That familiar sizzle of a hot skillet bringing aromatic spices and succulent shrimp to your table - there's nothing quite like homemade shrimp fajitas recipe. This restaurant-style recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine right to your kitchen, with perfectly seasoned shrimp and colorful bell peppers creating a meal that's both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Why You'll Love This Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
This shrimp fajitas recipe has become a weeknight dinner favorite for many home cooks, and for good reason. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's perfect for busy evenings when you want something delicious but don't have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of juicy shrimp, crisp-tender vegetables, and warm tortillas offers a customizable meal that pleases everyone at the table.
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Ingredients
the Fajita Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
the Fajitas:
- 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 bell peppers (mix of red, yellow, and green), sliced
- 2 medium onions, sliced
- 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 2 limes
- 12-16 flour tortillas (6-inch)
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
Prepare the Seasoning
- Mix all the fajita seasoning ingredients in a small bowl until well combined.
- Set aside 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix for the vegetables.
Marinate the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with 2 tablespoons olive oil and the remaining fajita seasoning.
- Let marinate for 10-15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
Cook the Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced peppers and onions to the hot skillet.
- Sprinkle with the reserved tablespoon of fajita seasoning.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are crisp-tender.
- Remove vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
Cook the Shrimp
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over high heat.
- Add marinated shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are pink and slightly charred.
- Return vegetables to the skillet and squeeze juice from one lime over everything.
- Toss to combine and heat through.
Serve
- Warm tortillas according to package instructions.
- Serve the sizzling shrimp and vegetables directly from the skillet.
- Accompany with warm tortillas and all desired toppings.
Expert Tips for Perfect Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
- Don't overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp - this ensures proper searing instead of steaming.
- Use large or jumbo shrimp for best results - they're easier to handle and won't overcook as quickly.
- Prepare all ingredients before starting to cook, as this recipe moves quickly once you begin.
- Heat your cast-iron skillet thoroughly before adding ingredients for that signature fajita sizzle.
Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions
This shrimp fajitas recipe is naturally low in calories and high in protein. It's perfect for those following a low-carb diet when served without tortillas. For a complete meal, serve with:
- Mexican rice
- Black beans
- Corn salad
- Fresh avocado slices
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Make it gluten-free by using corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas
- Swap bell peppers for poblano peppers for a different flavor profile
- Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables
- Use pre-made fajita seasoning (2-3 tablespoons) if short on time
Equipment For Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
- Large cast-iron skillet (12-inch recommended)
- Sharp knife for vegetable prep
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs for cooking
Storage Instructions
- Store leftover fajita filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Keep tortillas separate and reheat as needed.
- For best results, reheat the filling in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Not recommended for freezing as the texture of the vegetables and shrimp may change.
Top Tip
The secret to restaurant-quality shrimp fajitas is getting your skillet screaming hot before adding the shrimp. This creates that perfect sear while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
FAQ
While best served fresh, you can prep the vegetables and seasoning mix ahead of time. Cook the shrimp just before serving for optimal texture and flavor.
Don't marinate the shrimp for more than 15 minutes, as the lime juice can start cooking them. Also, be careful not to overcook - they only need 2-3 minutes per side.
Yes, but thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating. Excess moisture will prevent proper searing.
Wrap tortillas in slightly damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds, or warm individually in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side.
These sizzling shrimp fajitas bring restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. The combination of perfectly seasoned shrimp, colorful peppers, and caramelized onions creates a meal that's sure to become a family favorite.
Give this recipe a try and share your experience in the comments below!
After making our Shrimp Fajitas Recipe, why not pair it with Tini's Mac and Cheese Recipe for a deliciously cheesy combo?
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Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Equipment
- Large cast-iron skillet (12-inch recommended)
- Sharp knife for vegetable prep
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs for cooking
Ingredients
Fajita Seasoning:
- 2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 3 bell peppers mix of colors, sliced
- 2 medium onions sliced
- 4 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 fresh limes
- 12-16 flour tortillas 6-inch
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Pico de gallo
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
Make Seasoning:
- Mix all seasoning ingredients in a bowl
- Reserve 1 tablespoon for vegetables
Prep Shrimp:
- Pat shrimp dry
- Toss with 2 tablespoon oil and seasoning
- Marinate 10-15 minutes
Cook Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet over medium-high
- Add peppers and onions
- Season with reserved spice mix
- Cook 8-10 minutes until crisp-tender
- Remove from skillet
Cook Shrimp:
- Heat remaining oil in same skillet
- Cook shrimp 2-3 minutes per side
- Return vegetables to skillet
- Squeeze lime juice over all
- Toss to combine
Serve:
- Warm tortillas
- Fill with shrimp mixture
- Add desired toppings
Notes
- Use high heat for proper searing
- Don't overcrowd shrimp
- Cook in batches if needed
- Get skillet very hot for restaurant-style sizzle
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