These shrimp fajitas are colorful and full of flavor! With tender shrimp, sizzling peppers, and a sprinkle of spices, they make a tasty and easy meal for any night of the week.
Cooking these is so much fun! I love watching the shrimp turn pink and the veggies get all crunchy. Grab some tortillas and get ready for a fiesta at your table! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for holding up to cooking. If fresh shrimp isn’t available, use frozen—just thaw and pat dry before cooking. You can swap shrimp for other proteins, like chicken or tofu, if you prefer.
Bell Peppers: While this recipe calls for red, green, and yellow peppers for a rainbow effect, feel free to use skewed colors based on your preference. Orange peppers can also work well. Don’t have fresh? Canned or jarred peppers work in a pinch, too!
Olive Oil: Olive oil adds flavor and helps in sautéing. If you want a different taste, avocado oil or canola oil are good alternatives. For a richer taste, you can also try using butter, but keep an eye on heat to avoid burning.
Spices: The spices bring out the fajita flavor. If spicy isn’t your thing, skip the cayenne or replace all spices with a taco seasoning mix. If you don’t have cumin, a bit of coriander can work as a substitute.
How Do I Sauté Vegetables Perfectly?
Sautéing vegetables to perfect tenderness while keeping them vibrant is key in this dish. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat before adding oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the oil is hot, toss in your sliced onions and peppers together.
- Stir occasionally for even cooking, and aim for about 5-7 minutes. You want them tender yet slightly crunchy for great texture.
- Adding garlic later helps to prevent it from burning while ensuring its flavor is fresh.
Happy cooking, and I hope your shrimp fajitas turn out just right!
How to Make Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajita Mix:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For the Seasoning:
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Juice of 1 lime
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
For Serving:
- Flour or corn tortillas
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need about 25-30 minutes from start to finish, making it a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Season the Shrimp:
In a bowl, mix together the chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper (if you like it spicy), salt, and black pepper. Toss the shrimp in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the spice mixture until they are evenly coated. Set them aside to marinate while you prepare the veggies.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender but still have a little crunch to them.
3. Add Garlic:
When the veggies are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until it becomes fragrant, which adds yummy flavor to the mix.
4. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, push the veggies to one side of the skillet and add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink. Then flip them over, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully cooked and opaque.
5. Combine and Finish:
Mix the shrimp and veggies together in the skillet. Remove the skillet from heat, and squeeze the fresh lime juice over the mixture. This adds a zesty kick!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish your fajita mixture with freshly chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with warm flour or corn tortillas. You can also add your favorite toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or shredded cheese for extra deliciousness!
Enjoy your sizzling, flavorful shrimp fajitas with family and friends—it’s a fiesta on a plate!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. The best way to do this is to place them in the refrigerator overnight or run them under cold water for a quick thaw. Pat them dry before seasoning to ensure they cook nicely!
Can I Prepare the Vegetables in Advance?
Yes, you can slice the bell peppers and onions a day ahead of time. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Just make sure to sauté them when you’re ready to cook the shrimp for the best texture and flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Fajitas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. If the shrimp looks a little dry after reheating, add a splash of lime juice or broth to keep it moist!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! If you love heat, consider increasing the cayenne pepper or adding some diced jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables. You can also serve with a spicy salsa or hot sauce on the side for an extra kick!
