Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Packed with vibrant colors and zesty flavors, Shrimp Fajitas are the kind of dish that instantly wins over a table of hungry friends or family. Succulent shrimp, kissed with smoky spices and tossed with sweet peppers and onions, make for an irresistibly fresh meal that feels both festive and easygoing. Whether you pile everything into warm tortillas, wrap it in crisp lettuce leaves, or load up your plate with salsas and guac, this is the ultimate dish for when you want big payoff with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple, colorful ingredients combine to create restaurant-quality Shrimp Fajitas at home. Each element plays a unique role, from the spices that add depth to the veggies that give crunch and sweetness.
- Jumbo Shrimp (1½ pounds, peeled and deveined): Use large shrimp for juicy, tender bites that won’t overcook too quickly.
- Chili Powder (1½ teaspoons): The smoky, earthy kick sets the stage for that classic fajita flavor.
- Ground Cumin (½ teaspoon): Adds warmth and a touch of savory complexity.
- Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Lends a whisper of smokiness and bold color.
- Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): Gives a punchy base layer of garlicky goodness.
- Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt (½ teaspoon to taste): This salt dissolves easily, seasoning the shrimp perfectly without being harsh.
- Avocado Oil or Extra Virgin Olive Oil (4 tablespoons): Brings everything together and helps achieve that perfect char on the veggies.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): A few grinds brighten and sharpen all the flavors.
- Red Bell Pepper (1 medium): Sliced into strips, it brings natural sweetness and stunning color.
- Yellow Bell Pepper (1 medium): Offers a mellow, honeyed flavor and another pop of vibrancy.
- Onion (1 small): Thinly sliced onion caramelizes beautifully, melding the vegetables together.
- Garlic Cloves (3 large, minced): Sautéed until fragrant for earthy depth—don’t skip this one!
- Fresh Lime Juice (2 tablespoons): The acid brightens the dish and makes the flavors sing.
- Fresh Cilantro (¼ cup minced): Sprinkled just before serving for a fresh, herbal finish.
- Lime (cut into wedges): For squeezing over at the table—absolutely elevates every bite.
- Butter Lettuce Leaves (optional): Crisp, delicate leaves for a light, gluten-free wrap.
- Grain-Free Tortillas (optional): Warm and supple for those classic fajita vibes.
- Salsa (optional): Add a touch of heat or tang to personalize your fajitas.
- Guacamole (optional): Creamy, cool guac is the ultimate fajita topping.
- Dairy-Free Sour Cream (optional): A dollop adds richness and balance.
How to Make Shrimp Fajitas
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and a tablespoon of oil. You can do this right in the large bowl you’ll use to set the shrimp aside. The spice blend will start working its magic, infusing the shrimp with flavor even if you only let it sit for a few minutes.
Step 2: Sauté the Peppers and Onions
Heat up a large skillet over medium high flame, and add a tablespoon of oil once the pan is nice and hot. Throw in your strips of red and yellow bell pepper and sliced onion with a little salt and pepper. Stir frequently; in about 3 to 5 minutes, you’ll notice those veggies getting beautifully softened with some charred edges—that’s flavor gold right there.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Adjust Seasoning
Next, add your minced garlic to the pan. Stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant, then give your vegetables a taste. Adjust the salt and pepper if needed, then scoop everything onto a plate. Set it aside while you get ready to sizzle the star of the show: the shrimp!
Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
With the empty skillet still hot, add another tablespoon of oil and half of your shrimp. Be sure not to crowd them—single layer is key! Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until just opaque and cooked through, then transfer to your veggie platter. Repeat with the rest of the shrimp.
Step 5: Finish and Bring it All Together
When all the shrimp are done, turn off the heat, and pop the veggies and all the shrimp back into the pan. Add a generous squeeze of fresh lime juice and sprinkle over the cilantro. Toss everything to combine and get ready for the most mouthwatering aroma imaginable.
