Skillet shrimp fajitas are a colorful and tasty dish featuring juicy shrimp, bell peppers, and onions, all cooked together in one pan. They are great for a quick weeknight dinner!
These fajitas are not just easy to make, they’re also perfect for taco night! I love wrapping them in warm tortillas and adding my favorite toppings. Yum! 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp both work well. I prefer using large shrimp for a better texture. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can easily swap them out for chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
Spices: The blend of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika gives this dish its zing. If you want a bit more heat, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Don’t have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works too, though it will lack that smoky flavor.
Bell Peppers: Red and green peppers add color and sweetness. Feel free to mix in yellow or orange peppers for a sweeter taste. Zucchini or mushrooms could replace the peppers if you prefer something different.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas are soft and easy to use, but corn tortillas are gluten-free and add a nice texture. You can also make your own tortillas if you’re up for the challenge!
How Can You Ensure Your Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky, but with a bit of care, it’s easy. The goal is to have bright pink shrimp that are not overcooked. Here’s how to do it:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high. Make sure it’s hot before adding the shrimp.
- Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes on one side, then flip them over.
- Once they turn opaque and pink (about 1-2 more minutes), they’re done. Remove them right away!
Remember, shrimp cook fast, so watch them closely to avoid rubbery results. Enjoy your fajitas!
How to Make Skillet Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon 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 the Vegetables:
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced (preferably red or yellow)
For Serving:
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional, for garnish)
- Tortillas, for serving (flour or corn)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes of cooking time, totaling about 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until all the shrimp are well coated with the spices. This step makes sure your shrimp is flavorful!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they turn pink and start to char a little. Then, flip the shrimp over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they are fully cooked. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the onion. Sauté them for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender and may even have a little caramelization around the edges. This adds great flavor and a nice texture!
4. Combine and Heat Through:
Now, return the cooked shrimp back to the skillet with the sautéed veggies. Toss everything together and let it cook for another minute just to heat everything through. It smells amazing already!
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your skillet shrimp fajitas immediately on plates. Add slices of avocado, lime wedges, and sprinkle fresh cilantro on top if you like. Don’t forget to warm up your tortillas for serving! Enjoy your vibrant and tasty meal!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure they cook evenly.
What Can I Substitute for Bell Peppers?
If you don’t have bell peppers on hand, you can use other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even corn. Just keep in mind the cooking times may vary slightly. Cut them into similar sizes to ensure even cooking!
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If they seem dry, you can add a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
Yes! You can marinate the shrimp in the spices for a few hours or even overnight, which enhances the flavor. Just remember to cook the vegetables fresh right before serving for the best texture!
