Shrimp Fajitas

INTRODUCTION

Shrimp Fajitas are a delicious and easy meal that are perfect for any occasion. They combine juicy shrimp, colorful peppers, and tasty spices, all wrapped in warm tortillas. This dish is quick to make and offers a burst of flavor in every bite. Whether you are hosting friends or just want a tasty dinner, Shrimp Fajitas are an excellent choice.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons to love Shrimp Fajitas. First, they are quick to prepare, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish. This makes them a great option for busy weeknights. Second, they are packed with flavor. The shrimp are marinated in lime juice and spices, giving them a zesty taste that pairs perfectly with the sweet bell peppers and onions. Third, this recipe is customizable. You can add your favorite toppings, like avocado or queso fresco, to suit your taste. Lastly, fajitas are fun to eat! You can fill your tortillas exactly how you like them, making each bite unique.

HOW TO MAKE Shrimp Fajitas

Making Shrimp Fajitas is simple and straightforward. Just gather your ingredients and follow these easy steps to create a flavorful meal.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

To make Shrimp Fajitas, you will need a few basic kitchen tools:

• Medium mixing bowl
• 12-inch cast iron pan or non-stick skillet
• Spoon for stirring
• Paper towels for drying the shrimp
• Foil for keeping the peppers warm

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Shrimp Fajitas, gather these ingredients:

• 1 1/2 lbs large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 tsp chili powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 Tbsp olive oil or vegetable oil, divided
• 1 small yellow or red onion, halved and sliced
• 2 bell peppers, any color
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
• 8 medium flour tortillas, warmed
• Sliced avocado (optional)
• Crumbled queso fresco (optional)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start by dabbing the shrimp with paper towels to dry some of the excess moisture. Place the shrimp in a medium mixing bowl. Add the lime juice, chili powder, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss the shrimp to coat them in the spices and set aside.

2. Sauté the Onions and Peppers: Heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a 12-inch cast iron pan or non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté for 2 minutes. Then add the sliced bell peppers, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Sauté until the peppers are crisp-tender, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, transfer the peppers to a sheet of foil and wrap them to keep warm.

3. Cook the Shrimp: Return the skillet to heat and add the remaining olive oil. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper (about 1/2 teaspoon of each) and toss to coat. Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 1 1/2 minutes on one side.

4. Add Garlic: Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet and toss it with the shrimp. Cook the shrimp through for about 1 to 2 minutes longer or until they turn pink and opaque.

5. Finish and Serve: Toss in the chopped cilantro, giving everything a final stir. Serve the shrimp filling over warmed tortillas. Add sliced avocado and crumbled queso fresco on top if desired.

HOW TO SERVE Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp Fajitas can be served in many fun ways. Begin by placing the warm tortillas on a big plate. Then, add a generous scoop of the shrimp mixture on each tortilla. Top with the sautéed peppers and onions. If you like, add a few slices of avocado and sprinkle some crumbled queso fresco on top. You can also serve salsa, sour cream, or hot sauce on the side for extra flavor. Fajitas are great for sharing, so feel free to set everything on the table and let everyone build their own.

STORAGE & FREEZING Shrimp Fajitas

Leftover Shrimp Fajitas can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To keep your shrimp and vegetables fresh and tasty, try to store them separately from the tortillas. If you want to freeze the shrimp mixture, place it in a freezer-safe bag and store it for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. When you are ready to eat, reheat the shrimp and veggies in a skillet and serve with fresh tortillas.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

With Shrimp Fajitas, there are many delicious sides you might consider. Some great options include:

• A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Mexican rice or cilantro lime rice
• Refried beans or black beans
• Corn on the cob, either grilled or boiled
• Chips and guacamole for an appetizer

VARIATIONS

Shrimp Fajitas are easy to customize based on your preferences. Here are a few ideas to change things up:

• Different Proteins: You can use chicken, beef, or tofu instead of shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time based on the protein you choose.

• Spicy Option: If you enjoy spicy food, consider adding more cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the skillet.

• Extra Veggies: Feel free to add more vegetables to the mix. Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach can be great additions.

• Different Tortillas: Instead of flour tortillas, you can use corn tortillas or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating.

2. How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can replace shrimp with portobello mushrooms or another favorite veggie like tofu to create a vegetarian version.

3. What toppings would you recommend?
You can top your fajitas with sliced avocado, crumbled queso fresco, sour cream, salsa, or fresh cilantro.

4. Can Shrimp Fajitas be cooked on the grill?
Absolutely! You can skewered the marinated shrimp and grill them for a delicious smoky flavor.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Shrimp Fajitas

If you want to save time, you can make parts of the Shrimp Fajitas ahead of time. You can marinate the shrimp in lime juice and spices a couple of hours before cooking. Store them in the refrigerator until ready to grill or sauté. You can also chop the vegetables in advance and keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. This will make dinner preparation quick and easy on the day you plan to enjoy your Shrimp Fajitas.

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