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
- In a small bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, Cajun spice, and salt to make a marinade.
- Toss sliced bell peppers and onion with half of the marinade in a medium bowl.
- Pat shrimp dry and coat with the remaining marinade in a separate bowl.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Cook the shrimp until pink and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the marinated vegetables until tender and caramelized.
- Return the shrimp to the pan, add chopped cilantro and a splash of lime juice, and stir gently to combine.
- 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.
PrintShrimp Fajitas: A Flavorful Twist for Home Cooks
Fast, vibrant shrimp fajitas made with a zesty Cajun-lime marinade, tender shrimp, and sautéed peppers—perfect for a flavorful weeknight meal.
- 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
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lime juice, Cajun spice, and salt to form a marinade.
- Toss sliced bell peppers and onions with half of the marinade in a medium bowl.
- Pat shrimp dry and coat with the remaining marinade.
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté the marinated vegetables until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Return shrimp to the pan, add cilantro and a splash of lime juice, and gently stir to combine.
- 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