Name: Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 yellow onion (thinly sliced); 2 bell peppers (thinly sliced); ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; ½ tablespoon chili powder; ½ tablespoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; 1 lime; 8 tortillas; Avocado (or guacamole), sour cream, and salsa (for serving)

Print Recipe·4 from 5 reviews

If you are searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and quick meal that packs a punch, this Shrimp Fajitas Recipe will become your new go-to. The succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty blend of spices, paired with caramelized onions and crisp bell peppers, delivers a perfect harmony of spice, tang, and sweetness. Serving them up in warm tortillas with creamy avocado or cool sour cream elevates every bite into an irresistible fiesta of textures and tastes. This dish is not only a celebration of bold flavors but also incredibly simple to prepare, making weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A top-down view of raw shrimp in a clear bowl placed center on a white marbled surface. To the top left, a white plate holds a stack of beige tortillas. Above the shrimp and slightly right, a brown onion, a red bell pepper, and a yellow bell pepper are arranged in a loose triangle. Below the shrimp, a small white bowl contains mixed fajita seasoning with distinct piles of red, black, green, brown, and beige spices. To the bottom left, fresh green cilantro sprigs lie next to the seasoning bowl. To the right side, two limes sit above a dark green avocado near the bottom. A small white cup of olive oil sits near the tortillas on the left side. All ingredients are spaced evenly on the clean white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients is essential to creating those classic fajita flavors that everyone loves. Each component plays a crucial role, from bringing depth to the marinade, adding crunch with fresh vegetables, to enhancing the dish’s overall brightness and warmth.

1 ½ pounds jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, providing juicy and tender seafood goodness.
1 yellow onion (thinly sliced): Adds sweetness and texture once caramelized.
2 bell peppers (thinly sliced): Offers colorful crunch and a mild, slightly sweet flavor.
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies and shrimp to juicy perfection and brings a smooth richness.
1 lime: For a zesty tang that brightens up the shrimp marinade and final dish.
8 tortillas: The perfect hand-held vehicle for this flavorful filling.
½ tablespoon chili powder: Essential for adding the smoky heat base in the fajita seasoning.
½ tablespoon ground cumin: Introduces earthy warmth and a whisper of spice.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a savory depth without overpowering.
½ teaspoon paprika: Gives a subtle smoky flavor and a beautiful hue.
½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an herby note that balances the spices.
½ teaspoon kosher salt: Heightens all the natural flavors in the dish.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: A gentle heat that rounds out the seasoning.
Avocado (or guacamole), sour cream, and salsa: The classic toppings that bring creaminess, tang, and freshness to each bite.

How to Make Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

Step 1: Craft the Perfect Spice Blend

Start by whisking together chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This homemade fajita seasoning is the heart of your Shrimp Fajitas Recipe, layering in complex and smoky flavors that will cling beautifully to the shrimp.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with two tablespoons of olive oil, the fresh lime juice from half a lime, and your freshly blended fajita seasoning. Toss everything together until all the shrimp is well coated. Set this aside momentarily so the shrimp can soak up all those fabulous flavors while you prepare the veggies.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Bell Peppers

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced onions and bell peppers, then let them cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Watching as the onions begin to caramelize and soften, releasing their natural sweetness, is one of this recipe’s most rewarding steps. Once perfect, transfer these veggies to a plate to rest.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection

Using the same skillet, lay out the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque—this quick cooking time keeps them tender and juicy, which is key to an amazing Shrimp Fajitas Recipe.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the sautéed onions and bell peppers to the skillet with the shrimp. Toss everything together so the flavors mingle and add another squeeze of lime juice on top for an extra zing. Your filling is ready to meet its tortilla partner!

How to Serve Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

A shiny metal frying pan filled with one layer of cooked shrimp, each shrimp curled with a light orange color and some spices showing as small dark specks on their surface. The shrimp are placed randomly but evenly around the pan, which has brown cooked bits and oil stains scattered inside. A metal slotted spatula rests inside the pan on the right side, slightly lifting one shrimp, showing its textured body with firm, cooked edges. The pan sits on a white marbled surface, giving a clean and bright background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The right garnishes can take your Shrimp Fajitas Recipe to the next level. Creamy avocado or guacamole, cool sour cream, and bright, fresh salsa create a gorgeous contrast of cool textures and vibrant flavors that perfectly balance the spiced shrimp and veggies.

Side Dishes

Consider pairing your fajitas with Mexican rice or a simple cilantro-lime rice for a wholesome meal. A side of black beans or a crisp green salad with a citrus dressing can add extra color and nutrition without overwhelming the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

Beyond the classic tortilla wrap, try serving your shrimp and veggies over a bed of warm quinoa for a low-carb twist or spoon them onto crisp tostadas for added crunch. You can even stuff the filling inside crispy bell pepper halves for a fun, colorful presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, store the cooked shrimp and veggies separately from the tortillas in airtight containers. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the tortillas from becoming soggy. They will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked shrimp and vegetable mixture by placing it in a freezer-safe container or bag. However, tortillas and fresh garnishes are best added fresh to preserve their texture. When frozen, the Shrimp Fajitas Recipe ingredients can be stored for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the shrimp and vegetables in a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp. Warm your tortillas separately in a dry pan or microwave. Add fresh toppings after reheating for the best flavor and texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Shrimp Fajitas Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What type of tortillas work best with shrimp fajitas?

Flour tortillas are classic and tender, making them ideal for folding around the shrimp and veggies. However, corn tortillas can also be used for a more authentic flavor and are perfect if you want a slightly firmer texture.

Can I make this recipe spicy?

Definitely! Increase the chili powder or add some cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning mix. Fresh jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce also make great options to boost the heat.

Is this Shrimp Fajitas Recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Shrimp, vegetables, and spices are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to use corn tortillas or verify that your flour tortillas are gluten-free to keep the whole dish safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.

How do I keep the shrimp from getting rubbery?

The key is to avoid overcooking. Shrimp cook very quickly, so a couple of minutes on each side until pink and opaque is perfect. Marinating them beforehand also helps keep them tender and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly special about bringing together the simple ingredients and bold flavors in this Shrimp Fajitas Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a celebration on a plate yet comes together quickly enough to enjoy any night of the week. I hope you give it a try and find as much joy in preparing and eating it as I do sharing it with you. Happy cooking!