Shrimp Fajitas
As a lover of vibrant and fresh flavors, I can’t help but get excited when I think about Shrimp Fajitas. Each time I make them, it feels like a celebration of summer right in my kitchen! The sizzling sound of shrimp hitting the skillet, mixed with colorful peppers and onions, fills the air with an irresistible aroma. I remember the first time I served these to friends during a warm evening gathering. They were instantly hooked! The combination of zesty lime and perfectly seasoned shrimp wrapped in soft tortillas is just perfection on a plate. It’s simple yet packs a flavor punch that makes everyone happy. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive weekend feast, I always find a reason to whip up these delicious Shrimp Fajitas.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
10 mins
15 mins
Easy
280 kcal
22 g
Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP
12 g
Skillet, Oven, Peeler, Chef’s Knife, Wooden Spoon
What’s Great About This Shrimp Fajitas
Flavor Explosion
The first reason I adore Shrimp Fajitas is the explosion of flavors. The combination of spices like cumin, chili powder, and a hint of chipotle brings the dish to life. Each bite is a delightful experience that dances on your taste buds.
Quick and Easy
In our busy lives, quick meals are a blessing. Shrimp Fajitas come together in under thirty minutes! You can have a delicious, home-cooked meal on the table in no time, making them a perfect choice for a busy weeknight.
Healthy and Nutritious
Using shrimp as the main protein source offers a low-calorie option packed with nutrients. Pair it with colorful veggies, and you have a meal that’s as healthy as it is satisfying. It’s a great way to sneak in those essential vitamins!
Customizable
Another reason to love Shrimp Fajitas is their versatility! You can easily adjust the spices, choose your favorite veggies, or add toppings like avocado or cilantro, making it a dish everyone can enjoy regardless of dietary preferences.
Perfect for Sharing
Fajitas are great for gatherings. They encourage sharing and interaction, making dinner a fun experience. I love setting everything out on the table and letting everyone build their own fajitas. It’s a way to bring people together!
Leftovers!
Lastly, if there are any leftovers, they’re just as delicious the next day. I often find myself looking forward to enjoying the flavors again. Just reheat, and you’re ready to go!
Ingredients Required for Shrimp Fajitas

Cooking with fresh, vibrant ingredients is essential for making Shrimp Fajitas truly special. Each component, from the tender shrimp to the crunchy peppers, works harmoniously together to create a dish bursting with flavor. The balance of spices complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables, while the zesty lime adds a refreshing twist. It’s this combination that elevates the dish and makes it a favorite in my home.
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 2 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin, divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder, divided
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chile powder, divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1 medium lime, zest and juice (about ¾ teaspoons zest and 2 tablespoons juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch strips
- 1 green bell pepper, cut into ¼-inch strips
- 1 yellow onion, halved and cut into ¼-inch strips
- Flour or corn **tortillas
- Chopped fresh **cilantro
- Sliced fresh **avocado
- Nonfat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta
Instructions for Shrimp Fajitas

Cooking Shrimp Fajitas is a joy, filled with vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas. Let’s dive into the steps! You’ll see just how easy it is to bring this delicious dish to life, and I’m here to guide you through every part of the process!
- Rinse and pat the shrimp dry, then transfer to a large bowl. Top with ½ tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Zest the lime directly over the bowl. Toss to coat, then set aside.
- To warm the tortillas, wrap them in foil and place in a 300° F oven while you cook the shrimp and vegetables. This keeps them soft and pliable for wrapping.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the peppers, onion, and the remaining 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir and cook until the vegetables have softened and started to darken in places, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and let cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. It adds a wonderful aroma and depth of flavor to the mix. Transfer the vegetables to a serving platter.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and return the heat to medium-high. Carefully transfer the shrimp to the skillet and spread into an even layer. Sear the shrimp on both sides until they are just turning opaque and curling into a “C,” which should take about 3 minutes in total. Be careful not to overcook them, or they’ll become tough!
- Scoot the roasted vegetables over to one side of the serving platter, then add the shrimp in the empty space. Juice the zested lime over the top. The acidity will brighten the flavors beautifully.
- Serve the shrimp piled inside the warm tortillas, along with your choice of toppings such as cilantro, avocado, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Things Worth Knowing
- Cooking Shrimp: When cooking shrimp, watch them closely; they cook quickly and become tough if overdone. Look for a pale pink color and a “C” shape as indicators.
- Vegetable Texture: Aim for slightly softened peppers and onions, with a bit of char for added flavor.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the amount of chili powder and chipotle chile powder based on your spice tolerance. You can add more or less to suit your palate.
- Assembly: When serving, encourage everyone to build their own fajitas. It’s fun and allows for customization!
Change It Up