How to Serve Shrimp Fajitas
Garnishes
Garnishing your Shrimp Fajitas is pure joy! A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few lime wedges add freshness and zing. Heap on salsa, a spoonful of guacamole, or a dollop of creamy dairy-free sour cream to dial up the texture and flavor just the way you love it.
Side Dishes
Shrimp Fajitas come alive with a few easy side dishes. Try classic Mexican rice, black or pinto beans, a quick pico de gallo, or a clean, crisp salad tossed with citrus vinaigrette. These simple additions round out your meal and make any dinner feel celebratory.
Creative Ways to Present
There’s no single right way to present Shrimp Fajitas! For a lighter approach, spoon the filling into butter lettuce cups. Feeling festive? Set out a big platter alongside a basket of warm, grain-free tortillas so everyone can build their own. For parties, try a Shrimp Fajita bar with all the toppings—you’ll be the host everyone remembers!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store your shrimp and vegetable mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 2 days. Keep toppings, tortillas, and garnishes on the side for best texture and flavor when you go back for seconds.
Freezing
Shrimp are delicate and best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze any extra cooked Shrimp Fajitas (minus the toppings) if needed. Let everything cool down completely before sealing in a freezer-safe bag or container. For best taste, use within a month.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover Shrimp Fajitas on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave in short bursts. The key is not to overcook the shrimp; warm just until heated through, then refresh with a new squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro if you have extra!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Shrimp Fajitas?
Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp fully and pat them dry before tossing with the spice marinade. This helps them pick up maximum flavor and develop that lovely sear in the pan.
Are Shrimp Fajitas spicy?
These Shrimp Fajitas are more flavorful than fiery. You’ll get a bit of warmth from the chili powder and smoked paprika, but if you like it hotter, add cayenne or your favorite hot sauce!
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Fajitas are super flexible. Try adding mushrooms, zucchini, or jalapeños for extra color and crunch. Just keep an eye on cook times so everything stays crisp-tender.
How do I make the fajitas dairy-free?
The main recipe is dairy-free (especially with dairy-free sour cream for topping), just double-check your tortillas. Using lettuce leaves is also a fun, dairy-free, and gluten-free alternative.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
A quick, gentle reheat in a skillet is ideal to keep shrimp juicy. Heat just until warmed through; shrimp can turn rubbery if cooked too long, so keep an eye on them and refresh with lime juice at the last minute.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a meal that’s bright, super flavorful, and just plain fun to eat, Shrimp Fajitas are truly hard to beat. I hope this recipe brings a burst of color and excitement to your table and inspires you to make it your own.
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Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Delicious and flavorful shrimp fajitas made with a blend of spices, colorful bell peppers, and tender shrimp. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends and family.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1½ pounds jumbo shrimp (21–25 per pound), peeled and deveined
- 1½ teaspoons chili powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- 4 tablespoons avocado oil or extra virgin olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper
For the Fajitas:
- 1 medium red bell pepper, deseeded, cored, and sliced into ¼-inch strips
- 1 medium yellow bell pepper, deseeded, cored, and sliced into ¼-inch strips
- 1 small onion, peeled and thinly sliced
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges for serving
- Butter lettuce leaves (optional)
- Grain-free tortillas (optional)
- Salsa (optional)
- Guacamole (optional)
- Sour cream (dairy-free) (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss shrimp with chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and oil. Set aside.
- Cook the Peppers and Onions: Sauté peppers and onions in oil until slightly softened and charred.
- Add Garlic: Saute minced garlic until fragrant.
- Cook the Shrimp: Cook shrimp in batches until opaque and cooked through.
- Combine: Return veggies and shrimp to the pan, add lime juice, and garnish with cilantro.
- Serve: Serve with lime wedges, lettuce leaves, tortillas, salsa, guacamole, and sour cream.
Notes
- You can customize your fajitas with additional toppings like shredded cheese, jalapenos, or hot sauce.
- Adjust the spice level by adding more or less chili powder and cumin to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 280mg
Keywords: shrimp fajitas, easy dinner, Mexican recipe, gluten free, quick meal
