Description
These Shrimp Fajitas are a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty cajun and lime marinade, sautéed with crisp bell peppers and onions. Served with warm flour tortillas, fresh avocado slices, and tangy jalapeno ranch, this recipe offers a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and fresh flavors. Quick to prepare and ideal for a lively weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Fajita Marinade Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp lime juice (from 1/2 lime)
- 1 Tbsp cajun spice
- 1/2 tsp salt
Shrimp Fajita Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced
- 1/2 medium onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2-3 tsp lime juice (from 1/2 lime)
To Serve:
- 8 small flour tortillas
- Jalapeno Ranch dressing
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 Tbsp lime juice, 1 Tbsp cajun spice, and 1/2 tsp salt until well combined.
- Marinate Vegetables: Slice bell peppers and onion into 1/3 inch strips and place in a medium bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the veggies and toss to coat evenly.
- Marinate Shrimp: Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels. In a separate medium bowl, combine the shrimp with the remaining half of the marinade, mixing to ensure full coverage.
- Cook Shrimp: Heat a large heavy skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 Tbsp oil. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer and sauté for 1-2 minutes per side, cooking until shrimp turn opaque and are cooked through. Remove shrimp promptly to a plate to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Using the same pan, add the marinated bell peppers and onions. Cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are soft and have golden-brown edges. Turn off heat.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked shrimp to the pan with vegetables. Stir in 1/4 cup chopped cilantro and squeeze fresh lime juice (2-3 tsp) over the mixture. Toss gently to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Warm or toast the flour tortillas as preferred. Serve the shrimp fajita mixture on tortillas topped with sliced avocado and drizzled with jalapeno ranch sauce. Garnish with lime wedges for extra zest.
Notes
- To Warm Tortillas: Wrap a stack of 5 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave in 30-second intervals until warm.
- To Toast Tortillas: Place tortillas individually on a hot dry skillet, griddle, low gas flame, or grill for about 15 seconds per side until lightly browned.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
