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Juicy shrimp, tender veggies, and a zesty spice blend make this shrimp fajita recipe one of the best quick healthy dinners! You may have tried chicken fajitas or Instant Pot steak fajitas, but this version with shrimp is just as juicy and delicious and cooks even faster… and has zesty flavors just like shrimp ceviche. See the easy method below, plus the best ways to serve this dish!
Shrimp Fajitas Recipe: Why You’ll Love It
- Spiced fajita flavor
- Tender, juicy shrimp and veggies
- Ready in less than 30 minutes
- Naturally low in carbohydrates, paleo, and Whole30
- A delicious take on a Mexican favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for this fajita shrimp recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
For The Shrimp Fajita Marinade:
- Fajita Seasoning – This is a mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and several other spices. I make my own shrimp fajita seasoning, but you can use any packaged mix if you prefer — just look out for mixes with added sugar or fillers. My seaoning mix includes salt, but if yours does not, add 3/4 teaspoon of salt per pound of shrimp. Taco seasoning will also work in a pinch!
- Olive Oil – We’ll also use some olive oil to cook the fajita veggies. You can swap it with any other neutral oil, such as avocado oil, if you prefer.
- Lime Juice – Fresh lime juice is so flavorful here, but you can also use a bottled lime juice for faster prep.
- Minced Garlic – Mince it fresh, or use jarred garlic for convenience.
For The Fajitas:
- Shrimp – I used large shrimp 30/40, peeled and deveined with tails on. (I recommend cooking with tails on because the shrimp is more flavorful that way, even though you won’t eat the tails.) You can get larger or smaller shrimp, but cook time will vary slightly.
- Onion – White onions are a classic choice, but other colors will work as well.
- Bell Peppers – Use your favorite color peppers, with smooth skin and no nicks.
- Olive Oil – For creating a delicious caramelized char on the veggies. Again, other neutral oils will work fine.
- Garnishes – Lime wedges and fresh cilantro, optional.
How To Make Shrimp Fajitas
This section shows how to make shrimp fajitas, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below.
- Marinate. In a bowl, add shrimp, homemade fajita seasoning, 2 tablespoons of oil, lime juice, and minced garlic. Toss to coat and set aside to marinate.
TIP: Marinate shrimp for at least 15 minutes, but no longer than 30 minutes.
If you marinate for longer than 30 minutes, the shrimp will turn into ceviche and become “cooked” from the acid in the lime juice.
- Cook vegetables. Heat remaining oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add peppers and onions. Saute until softened and stir occasionally as you do. Set aside and cover to keep warm.
- Cook shrimp. Using the same pan, add shrimp and cook until pink and opaque, turning once.
- Finish. Return onions and peppers to the pan and toss to combine. Top with garnishes if desired, and serve immediately.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers covered in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Reheat in a warm skillet (or in the microwave on 50% power if you must). Be careful not to overheat the shrimp, which will make them rubbery.
Can You Freeze Shrimp Fajitas?
Although you can safely freeze cooked shrimp fajitas for later, it’s best to enjoy them fresh. The texture will change after thawing and it will be easier to overcook the shrimp.
What To Serve With Shrimp Fajitas
Serve shrimp fajitas with all the fixings, plus these easy sides:
- Warm Tortillas – Corn or flour tortillas are classic choices, but I admit I often enjoy these in their low carb form without any tortilla at all, as a shrimp fajita bowl over greens or cauli rice, or with coconut wraps or almond flour tortillas. They even work stuffed into cheese taco shells!
- Toppings – Shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado (or guacamole!), fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. Pico de gallo or salsa also goes well — either regular tomato salsa or avocado salsa verde.
- Sides – Try rice, cauliflower rice, or taco slaw.
More Easy Shrimp Recipes
This shrimp fajitas recipe cooks up super fast, just like these other tasty shrimp dishes:
Tools To Make Shrimp Fajitas
- Cast Iron Skillet – Cast iron helps fajitas cook evenly and get a golden exterior.
- Food Storage Containers – Perfect for leftovers.
Easy Shrimp Fajita Recipe
Shrimp Fajitas Recipe (With Easy Marinade!)
This shrimp fajita recipe delivers a fast, filling dinner in less than 30 minutes! Learn the easy way to make shrimp fajitas with the perfect marinade and the best topping ideas.
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Ingredients
Tap underlined ingredients to see where to get them. Please turn Safari reader mode OFF to view ingredients.
Instructions
Tap on the times in the instructions below to start a kitchen timer while you cook.
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In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, fajita seasoning, 2 tablespoons (29 ml) olive oil, lime juice, and minced garlic. Toss the ingredients until the shrimp is well coated.
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Set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes, but no more than 30 minutes. Do not marinate for longer, or the shrimp will "cook" (like ceviche).
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Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bell peppers and onions. Saute for 4-5 minutes, until softened. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
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In that same skillet, add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn pink and opaque.
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Add the onions and peppers back to the skillet and give it a good toss.
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Recipe Notes
Serving size: 1 cup, or 1/4 of entire recipe
Nutrition facts are provided as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see our nutrition policy.
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13 Comments
Marci
0Best homemade fajitas ever!! Will be making these often, thank you!
IrishRosie
0Absolutely Loved this recipe! Had family and friends over and they all Loved it! Will definitely make it again.
Melissa
0This recipe is perfect. My family loved it. So much flavor! So far every recipe of your’s that I try has been delicious!
Melissa
0Another perfect recipe! The whole family loved it. 🥰
Cami
0Love this recipe so much! Thanks for sharing!
Glenda
0Yum! These were perfect for our Friday night get-together! Will definitely be using this recipe again. Thank you!
Scarlet
0This shrimp fajitas recipe was simple and loaded with flavor. Yum!
Gen
0Simple, easy, and quick – exactly what I needed on a weeknight! Thanks for the great recipe.
Kristen
0These fajitas were so good. I have never thought of using shrimp in them before but it definitely works and were delicious.
Kristyn
0What a delicious way to use shrimp! It definitely takes the average fajita up a notch! Each bite is packed with so much flavor!
Toni
0I love how easy this is to make!! A new favorite at my house!
Patty Kenner
0Hi Maya, Can this be made with frozen cooked shrimp?
Wholesome Yum D
0Hi Patty, Yes, that would work.