These Easy Shrimp Fajitas are full of yummy shrimp, colorful peppers, and sweet onions. They cook up quickly, making them perfect for a tasty weeknight dinner!
I love how the bright veggies make my plate look like a fiesta! 🎉 Sometimes, I even double the shrimp because they disappear fast—everyone wants more!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Using large shrimp is great for this recipe because they cook quickly and are easy to handle. If you’re allergic, try chicken or firm tofu instead, but adjust cooking time accordingly!
Peppers: Red, green, and yellow peppers give a colorful look and sweet flavor. If you’re out of one color, use any bell pepper or even jalapeños for a spicy kick!
Onion: A large onion provides sweetness when sautéed, balancing the spices. If you want something milder, consider using sweet onions or green onions.
Spices: Cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika give a nice depth. If you’re out of any, taco seasoning can also work well! Feel free to adjust according to your spice preference.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to fold, while corn tortillas are gluten-free and slightly firmer. Choose what you love best!
How to Perfectly Sauté the Peppers and Onions?
Getting the veggies just right makes all the difference in flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Use medium-high heat for a nice sear. This helps bring out the natural sweetness and flavor.
- Add a bit of oil before throwing in the onions and peppers. It keeps them from sticking and helps with browning.
- Sauté for 5-7 minutes until they are tender and slightly charred. Stir occasionally but let them sit a bit to develop those brown bits!
These tips will ensure your fajitas are colorful and delicious!
Easy Shrimp Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lime
- 8 small flour tortillas or corn tortillas
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
- Avocado or guacamole
- Salsa
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend 10-15 minutes marinating the shrimp and then 15 minutes cooking everything. Perfect for a quick and tasty dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together to coat the shrimp nicely. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prep the veggies.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add in the sliced onions and bell peppers. Sauté these colorful veggies for about 5-7 minutes until they’re tender and have a nice slight char. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Shrimp:
In the same skillet, add the last tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink and are fully cooked.
4. Combine and Flavor:
Return the sautéed peppers and onions back into the skillet with the shrimp. Stir everything together and squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture. Cook for an additional minute to let the flavors blend beautifully.
5. Warm the Tortillas:
While everything is cooking, warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds. This makes them soft and easy to fold.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, place the shrimp and veggie mixture on the warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings like fresh cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, avocado, or salsa. Enjoy your delicious fajitas!
FAQs for Easy Shrimp Fajitas with Peppers and Onions
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just be sure to thaw them completely before marinating. Thaw shrimp in the refrigerator overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for quicker results. Pat them dry to avoid excess moisture during cooking.
What Vegetables Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have certain peppers, feel free to use whatever you have on hand! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn work great in fajitas. Just make sure to adjust cooking times depending on the veggies you choose.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture on the skillet or in the microwave. You might want to add a splash of lime juice for freshness!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños to the shrimp marinade for some extra heat. Additionally, consider topping your fajitas with spicy salsa or hot sauce to amp up the flavor!
