Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp Fajitas feature shrimp marinated in a blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic, and lime juice, then quickly cooked with colorful bell peppers and red onions. The result is a bright, smoky, and citrus-flavored filling served with warmed tortillas and toppings like sour cream and lime wedges. This dish delivers tender shrimp paired with tender-crisp vegetables, ideal for assembling fresh fajitas.
Ingredients
For the fajita seasoning (see note 1):
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin ground
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or less to taste
- salt
For the marinade:
- 2 pounds Shrimp peeled and deveined (see note 2, raw
- 1/4 cup cilantro minced
- 1/4 cup lime juice from 2 limes
For the fajitas:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 3 large bell pepper cut into strips, red, orange, yellow, or green
- 1 large red onion halved and thinly sliced
- tortillas warmed, for serving
- sour cream and hot sauce, cilantro, and lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and salt to taste (I like 1 teaspoon).
- To a large zipper-top plastic bag, add shrimp, cilantro, lime juice, and fajita seasoning. Mash gently until shrimp is evenly coated. Marinate at least 30 minutes (room temperature) or up to 1 hour (refrigerated).
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil until shimmering. Add shrimp and cook, without moving, until opaque and pink on one side, about 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook until opaque on the second side, about 1 to 2 minutes longer. Transfer to a plate.
- To the skillet over medium-high heat, add bell peppers and onions and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Push peppers and onions to one side and add shrimp back to skillet for serving. Serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
Notes
- The homemade fajita seasoning blend is measured specifically for this recipe to avoid needing a pre-made jar.
- Frozen shrimp size 26/30 is preferred for consistent freshness; adjust size based on budget.
- Yield is about 1 pound cooked shrimp, serving roughly 4 people with shrimp and vegetables.
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator up to 4 days; great for reheating or using in other dishes.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 4 servings (1 cup EACH shrimp and vegetables)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 278
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 8 oz | |
| Calories | 278kcal | 14% |
| Carbohydrates | 15g | 5% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 10g | 15% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1g | 6% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 5g | 25% |
| Trans Fat | 0.02g | 1% |
| Cholesterol | 286mg | 95% |
| Sodium | 1309mg | 55% |
| Potassium | 628mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 7g | 14% |
| Vitamin A | 4936IU | 99% |
| Vitamin C | 164mg | 182% |
| Calcium | 151mg | 15% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.