Skillet Shrimp Fajitas are quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor! Juicy shrimp, bell peppers, and onions come together in one pan, making dinner a breeze.
These fajitas feel like a party on your plate! I love loading mine up with fresh toppings like avocado and salsa. It’s hard not to smile while enjoying this tasty dish! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Large shrimp are best for fajitas, but you can also use medium shrimp or even chicken if you prefer. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly. If seafood isn’t your thing, tofu or veggies can be a great swap!
Olive Oil: This adds healthy fat and flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil or vegetable oil works just as well. I personally love using light olive oil for a more delicate taste.
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika bring great heat and flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika can replace it, though it won’t have the same depth. Fresh garlic or onion can be swapped in for the powders, but you’ll want to adjust the quantity.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add sweetness and crunch. You can mix in other veggies like yellow bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn if you like. Frozen bell pepper strips can also work in a pinch.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and delicious, but corn tortillas are gluten-free and offer a different texture. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand!
How Do I Cook the Shrimp Just Right?
Cooking shrimp perfectly can be tricky, but here’s the simple trick. You want them to turn pink and become opaque, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes per side. This ensures they’re tender and not overcooked.
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the shrimp for a nice sear.
- Don’t crowd the skillet; cook them in batches if necessary. This helps them cook evenly.
- Once they’re cooked, remove them from the heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
How to Make Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
For Serving:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Tortillas (flour or corn)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe will take about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, making a total of around 25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Seasoning the Shrimp:
In a mixing bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the shrimp are well coated with the spices. This will give them a delicious flavor!
2. Cooking the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Once cooked, remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sautéing the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, without cleaning it, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté these vegetables for about 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender-crisp. This step adds a lovely sweetness and crunch to your fajitas!
4. Bringing It All Together:
Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through for an additional minute. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
5. Garnishing and Serving:
Remove the skillet from the heat and top the shrimp and veggies with slices of avocado and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty touch and warm tortillas for wrapping your fajitas.
6. Enjoy!
Now it’s time to dig in! Enjoy your flavorful skillet shrimp fajitas with friends or family—it’s a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but be sure to fully thaw them before cooking. The easiest way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag submerged in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry to prevent too much moisture in the skillet!
What if I Don’t Have All the Spices?
No worries! If you’re missing some spices, you can still make delicious fajitas. Try using a store-bought fajita seasoning mix as a substitute. Alternatively, a mix of paprika and a touch of cayenne pepper can work well for heat. Just adjust to your taste!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp fajitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the mixture on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems dry, you can add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist!
What Tortillas are Best for Serving?
Both flour and corn tortillas work great! Flour tortillas are soft and pliable, making them perfect for wrapping. Corn tortillas are a bit more traditional and have a nice flavor. You can warm them in a dry skillet or microwave beforehand for the best texture!
