These Shrimp Fajitas are a fiesta in a pan! Tender shrimp and colorful bell peppers are coated in a vibrant marinade, then sizzled to perfection for a quick and delicious meal. Served with warm tortillas, zesty jalapeño ranch, and creamy avocado, these fajitas are perfect for a fun weeknight dinner, a casual get-together, or any occasion where you crave a burst of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, these fajitas are a weeknight lifesaver.
- Bursting with flavor: The marinade infuses the shrimp and vegetables with a delicious blend of spices and zesty lime.
- Healthy and satisfying: Shrimp is a lean protein source, and the colorful bell peppers add a boost of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Fun and interactive: Everyone can customize their own fajitas with their favorite toppings.
Ingredients for Shrimp Fajitas
This recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Fajita Marinade:
- Olive Oil: Forms the base of the marinade and helps the spices adhere to the shrimp and vegetables.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent flavor to the marinade.
- Lime Juice: Provides a bright, zesty flavor.
- Cajun Spice: A blend of spices that adds a kick of heat and flavor.
- Salt: Enhances the overall taste.
For the Shrimp Fajitas:
- Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
- Bell Peppers: Sliced into strips for quick cooking and vibrant color.
- Onion: Sliced into strips to add a sweet and savory flavor.
- Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
- Lime Juice: For a final squeeze of zesty flavor.
To Serve:
- Flour Tortillas: Warmed or toasted for a soft and pliable texture.
- Jalapeño Ranch: Adds a creamy and spicy kick.
- Avocado: Sliced avocado adds a creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Lime Wedges: For an extra squeeze of lime juice.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
How to Make Shrimp Fajitas
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, Cajun spice, and salt.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp and Veggies
Slice the bell peppers and onions into thin strips. Place the vegetables in a medium bowl and toss with half of the marinade. In a separate bowl, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and toss with the remaining marinade.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a little olive oil. Add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Add the marinated vegetables to the same skillet and sauté for about 10 minutes, or until softened and slightly browned at the edges.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked shrimp back to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss in the chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. Serve immediately with warmed or toasted tortillas, jalapeño ranch, sliced avocado, and lime wedges.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Shrimp variations: You can use chicken or tofu instead of shrimp.
- Veggie variations: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli.
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of Cajun spice to your liking.
How to Serve Shrimp Fajitas
- Taco night: These fajitas are perfect for a fun and easy Taco Tuesday celebration.
- Casual dinner: They also make a great casual weeknight meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover shrimp and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp and vegetables gently in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop until heated through. Warm the tortillas before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp. Simply skip the cooking step and proceed with assembling the fajitas.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free tortillas.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I grill the shrimp and vegetables instead of sautéing them?
Yes, you can grill the shrimp and vegetables. Simply preheat your grill to medium-high heat and grill the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side and the vegetables for 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
There you have it! A simple and delicious recipe for Shrimp Fajitas. I hope you enjoy it!
PrintShrimp Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Description
These Shrimp Fajitas are a quick and easy weeknight meal that’s bursting with flavor. Tender shrimp and colorful vegetables are cooked to perfection and served with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Ingredients
Fajita Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, from 1/2 lime
- 1 tablespoon Cajun spice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Shrimp Fajita Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2–3 teaspoons lime juice (from 1/2 lime)
To Serve:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Jalapeño Ranch
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine marinade ingredients: ¼ cup olive oil, 4 cloves garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon lime juice (from ½ lime), 1 tablespoon Cajun spice, ½ teaspoon salt.
- Marinate Vegetables: Slice bell peppers and onions to the same 1/3-inch thickness and place vegetables in a medium bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the top, then toss to combine.
- Marinate Shrimp: In a second medium bowl, pat dry shrimp with a paper towel, add the remaining half of the marinade and stir to combine.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a large heavy pan over medium heat with ½ tablespoon oil, and when hot, add shrimp in a single layer and sauté 1-2 minutes per side or just until cooked through and no longer translucent, then promptly transfer to a plate.
- Cook Vegetables: In the same pan, add marinated vegetables and sauté until soft and golden brown at the edges (10 minutes), stirring occasionally, then turn off the heat.
- Combine and Serve: Add shrimp back to the pan along with ¼ cup chopped cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice to taste over the mixture and toss to combine. Serve fajitas with warmed or toasted tortillas and jalapeño ranch, or your favorite sauce.
Notes
- To Warm Tortillas: Wrap a stack of 5 in a damp paper towel and microwave 30 seconds at a time until warm.
- To Toast Tortillas: Place individual tortillas on a hot dry skillet, griddle, low gas flame, or grill for about 15 seconds per side until lightly browned.
- Shrimp: You can use fresh or frozen shrimp for this recipe. If using frozen, be sure to thaw it completely before marinating.
- Vegetables: You can use any type of bell pepper you like.
- Serving: Serve with your favorite fajita toppings, such as sour cream, guacamole, or shredded cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Serving
- Calories: 500kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
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