These shrimp fajitas are a fun and flavorful meal! They’re packed with juicy shrimp, colorful peppers, and onions, all wrapped up in warm tortillas. Yummy!
As you cook, the sizzle of the shrimp is just delightful! I love to pile on the toppings like avocado and salsa. It’s my favorite way to mix things up for dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are perfect for fajitas due to their size and flavor. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen shrimp works well—just thaw them first. You could also substitute with chicken or firm tofu for different textures.
Olive Oil: This is great for cooking both shrimp and vegetables. If you need a different flavor, avocado oil or canola oil are good alternatives. You can even use butter for a richer taste.
Bell Peppers: The colorful bell peppers add sweetness and crunch. Don’t have all three colors? No worries! You can use any mix—just green or just red will also taste fantastic.
Spices: The spices bring depth to the dish! If you’re out of chili powder, use taco seasoning. For a smoky flavor without smoked paprika, try adding a bit of extra cumin.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Shrimp?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but following these steps ensures they come out juicy and not overcooked:
- First, let the shrimp marinate for 10-15 minutes. This helps absorb those delicious flavors.
- Heat the skillet to medium-high before adding the shrimp. A hot pan gives a nice sear.
- Cook shrimp in a single layer. This allows them to cook evenly. Flip them when they turn pink—about 2-3 minutes on each side.
- Remove shrimp from heat as soon as they’re opaque. They’ll continue cooking a bit from residual heat.
How to Make Delicious Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil (plus more for cooking vegetables)
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
For Serving:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Time Needed:
This recipe will take about 30 minutes to prepare, including 15 minutes for marinating the shrimp. It’s quick and perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are nicely coated. Let them marinate for about 10-15 minutes to soak up all those tasty spices.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil to it. Once hot, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they get tender-crisp and a bit charred. When they’re done, take them out of the skillet and set them aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Remember not to overcrowd the pan; if needed, you can cook them in batches.
4. Combine Everything:
After the shrimp are cooked, return the sautéed vegetables to the skillet. Gently stir everything together to combine and heat for another minute. This way, all those delicious flavors mix together!
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While the shrimp and vegetables are combining, warm the flour tortillas. You can do this in a dry skillet over low heat or pop them in the microwave for a few seconds until they’re soft and ready to roll.
6. Assemble & Serve:
To make your fajitas, spoon the shrimp and vegetable mixture onto each warm tortilla. Top them off with some chopped cilantro for a fresh touch. Serve the fajitas with lime wedges on the side, so everyone can squeeze a bit of lime juice over their meal right before eating. Enjoy your flavorsome shrimp fajitas!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen shrimp completely before marinating. You can do this by placing them in the fridge overnight or submerging them in a sealed bag in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have All the Spices on Hand?
No problem! You can make some substitutions. If you’re out of chili powder, try using taco seasoning for a similar flavor. For smoked paprika, a pinch of regular paprika combined with a tiny bit of cumin can add depth.
Can I Make These Fajitas Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the shrimp and veggie mix in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to reheat them on the stove before serving for the best texture.
How Should I Store Leftover Fajitas?
To store leftovers, place any remaining shrimp and veggie mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through. You can freshen them up by adding a splash more lime juice!
