Easy Shrimp Fajitas! These flavorful fajitas are made with warmed flour tortillas layered with seasoned, quick seared shrimp, sautéed vibrant peppers and onions, and all of your favorite toppings. In other words bring on the guacamole!
Shrimp recipes are perfect for weeknight meals because not only are shrimp a good source of lean protein and so tasty, but they also cook super fast. This makes them the perfect addition to weeknight fajitas!
Chicken fajitas are a staple in our home but it’s fun to switch things up with a new flavor and texture by using shrimp. And shrimp fajitas are great for the days you don’t plan ahead because they don’t require marinating hours in advance like chicken or beef fajitas.
Here you simply toss the shrimp with zesty lime and Mexican spices and pan sear for a few minutes. And serve paired with those quick sautéed peppers and onions and toppings of your choosing. And if you happen to have any leftover save for meal prep and serve over cilantro lime rice!
Shrimp Fajita Ingredients
For this easy fajita recipe, you’ll need:
- Shrimp
- Fresh lime juice
- Chili powder
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
- Onion
- Bell peppers
- Garlic
- Fresh cilantro
- Flour tortillas
- Avocado and queso fresco (optional)
How to Make Shrimp Fajitas
- First you’ll toss the shrimp with fresh lime juice and seasoning (chili powder, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper).
- Then you’ll saute the onions and peppers in a skillet in little oil.
- Remove the veggies and saute the shrimp in that same skillet.
- Sprinkle in cilantro and serve in warmed tortillas with avocados or guacamole and cheese if desired.
Could it get any easier? Everyone will love these Mexican fajitas and you’ll love how easy they are to make!
How to Tell When Shrimp are Cooked
Raw shrimp are slightly gray in color — you’ll know when it’s done cooking when the shrimp are pink and opaque. They cook quickly in a hot skillet only needing a few minutes to cook.
Can I Use a Pre-Made Spice Blend for Fajitas?
Whenever making shrimp fajitas at home I don’t recommend using a store-bought fajita seasoning or taco seasoning for unless you have one that is salt-free. Otherwise your shrimp may end up way too salty and it will ruin the dish.
What to Serve with Shrimp Fajitas
These are best with traditional Mexican side dishes such as these:
Helpful Tips
Making shrimp fajitas without tails: I recommend preparing the dish with shrimp tails removed for an easier eating experience and overall better texture. They are only left here in the photos for the best presentation since they look a little better this way, but it is the best option to remove them before cooking.
Shrimp size: If you want smaller shrimp you can use “medium” shrimp or use “large” shrimp then chop them up (in approximately thirds) before or after cooking.
Best tortillas to use: If you want the ultimate fajitas and time allows I highly recommend serving these on homemade flour tortillas. If you need a gluten free shrimp fajita serve them over warmed corn tortillas. I like to cook store-bought corn tortillas in a little olive oil until light golden brown spots appear on each side in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Keeping fajita filling warm: You wouldn’t want to keep shrimp fajitas cooking over low heat on the stove to keep warm because this will end up overcooking the shrimp. Instead remove from heat, cover, then if needed rewarm briefly on the stovetop when ready to serve. Don’t however leave at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
Keeping tortillas warm: Tortillas can be kept warm stacked and wrapped in foil and set in a 200 degree oven. Or wrap in a barely damp tea towel after warming.
More Easy Mexican Recipes to Try
Shrimp Fajitas
We all love chicken fajitas but it’s time to switch things up with these easy Shrimp Fajitas! These don’t require any marinating yet they are still so flavorful. And you still get that classic pepper and onion addition that gives them their classic Tex Mex flair and those enticing colors.
Servings: 4
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Dab shrimp with paper towels to help dry some of the excess moisture, place in a medium mixing bowl.
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Add in lime juice, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper and toss, set aside.
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Heat 1 1/2 Tbsp olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron pan or non-stick skillet.
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Add in onions and saute 2 minutes then add in bell peppers, season with salt and pepper and saute until crisp tender, about 5 – 7 minutes longer.
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Transfer peppers to a sheet of foil and wrap to keep warm. Return skillet to heat and add in remaining olive oil.
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Season shrimp with salt and pepper (about 1/2 tsp of each) and toss, add to skillet and cook 1 1/2 minutes.
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Add garlic to skillet and toss, then cook shrimp through, about 1 – 2 minutes longer.
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Toss in cilantro then serve filling over tortillas along with avocado slices and queso fresco if desired.
**I used 2/3 of a red, yellow and green to equal 2 peppers.
Nutrition Facts
Shrimp Fajitas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 479
Calories from Fat 153
% Daily Value*
Fat 17g26%
Saturated Fat 2g13%
Cholesterol 428mg143%
Sodium 1760mg77%
Potassium 414mg12%
Carbohydrates 38g13%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 6g7%
Protein 40g80%
Vitamin A 2330IU47%
Vitamin C 87.4mg106%
Calcium 330mg33%
Iron 6.5mg36%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
