These Skillet Shrimp Fajitas are a fun and quick meal! Juicy shrimp mixed with colorful peppers and onions make each bite delicious. Plus, they cook up in just one pan!
Cooking these fajitas always brightens my day. I love serving them with warm tortillas, and who doesn’t enjoy assembling their own tacos? It’s a tasty fiesta on a plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp is the star of this dish. If you can’t find fresh shrimp, frozen works just fine! Just thaw it under cold water before using. I also love using jumbo shrimp for a heartier bite.
Bell Peppers: The mix of red and green bell peppers adds color and flavor. You can substitute with yellow or orange peppers for a sweeter taste. If you’re looking for something spicier, try using jalapeños!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give great flavor. If you’re out of smoked paprika, regular paprika is okay, but the smoky flavor will be missed. Adding a pinch of liquid smoke can help!
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing. You could also use avocado oil for a similar flavor with a higher smoke point. Both oils will work well to keep your shrimp tender.
How Do I Cook Shrimp Perfectly?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but with these tips, you’ll nail it! The key is to avoid overcooking. Shrimp cooks super quickly, and when they turn pink and opaque, they’re done.
- Preheat your skillet to medium-high and add olive oil for a nice sizzle.
- Add shrimp in a single layer without overcrowding—this helps them cook evenly.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Keep an eye on their color. If it’s pink and opaque, take them out!
Don’t worry if they look slightly undercooked when you remove them from the heat; they will continue to cook in the skillet with the veggies!
How to Make Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons 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 Serving:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious skillet shrimp fajita recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 15 minutes of cooking time, making the total about 30 minutes. It’s a quick and easy way to enjoy a tasty meal any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a large bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use your hands or a spoon to toss everything together until the shrimp are nicely coated with the spices. This adds wonderful flavors to your fajitas!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Now, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they turn pink and opaque. When they’re done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, it’s time to cook the veggies! Add the sliced red and green bell peppers and the sliced onion. Stir them around and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly charred. This helps to bring out their sweetness.
4. Combine and Heat:
Now that your veggies are ready, return the cooked shrimp to the skillet. Toss everything together until the shrimp and veggies are well mixed and heated through. This should take just about a minute, allowing all those fabulous flavors to meld together!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to dig in! Serve your warm shrimp fajitas topped with sliced avocado, freshly chopped cilantro (if you like), and lime wedges on the side for a zesty kick. Enjoy every bite of this quick and tasty dish!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes. Pat them dry before seasoning to avoid extra moisture in your skillet!
What if I Don’t Have Bell Peppers?
No worries! Feel free to substitute with other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn. Just cut them into similar-sized pieces so that they cook evenly. Cook them the same way as the bell peppers for that perfect fajita texture.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover fajitas in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally to heat evenly. You can also microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, checking to make sure they don’t overcook!
Can I Make These Fajitas Vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Replace shrimp with your favorite plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or even chickpeas. Just season and prepare them similarly to how you would the shrimp, adjusting the cooking time as needed to ensure everything is nicely cooked.
