If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors, super quick to prepare, and guaranteed to please everyone at the table, then this Easy Shrimp Fajitas Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy shrimp marinated in zesty fajita seasoning sear quickly in a hot pan, complemented perfectly by the sweet crunch of grilled corn, fresh lettuce, and creamy guacamole all wrapped in warm, soft corn tortillas. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, this recipe effortlessly combines bold tastes and simple steps, making it a new favorite you’ll want to keep on repeat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are incredibly simple but they each play a crucial role in building the delicious layers of flavor and texture in this Easy Shrimp Fajitas Recipe. From the succulent shrimp to the bright, fresh veggies, every element adds its own special touch.
- 1.10 lbs. shrimp: Defrosted and drained, shrimp bring that tender, slightly sweet seafood base to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps to lightly coat and cook the shrimp while adding richness.
- 1 small onion (sliced): Adds a bit of sharpness and sweetness when cooked with the shrimp.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Gives a fragrant punch that elevates the savory profile.
- 2 oz Fajita seasoning: The secret blend of spices that brings all the bold Tex-Mex flavor you want.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro (chopped): Provides a fresh herbal brightness to balance out the spices.
- 8 small corn tortillas: Soft, warm wraps that hold all the tasty fillings, offering a slightly sweet and hearty texture.
- Lettuce (cut in ribbons): Adds crispness and a cool contrast to the warm shrimp.
- Red onion (sliced): Offers a little crunch and sharpness in every bite.
- Cherry tomato (halves): Brings sweet juiciness and vibrant color.
- Sweet corn (grilled): Adds a smoky sweetness that complements the shrimp wonderfully.
- Guacamole: Creamy and tangy, it’s the perfect topping to round out the flavors.
- Limes (quartered): Provide a fresh squeeze of acidity to brighten the whole dish.
How to Make Easy Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the shrimp
Start by patting the shrimp dry with a kitchen towel; this simple step ensures they’ll sear nicely and develop a beautiful color rather than steaming in the pan. Dry shrimp will give you that perfect snap and texture we all love.
Step 2: Marinate the shrimp
In a large bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, sliced onion, minced garlic, and the fajita seasoning mix. This quick marinade not only infuses the shrimp with amazing flavors but also slightly softens the onion and garlic, preparing them to meld perfectly during cooking.
Step 3: Cook the shrimp
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add the shrimp mixture immediately for a quick sear. Let the shrimp cook undisturbed until they turn a vibrant pink on one side, about 1.5 minutes, then flip and cook the other side the same way. It should take roughly 3 minutes total. Remove from heat once cooked through—overcooked shrimp can become rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
Step 4: Warm the tortillas and assemble
Warm each corn tortilla in a dry non-stick skillet for about 10-15 seconds on each side. This step brings out their natural sweetness and makes them pliable for wrapping. Then it’s time to layer: start with lettuce and red onion ribbons, add a generous portion of the sizzling shrimp, and top with juicy cherry tomato halves, grilled sweet corn, dollops of creamy guacamole, and a squeeze of fresh lime for that perfect zesty finish.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy
Dish up the fajitas immediately while everything is still warm and fresh—the combination of tender shrimp, crisp veggies, and creamy guacamole is simply unbeatable at this stage. Gather your friends or family around and dig in!
How to Serve Easy Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
Boost your Easy Shrimp Fajitas Recipe by adding some garnishes that bring flavor and texture contrasts. Crumbled queso fresco, a sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro, or thin slices of avocado are fantastic choices. Don’t forget an extra lime wedge on the side for those who love an extra tangy kick!
Side Dishes
To make your meal truly memorable, serve these shrimp fajitas with simple yet complementary sides. Consider a fresh Mexican-style street corn salad, a light black bean and corn salad, or a bowl of cilantro-lime rice to soak up any leftover juices. These sides balance the boldness of the fajitas without overpowering them.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the shrimp fajitas family-style on a large platter, letting everyone build their own. Or get creative by turning the filling into a colorful fajita salad for a lower-carb option, layering all the ingredients over a bed of lettuce and serving with tortilla chips on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply place the cooked shrimp and veggies in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the tortillas separately wrapped in foil or plastic wrap to maintain their softness.
Freezing
While shrimp fajitas taste freshest when made just before serving, you can freeze the cooked shrimp mixture in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing the tortillas and fresh toppings; add them fresh when reheating the shrimp.
Reheating
To reheat your leftovers, gently warm the shrimp mixture in a pan over medium heat to avoid overcooking. Warm tortillas separately in a skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. Then add fresh veggies and your favorite garnishes before enjoying again!
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp directly without defrosting?
It’s best to defrost and pat shrimp dry before cooking so they cook evenly and develop a nice sear. Using frozen shrimp straight from the freezer can lead to uneven texture and excess moisture.
What if I don’t have fajita seasoning?
No worries! You can easily make your own by combining chili powder, paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This homemade blend works beautifully and lets you adjust to your taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Using corn tortillas, as recommended, naturally keeps this dish gluten-free. Just double-check any store-bought seasoning blends to ensure they don’t contain gluten additives.
How spicy is this Easy Shrimp Fajitas Recipe?
The fajita seasoning gives a mild to moderate spice level, making it approachable for most palates. You can always add fresh jalapeño slices or hot sauce to spice things up if you like.
Can I substitute the shrimp with chicken or vegetables?
Definitely! This recipe translates well to chicken strips or a mix of hearty vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Adjust cooking times accordingly, but the seasoning and assembly stay just as delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Shrimp Fajitas Recipe is truly one of those magical meals that checks all the boxes: quick, flavorful, and satisfying. I hope you give it a try soon and discover how simple ingredients can come together to create something so delightful. Sharpen your skillet and get ready to enjoy shrimp fajitas that feel like an instant celebration on your plate!
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Easy Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Shrimp Fajitas recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender shrimp are seasoned with fajita spices and seared to pink perfection, then served with fresh vegetables, grilled sweet corn, and creamy guacamole wrapped in warm corn tortillas. This dish delivers vibrant Tex-Mex flavors in just 25 minutes, making it a delicious and satisfying choice for four people.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Seasoning
- 1.10 lbs. (500 g) shrimp, defrosted and drained
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 oz fajita seasoning mix
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
Fajita Assembly
- 8 small corn tortillas
- Lettuce, cut into ribbons
- Red onion, sliced
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- Sweet corn, grilled
- Guacamole
- 4 limes, quartered
Instructions
- Pat shrimp dry: Use a kitchen towel to gently pat the shrimp dry, removing excess moisture to ensure proper searing.
- Mix shrimp and seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, sliced onion, minced garlic, and fajita seasoning. Toss well to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Sear the shrimp: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat until very hot and just starting to smoke. Add the shrimp mixture and cook for about 3 minutes, allowing the shrimp to become pink and cooked through on both sides. Remove from heat once done.
- Warm tortillas and assemble fajitas: Heat each corn tortilla in a non-stick skillet for 10-15 seconds per side to make them pliable. Lay a tortilla flat and layer with lettuce ribbons and sliced red onions, then add the seared shrimp. Top with halved cherry tomatoes, grilled sweet corn, a scoop of guacamole, and finish with a squeeze of lime juice.
- Serve immediately: Serve the shrimp fajitas while warm to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors at their best.
Notes
- You can substitute corn tortillas with flour tortillas if preferred.
- For extra heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- Use freshly made fajita seasoning or store-bought for convenience.
- Grill the sweet corn on a grill pan or outdoor grill for a smoky flavor.
- Leftover shrimp fajitas can be wrapped tightly and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
