Dinner in a jiffy – these Shrimp Fajitas are not only good for you, but can be done in under 30 minutes! Peppers, onions and fajita spiced shrimp are all cooked in one skillet for an easy dinner.
Looking for more 30 minute dinners? Try this Beef Enchilada Casserole, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, or General Tso’s Chicken.
I’ve always been a believer in moderation in all things. Serial dieting is not for me – I don’t do fad diets, or totally restrict sugar or carbs or anything from my diet. It just doesn’t work for me. I like food, and if I’m not able to splurge every now and then, it will never work for me in the long run.
But now that I’m a little older, I can definitely feel the changes in my body. So I’ve had to take that moderation in all things and tilt it just slightly to the healthier side. As much as I’d like to just eat anything I want, I just can’t do it anymore. I had gotten into the habit of lunch consisting of the leftovers on my kids’ plates, and the kids and I made way too many trips for sweets this summer. So I’m trying to be more conscious.
Part of that change is to make smarter decisions when it comes to meals so that I can have that piece of cake or try that new restaurant. And as it turns out, eating smart at home is pretty darn tasty. As proved by these Shrimp Fajitas.
30 Minute Shrimp Fajitas
Fajitas are a pretty normal thing at our house. And as much as I like chicken, sometimes you just need a break. Not only is shrimp a great way to change it up, but it’s also super easy and fast to cook. I tend to look to shrimp recipes when I’m looking for a fast and easy dinner – like these Shrimp Tacos with Chipotle Lime Crema . Or these Spicy Shrimp Bowls. Or these Shrimp Tostadas. Plus, I think that my kids actually like shrimp better than they like chicken. So it’s a winner!
Ingredients
Shrimp: You will want large, uncooked shrimp. I usually buy mine frozen, because that is what I can get where I live. If frozen, thaw the shrimp first.
Chili Powder, Salt, Cumin, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: This is the seasoning mix that I use. If you want, you can swap out spices, but I have not tested any other additions or subtractions.
Olive Oil: I use extra virgin olive oil. You could also use vegetable oil, or another oil of your choice.
Bell Peppers & Onions: I like to use a couple of different colors of peppers. And I like the red, orange, or yellow peppers best because they are a little sweeter than the green peppers. But all will work!
Salt: Salt can make or break a recipe – taste and season as needed!
Lime: The lime juice gives the dish the acidity it needs, and also adds in a little brightness.
Cilantro: I love cilantro, so I like a lot of it. If you don’t like it, you can leave it off.
Tortillas: I could really just eat this filling with a fork, but to serve them fajita style, you’ll need flour tortillas. We like the soft taco size.
How to Make Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
(make sure to get the full recipe in the recipe card below!)
These Skillet Shrimp Fajitas are super fast (dinner should be on the table in 30 minutes), they are packed with flavor, and they are low in calories. I don’t think you could find a better combination.
- Combine your shrimp with the spices and let it sit while you prepare everything else.
- Cook the onion and peppers in a large skillet until they are soft, then remove them from the skillet.
- Cook the shrimp in the same skillet. Cook them just until they are cooked through – you don’t want to overcook them.
- Add the veggies back to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Serve over tortillas with fajita toppings.
Tips and Tricks
I like to char my tortillas a bit before serving. I can do this on my gas stove, but if you don’t have a gas stove, you can warm them in a skillet.
We usually stick to just the peppers and onions, but feel free to throw in some mushrooms, as well!
Our favorite fajita toppings are avocado, sour cream, cilantro, pico de gallo, and shredded lettuce.
This is really best served right away, but if you do have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator in a covered container. When reheating, be careful to gently reheat, as the shrimp will get rubbery quite quickly.
More One Skillet Recipes
Skillet Butternut Squash Lasagna
Skillet Pasta with Sausage
Ramen Vegetable Beef Skillet
More Shrimp Recipes
Sheet Pan Balsamic Shrimp and Summer Vegetables
Chili Honey Garlic Shrimp Kabobs
Shrimp Fra Diavolo
Southwestern Shrimp Quinoa
Shrimp Alfredo
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Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil divided
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1/2 yellow onion halved and thinly sliced into half moons
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- juice of half a lime
- cilantro
- tortillas and other fajita toppings if desired
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, chili powder, salt, cumin, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Stir to combine and let sit for about 15 minutes.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, onion and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Saute the peppers and onions until they are slightly softened, about 4 minutes. Remove the peppers and onions from the skillet to a plate.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil to the same skillet. Add the shrimp mixture and cook until the shrimp are just cooked through, 4-5 minutes. Squeeze the lime juice over the shrimp. Add the peppers and onions back to the skillet and cook an additional minute to warm through.
- Sprinkle the fajita mixture with cilantro. Serve on tortillas with desired fajita toppings.
Patricia Smith says
Will definitely make this again – delicious
Tiffany says
This recipe was delicious and very simple to make. Will definitely be adding it to the meal rotations!
Deborah says
I’m so glad you loved it – thanks for the review!
Margie Mentz says
We loved this! It’s a keeper!!
lois says
Why do you say it must be flour tortillas? As there is only one review there are no comments on this.
Deborah says
You are welcome to use any tortillas you would like. Fajitas are typically served with flour tortillas, so that is what we make them with. But you can for sure use whatever you would like!
Jessica says
Made this when my husband was one of those moods – slump and uninspired by all dinner options. He was so surprised. Said it’s the best thing I’ve ever made. Thank you!
Delicious and actually easy to make.
Rahul gupta says
Made it and loved it!
Karly says
Oh yes! This is thee perfect weeknight dinner. Looks delicious, simple and satisfying.
Deborah says
Simple and satisfying is right! 🙂