Shrimp Fajitas with Homemade Fajita Seasoning
Shrimp fajitas are quick, versatile and absolutely delicious! A one-pan meal of juicy shrimp, charred bell peppers and onions that are seasoned to perfection.
If you enjoy Tex-Mex cuisine, you will love my shrimp fajitas recipe! The flavors are bold, vibrant and incredibly satisfying. It’s a wholesome mix of protein, vegetables and spices that can be enjoyed guilt-free.
Serve these homemade shrimp fajitas with tortillas, guacamole, sour cream and a splash of lime juice for an incredible meal!
Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Shrimp fajitas is a popular dish that combines seared juicy shrimp with tender crunchy bell peppers and onions. Ready in under 30 minutes and perfect for a quick meal.
Ingredients
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for shrimp fajitas as they tend to be sweeter and complement the fajitas seasoning well. Fresh or frozen shrimp works
- Vegetables: Trio of red, yellow and green bell peppers. You can also use just two of them. One white, yellow or purple onion
- Fajita seasoning: A blend of cumin powder, dried oregano, red chilli flakes, black pepper powder, lime juice, garlic and salt makes the most delicious fajitas seasoning
- Oil: Olive oil compliments the dish well
How to Make Shrimp Fajitas
The right way to cook shrimp fajitas is on a hot, sizzling skillet. Use a cast iron skillet for the best results.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Coat the shrimp with the fajita seasoning and allow it to marinate for 15-30 minutes. Do not marinate longer as the lime juice will break down the shrimp
- Prep the vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onions length-wise into evenly sized strips. Don’t cut them too thin or they might get overcooked
- Sear the Shrimp: Cook the shrimp on medium high heat for 2-5 minutes per side. Set aside once cooked. Don’t overcrowd the pan as this can prevent the shrimp from searing well
- Cook the vegetables: Add the sliced bell peppers and onions. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are slightly tender and have some charred edges. Season with some dried oregano, cumin powder and salt
- Combine: Return the seared shrimp and mix well. Add a splash of lime juice and serve
- Serve: Spoon over tortillas and top it with guacamole, sour cream and lime juice. Alternatively serve them with nachos, rice or as a burrito stuffing
Pro Tip: Do not overcrowd the pan while searing shrimp. Overcrowding can cause the shrimp to release water and steam rather than sear. This can result in soggy, overcooked shrimp.
Common Questions
The cooking time for shrimp can vary depending on their size. Here are some general guidelines for searing medium, large, and jumbo shrimp:
Medium Shrimp: 2-3 minutes per side
Large Shrimp: 3-4 minutes per side
Jumbo Shrimp: 4-5 minutes per side
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for upto 3 days
Bring it to room temperature if refrigerated and heat it in a skillet for 1-2 minutes
Tortillas, guacamole, sour cream, salsa and lime juice pair well. Alternatively serve them with nachos, rice or as a burrito stuffing
watch the full video on youtube
Tips for the Best Shrimp Fajitas
- Use a wide skillet or pan. This provides more surface area for the shrimp and vegetables to cook evenly
- Cut the bell peppers and onions into 1/2 cm thick slices. Cutting too thin can lead to overcooking and turn them soggy
- Add salt to the vegetables once they have charred slightly. Adding salt too early can release too much water and steam them
- Do not marinate the shrimp for over 30 minutes. The lime juice in the marinade can bread down the shrimp and turn it mushy
- Sear the shrimp without overcrowding. Overcrowding will prevent the shrimp from searing well
Substitutes
No lime juice?
Other citrus juices like lemon, orange or calamansi can also be used. The flavor will change but it will still taste good
No dried red chilli flakes?
Red chilli powder or paprika can be used. Adjust quantity based on preference
Bell peppers?
In case you are missing one or more colors, use whatever bell peppers or sweet peppers you have on hand
Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
INGREDIENTS
- 1 lb or 450g shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 2-3 bell peppers (any kind)
- 1 onion
- 4 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cumin powder
- salt (to taste)
Fajita Seasoning
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp red chilli flakes
- 1 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper powder
- 1/2 tbsp grated garlic
- 1/2 tbsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
INSTRUCTIONS
- Marinate the Shrimp: Add all the ingredients mentioned under “fajitas seasoning” to 1 lb or 450g peeled and deveined shrimp. Mix well and allow it to marinate for 15-30 minutes
- Prep the Vegetables: Slice the bell peppers and onions length-wise into evenly sized strips. Don’t cut them too thin or they might get overcooked
- Sear the Shrimp: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil on medium high flame. Once the oil is hot, add the marinated shrimp and spread them out. Sear for 2-4 minutes per side (2 minutes for medium shrimp and 4 minutes for jumbo shrimp). Remove and set aside once cooked through
- Cook the Vegetables: To the same pan, add 2 tbsp olive oil and sauté the sliced onion until lightly browned. Add the sliced bell pepper and sauté until they get a light char. Season with 1/2 tsp oregano, 1/2 tsp cumin powder and salt to taste
- Return the seared shrimp and toss everything together until combined and heated through. Add a splash of lime juice and serve
- Serve: Serve shrimp fajitas over tortillas and top it with guacamole, sour cream and lime juice. Alternatively serve them with nachos, rice or as a burrito stuffing
One Comment