There’s always room for creativity when it comes to Shrimp Fajitas! You can mix and match ingredients or try different cooking methods. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Storage: To store leftovers, refrigerate Shrimp Fajitas in an airtight container for up to 2 days. They can be reheated gently in a skillet.
- Freezing: You can freeze Shrimp Fajitas in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Variations: Experiment with different proteins such as chicken or tofu to suit your dietary preferences.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a side of black beans or corn salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, add jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to your fajitas!
- Fresh Toppings: Don’t skip the toppings! Fresh cilantro, avocado, and a squeeze of lime enhance the flavors beautifully.
What to Serve With Shrimp Fajitas
Serving Shrimp Fajitas is an opportunity to impress your guests with a variety of pairings. Here are some delightful options to consider:
- Spanish Rice: A side of fluffy Spanish rice complements the spices in Shrimp Fajitas beautifully.
- Refried Beans: Creamy refried beans are a classic Mexican accompaniment, offering a rich flavor that pairs well.
- Fresh Salad: A light salad with lime vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory fajitas.
- Grilled Corn: Sweet, grilled corn on the cob is a fantastic side that enhances the overall meal experience.
- Chips and Salsa: Start with a bowl of tortilla chips and fresh salsa for a fun appetizer before diving into the main course!
- Guacamole: Pair your Shrimp Fajitas with some creamy guacamole for added richness and flavor.
- Drinks: Consider serving with a refreshing drink, like a citrus lemonade or iced tea, to cleanse the palate.
FAQ
Conclusion
Making **Shrimp Fajitas** is not just about food; it’s about bringing people together and enjoying vibrant flavors. This dish is a delightful blend of spices and fresh ingredients that will have your taste buds dancing. I encourage you to try this recipe soon; it’s simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. You won’t regret treating yourself and your loved ones to this delicious meal!

Shrimp Fajitas
Equipment
- Skillet
- Oven
- Peeler
- Chef's Knife
- Wooden Spoon
Ingredients
- 1 pound large or jumbo shrimp peeled, deveined, and tails removed (fresh or frozen and thawed)
- 2 ½ tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin divided
- 1 teaspoon chili powder divided
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chile powder divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt divided
- 1 medium lime zest and juice (about 3/4 teaspoons zest and 2 tablespoons juice)
- 2 cloves garlic minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 red bell pepper red bell pepper cut into 1/4-inch strips
- 1 green bell pepper green bell pepper cut into 1/4-inch strips
- 1 yellow onion yellow onion halved and cut into 1/4-inch strips
- Flour or corn tortillas
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sliced fresh avocado
- Nonfat plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- Crumbled queso fresco or feta
Instructions
- Rinse and pat the shrimp dry, then transfer to a large bowl. Top with ½ tablespoon oil, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt. Zest the lime directly over the bowl. Toss to coat, then set aside.
- To warm the tortillas, wrap them in foil and place in a 300° F oven while you cook the shrimp and vegetables.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add peppers, onion, and the remaining 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon chipotle chile powder, and ½ teaspoon salt. Stir and cook until the vegetables soften and are starting to turn dark in places, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and let cook for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Transfer the vegetables to a serving platter.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon oil to the skillet and return the heat to medium high. Transfer the shrimp to the skillet and spread into an even layer. Sear the shrimp on both sides until they are just turning opaque and curling into a “C”, about 3 minutes total—do not over cook or the shrimp will be tough.
- Scoot the vegetables on the platter over to one side, then add the shrimp in the empty space. Juice the zested lime over the top. Serve piled inside the warm tortillas, with toppings of choice.
Notes
- Tip 1: Refrigerate shrimp fajitas in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
- Tip 2: For best results, gently rewarm the shrimp and veggies in a skillet on the stovetop over low heat. The microwave will work in a pinch, but it’s more likely to overcook the shrimp.
- Tip 3: Freeze shrimp fajitas in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating according to the instructions above.
- Tip 4: Nutritional information does not include the tortillas and toppings.


