the shrimp are done?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink, curl into a C shape, and are opaque throughout.
Conclusion
Shrimp fajitas are a quick, delicious, and versatile meal thatโs perfect for any occasion. With minimal prep and cooking time, you can enjoy a dish thatโs bursting with vibrant flavors and healthy ingredients. Whether youโre cooking for a family dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy the taste of Tex-Mex in your own kitchen!
Print
Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautรฉing
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Shrimp Fajitas are a delightful and quick meal featuring succulent shrimp sautรฉed with vibrant bell peppers and onions, all seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices. This one-pan dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner and brings the zest of Mexican cuisine right to your table.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 8 small flour tortillas
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:ย In a bowl, combine the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. Set aside to marinate briefly.
- Sautรฉ Vegetables:ย Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the vegetables to a plate and keep warm.
- Cook Shrimp:ย In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Combine and Serve:ย Return the sautรฉed vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Drizzle with lime juice and toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Remove from heat.
- Warm Tortillas:ย While the shrimp and vegetables are cooking, warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 15 seconds on each side, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Assemble Fajitas:ย Serve the shrimp and vegetable mixture on the warmed tortillas. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Serving Suggestions:ย Pair these fajitas with sides like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or a fresh squeeze of lime juice for added flavor.
- Variations:ย Feel free to add other vegetables such as sliced mushrooms or zucchini to the mix. For a spicier kick, include sliced jalapeรฑos.
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