Name: Simple Shrimp Fajitas
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound raw frozen shrimp (thawed (deveined, peeled, tail-on)); 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 1-2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 red bell pepper (cut into strips); 1 orange bell pepper (cut into strips); 1 yellow bell pepper (cut into strips); 1 large onion (cut into thin strips); 1-2 tablespoons cumin; salt and pepper; juice of one lime; Cooked fresh tortillas; Grated cheese; Your favorite salsa or pico de gallo; Black beans; Avocado

Shrimp, onion, and bell peppers are cooked and seasoned to create a bright, fresh, and warm dish!Shrimp fajitascan be ready in 20 minutes and are the perfect weeknight meal.

shrimp fajitas served over flour tortillas on a plate with fresh veggies all around.

Shrimp fajitas are definitely a recipe that you should add to your go-to list of meals that can be ready in 20 minutes or less! This dish is simple and easy to make but carries so much flavor, which is why I always go back to it.

Shrimp fajitas have a bright and fresh flavor that can be complimented by a wide variety of toppings. Full of veggies and protein, this meal comes together in no time and will be a hit with the whole family every single time!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Using shrimp is a fun way to take a classic fajita recipe and add a seafood twist.
The veggies are perfectly seasoned and cooked for a nice crisp texture.
You can add a variety of different toppings and customize your fajitas.

Recipe Ingredients

portion bowls each with digitally labeled raw ingredients to make Shrimp Fajitas.

Shrimp—Deveined and peeled.
Olive Oil—To cook the shrimp and veggies.
Minced Garlic—You can also use garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
Bell Peppers—We use one of each color: red, orange, and yellow.
White Onion—Cut into thin strips.
Cumin—To season the dish with a warm, earthy flavor.
Salt and Pepper—Measure with your heart here!
Lime Juice—To add a nice, bright flavor to your dish.

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

How to Make Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp Fajitas in a pan in the process of cooking.

Step #1.Preheat a large pan over medium heat. Add the butter and garlic and stir until the butter is melted. Add the shrimp to the pan.

Step #2.Cook until the shrimp turns pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan and wipe it clean.

Step #3.Throw in the peppers and onions to the pan. Cook until the peppers are tender and crisp. Add the cumin, salt, pepper, and lime juice. Stir to combine.

Step #4.Add the shrimp back to the pan, stir, and cook until the shrimp are warm again. Serve with your choice of toppings and enjoy!

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the shrimp?

Of course! Fajitas taste wonderful with different types of meat or protein. If you are not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with chicken or steak. Be sure to season and cook the meat properly before adding it to your fajita mix. You can also use leftover meat if you are in a hurry or have some on hand. I would avoid using any type of ground meat, as that will change the texture and feeling of the finished dish!

What should I put in my fajitas?

There are so many toppings you can use for fajitas! Our favorite way to assemble the fajitas is to lay everything out buffet style, and allow everyone to make and customize their own. We tend to start out with a tortilla, then add the shrimp fajita mix. You can throw in some cheese, salsa or pico de gallo, black beans, or avocado. Wrap it all up and you are good to go!

Why is my shrimp tough?

Your shrimp will most likely become tough if it has been overcooked. Once it is done, the exterior of the shrimp should be pink and the flesh opaque. It is important to note that it only takes about 2-3 minutes for shrimp to cook, depending on the size. But stir often and keep an eye on the color, and remove as soon as it’s done to avoid tough or rubbery shrimp! You should also be cautious as you reheat your shrimp. It is best to reheat it slowly on the stovetop, otherwise quick heat can affect the texture of the shrimp as well.

How to Serve and Store Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp fajitas are kind of an all-in-one package! They can be served as a lunch or dinner, and we typically don’t worry about any side dishes as they are very filling on their own. However, you can add fresh fruit or rice on the side if you’d like. Add a garnish of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice for extra zest. You can serve with these yummyhomemade tortilla chipsorwhole wheat tortillas.

Transfer any leftover shrimp fajita mix to an airtight container, and store in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It is best to store the fajita mix on its own, ready to assemble once it has been reheated!

Expert Tips

You can either use fresh or frozen raw shrimp in this recipe. If you decide to use frozen, make sure to safely thaw it before you start cooking.
While the vegetables are cooking,you can remove the tails from the shrimp if they come with them on!
When you cook the onion and bell peppers,be sure that the oven is set to a medium high heat, to avoid the veggies from becoming soggy. The heat will keep them crisp yet still tender.
If you are using frozen shrimp then it will take a little longer to cook, but will taste just as good!
If you don’t have fresh garlic thenyou can use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder for each clove of minced garlic you are replacing.