Shrimp Fajitas: A Flavorful Twist for Home Cooks

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
  • Uses simple, fresh ingredients that pack serious flavor.
  • A lighter alternative to traditional beef or chicken fajitas.
  • Customizable with your favorite toppings and tortillas.
  • Perfect for busy home cooks craving a restaurant-style meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon Cajun spice
1 teaspoon salt
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups sliced bell peppers
1 cup sliced onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 tablespoon lime juice (for topping)
8 flour tortillas, soft
1 avocado, sliced
2 lime wedges (for serving)

Directions

  1. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, Cajun spice, and salt to make a marinade.
  2. Toss sliced bell peppers and onion with half of the marinade in a medium bowl.
  3. Pat shrimp dry and coat with the remaining marinade in a separate bowl.
  4. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp until pink and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, sauté the marinated vegetables until tender and caramelized.
  6. Return the shrimp to the pan, add chopped cilantro and a splash of lime juice, and stir gently to combine.
  7. Serve the shrimp and vegetables in warmed tortillas with sliced avocado and lime wedges.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: About 15 minutes
Cook Time: About 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

  • Add sliced mushrooms or zucchini for extra veggies.
  • Use chili-lime seasoning instead of Cajun for a different flavor profile.
  • Swap shrimp for chicken, steak, or tofu.
  • Make it spicy with jalapeños or crushed red pepper.
  • Serve with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover shrimp and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for short intervals.
Tortillas should be stored separately and warmed just before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

Can I grill the shrimp instead of sautéing?

Absolutely—grilling adds great flavor.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate.

Are corn tortillas okay to use?

Yes, they work well and are a great gluten-free alternative.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, simply cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

How do I keep shrimp from overcooking?

Cook only until pink and opaque; shrimp cook very quickly.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

It’s better to use raw shrimp for flavor, but pre-cooked can be added at the end just to warm through.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, shredded cheese or queso fresco make great additions.

What other toppings pair well?

Sour cream, pico de gallo, salsa, and jalapeños all work wonderfully.

How do I warm tortillas?

Heat them in a dry skillet, microwave, or wrap in foil and warm in the oven.

Conclusion

Shrimp Fajitas are a fast, flavorful, and colorful meal that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. With a bright marinade, tender shrimp, and crisp veggies, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

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Shrimp Fajitas: A Flavorful Twist for Home Cooks

Shrimp Fajitas: A Flavorful Twist for Home Cooks

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Fast, vibrant shrimp fajitas made with a zesty Cajun-lime marinade, tender shrimp, and sautéed peppers—perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
  • Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lime juice
  • 1 tbsp Cajun spice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cups sliced bell peppers
  • 1 cup sliced onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (for topping)
  • 8 soft flour tortillas
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 2 lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lime juice, Cajun spice, and salt to form a marinade.
  2. Toss sliced bell peppers and onions with half of the marinade in a medium bowl.
  3. Pat shrimp dry and coat with the remaining marinade.
  4. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  5. In the same pan, sauté the marinated vegetables until tender and slightly caramelized.
  6. Return shrimp to the pan, add cilantro and a splash of lime juice, and gently stir to combine.
  7. Serve the shrimp and vegetables in warmed tortillas with avocado slices and lime wedges.

Notes

  • Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra vegetables.
  • Use chili-lime seasoning instead of Cajun for a twist.
  • Swap shrimp for chicken, steak, or tofu.
  • Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes for spice.
  • Serve with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 340
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 24 g
  • Cholesterol: 170 mg
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