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Spicy Shrimp Fajitas with a bold kick of flavor in every bite!
Why head out for Mexican when you can whip up sizzling shrimp fajitas at home in no time? These juicy shrimp are seared in a hot pan with smoky, savory spices that bring out new textures and mouthwatering flavor. Tucked into soft, warm tortilla and loaded with your favorite toppings, this is one shrimp fajitas recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

What Makes These Shrimp Fajitas Work
What sets these shrimp fajitas apart is the perfect balance of spice, sizzle, and simplicity. The shrimp are quickly marinated bold, smoky seasoning, then flash-cooked in a hot pan to lock in flavor and keep them perfectly tender. That quick sear gives them a delicious char while preserving their juicy bite.
Paired with caramelized onions and colorful bell peppers, the result is a vibrant pan of spicy shrimp fajitas that feel like a restaurant-style treat, without the fuss. It’s a fast, flexible seafood fajitas recipe that works just as well for weeknights as it does for casual entertaining.
What Goes Into These Shrimp Fajitas

These Shrimp Fajitas come together with a flavorful mix of spices, fresh vegetables, and just a splash of citrus and optional tequila for extra depth.
- Shrimp (16/20 count): Large shrimp cook quickly and stay juicy and tender, making them perfect for high-heat searing.
- Smoked Paprika: Adds bold smoky flavor that mimics a grill, enhancing the fajita seasoning blend.
- Bell Peppers and Onion: Classic fajita vegetable that caramelize beautifully in the pan and bring sweet-savory balance.
- Lime Juice and Zest: Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness for a fresh, zesty finish.
Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for a full list of ingredients with measurements.
How To Make These Shrimp Fajitas

- Marinate the Shrimp In a bowl, combine shrimp, paprika, cumin, garlic, onion, and chili powder, salt, pepper, lime juice and zest, tequila, jalapeno, and olive oil.

- Heat the Skillet Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and let it heat until just beginning to smoke.

- Sear the Shrimp Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2 minutes. Flip and cook for another minute until just cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate.

- Sauté the Onions and Garlic Add 1 tablespoon oil in the pan. Sauté the garlic and onion for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly softened.

- Add the Mushrooms Toss in the mushrooms and sauté for another minute. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to develop flavor.

- Cook the Bell Peppers Add the remaining tablespoon of oil, then stir in the sliced bell peppers. Cook for about 2 minutes, just until tender-crisp.

- Return the Shrimp Add the shrimp back into the pan. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

- Serve and Garnish Serve hot in warm flour or corn tortillas. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice from the wedges.
For a full-on Mexican-inspired meal, serve your shrimp fajitas alongside Esquites (Mexican Street Corn Cups) or a vibrant Avocado Tomato Corn Salad. The creamy, zesty sides help balance out the heat from the shrimp and add color and texture to your plate.
You can also pair these spicy shrimp fajitas with Mexican Rice or Garlic Butter Cauliflower Rice for something more filling. And if you’re craving a cozy side, try them with a bowl of White Bean Soup with Parmesan or Cheesy Jalapeño Cornbread; the richness is a perfect match for all that sizzle.
Recipe FAQ’s
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture
Large shrimp (16/20 count) work best for seafood fajitas because they cook quickly and hold up well to high heat without overcooking.
They have a moderate heat thanks to the jalapeño and chili powder, but you can dial it up or down by adjusting those amounts to suit your taste.

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Spicy Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp 16/20, peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¾ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons lime juice and zest
- 2 tablespoons tequila or rum, optional
- 1 tablespoon jalapeno minced
- ¼ cup olive oil divided
- 2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 white onion medium, 2 cups, ¼-inch thick slices
- 3 bell peppers 4 cups, ¼-inch thick slices
- 6 ounces brown mushrooms ¼-inch thick slices
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves for garnish
- 8 flour tortillas or corn tortillas
- 4 lime wedges to serve
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine shrimp, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, chili powder, pepper, lime juice, lime zest, tequila, minced jalapeno and 1 tablespoon olive oil. Set aside.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot add 1 tablespoon oil. When the oil just beginning to smoke add the shrimp in one layer in the pan.
- Cook shrimp for 2 minutes, flip and cook 1 minute on the other side. Remove from hot pan to a clean plate.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in the pan, once hot add the garlic and onion and saute for 1 minute. Add mushroom and saute 1 minute, then add 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. When hot, add the bell peppers and stir occasionally — about 2 minutes.
- Add shrimp back to the pan, cook stirring for 1 minute to warm the seafood. Season fajitas with more salt and pepper as desired. Garnish with cilantro.
- Serve spicy shrimp fajitas hot with warmed tortillas and lime wedges.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.














Easy, delicious and colorful dish! I skipped the cilantro (b/c cilantro = ick) and this is definitely a keeper!
Very interesting recipe. Thanks.
I want to try this recipe tonight for dinner, but I think I see a white sauce underneath the shrimp and purple cabbage. Is there an additional step I need to do?
Thank you
I added some sour cream to the tacos to add a little more flavor and sauce. You are welcome to do the same if that sounds tasty to you too! Thanks so much for following along with me! Enjoy your fajitas!! XO
This looks amazing!! Can’t wait to try it!
Any chance you have basic nutritional details easily at hand? Fajitas look fabulous!
Thanks.
I like to use skinny taste.com or myfitnesspal.com to get any nutritional value that I am in need of. Hope you can use one of those or something similar to help you! Thanks so much for following along with me!