Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

Shrimp Fajitas are a quick, flavorful, and vibrant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a festive gathering. Succulent shrimp are seasoned with a smoky spice blend and cooked with sautéed peppers and onions, then served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 20 minutes for a fuss-free meal.
  • Healthy and flavorful: Packed with lean protein and colorful veggies.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level and toppings to your liking.
  • Perfect for entertaining: A fun, interactive meal everyone will enjoy.
  • Versatile: Serve with tortillas, rice, or as a salad topping.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Olive oil
  • Bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), thinly sliced
  • Onion, thinly sliced
  • Garlic, minced
  • Lime juice
  • Flour or corn tortillas

For the Fajita Seasoning:

  • Chili powder
  • Paprika
  • Ground cumin
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • Optional: Cayenne pepper for heat

Optional Toppings:

  • Sour cream
  • Guacamole or sliced avocado
  • Salsa or pico de gallo
  • Shredded cheese
  • Fresh cilantro

Directions

  1. Prepare the shrimp:
    • In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil and the fajita seasoning. Let it marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
  2. Cook the vegetables:
    • Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
    • Add the bell peppers and onions, and sauté for 5–7 minutes until tender and slightly charred. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Cook the shrimp:
    • In the same skillet, add another drizzle of olive oil if needed.
    • Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
  4. Combine and finish:
    • Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Add the minced garlic and a squeeze of lime juice. Toss everything together and cook for 1–2 minutes to combine the flavors.
  5. Serve:
    • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
    • Fill each tortilla with the shrimp and vegetable mixture, and add your favorite toppings. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • Protein options: Substitute shrimp with chicken, steak, or tofu.
  • Vegetarian: Replace shrimp with black beans, mushrooms, or roasted sweet potatoes.
  • Low-carb: Serve the fajitas over lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
  • Cheesy fajitas: Add shredded cheese to the skillet and let it melt before serving.
  • Extra smoky: Add a splash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the seasoning mix.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery when reheated after freezing.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, thaw the shrimp completely before seasoning and cooking for even results.

2. How do I prevent overcooking the shrimp?

Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, about 2–3 minutes per side.

3. What type of tortillas are best?

Both flour and corn tortillas work well—choose based on your preference.

4. Can I make this dish spicier?

Add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the seasoning or sautéed vegetables.

5. Can I make fajita seasoning ahead of time?

Yes, mix the seasoning blend in advance and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

6. What other vegetables can I use?

Zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make great additions to the vegetable mix.

7. Can I grill the shrimp and vegetables?

Yes, thread the shrimp and vegetables onto skewers and grill until cooked through.

8. How do I keep tortillas warm during serving?

Wrap them in foil and place in a warm oven or a tortilla warmer.

9. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, skip the cheese and use dairy-free sour cream alternatives if needed.

10. What sides pair well with shrimp fajitas?

Serve with rice, beans, tortilla chips, or a side salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Shrimp Fajitas are a quick, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With succulent shrimp, vibrant veggies, and customizable toppings, this meal is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Make it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality fajita experience at home!

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Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

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Flavorful shrimp fajitas made with juicy shrimp, sautéed bell peppers, and onions, all seasoned with a zesty homemade fajita seasoning. A quick and delicious Tex-Mex meal perfect for busy weeknights.

  • Author: Beth
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Tex-Mex
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 medium onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Flour or corn tortillas, for serving
  • Optional toppings: fresh cilantro, sour cream, avocado, shredded cheese, salsa

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced bell peppers and onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and start to char slightly.
  3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Push the veggies to the sides of the skillet and add the seasoned shrimp to the center. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
  5. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and toss everything together to combine.
  6. Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Use raw, deveined shrimp for best texture and flavor.
  • Try adding sliced mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
  • For a low-carb option, serve over lettuce wraps or cauliflower rice.
  • Adjust spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 fajitas
  • Calories: 300
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg

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