Print

Flavorful Shrimp Fajitas

shrimp fajitas recipe - featured image

A quick and easy 15-minute shrimp fajitas recipe featuring a bold marinade and sautéed peppers and onions, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or thawed frozen; wild-caught preferred)
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium yellow or white onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • 8 small flour or corn tortillas, warmed (corn tortillas for gluten-free option)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the shrimp: In a mixing bowl, combine shrimp with olive oil, lime juice, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and set aside.
  2. Prep the vegetables: Thinly slice bell peppers and onion into strips about 1/4 inch wide. Warm tortillas and have ready.
  3. Sauté the veggies: Heat a large skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil if needed, then add onions and bell peppers. Stir frequently and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender but still vibrant. Season lightly with salt.
  4. Cook the shrimp: Push veggies to the side of the pan. Add marinated shrimp in a single layer. Let sear without moving for about 1.5 minutes, then flip and cook another 1.5-2 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque. Avoid overcooking.
  5. Combine and finish: Toss shrimp and veggies together in the pan for about 1 minute to blend flavors and heat through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lime juice as desired.
  6. Serve: Spoon shrimp and veggie mixture into warm tortillas. Garnish with chopped cilantro and optional toppings like sour cream or avocado slices.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure shrimp sear properly instead of steaming. Use tongs to avoid piercing shrimp and keep them juicy. Warm tortillas while cooking the filling. For a smoky flavor, char peppers under the broiler before sautéing. Shrimp cook quickly; avoid overcooking to prevent rubbery texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp fajitas, quick dinner, easy fajitas, 15-minute meal, shrimp recipe, Mexican food, weeknight dinner