This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

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.

close up image of spicy shrimp fajitas

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

Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Flat lay of ingredient shot of cilantro, flour tortillas, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, salt and pepper, chili powder, bell peppers, tequila, olive oil, lime zest,lime juice, jalapeño, white onion, brown mushroom, lime wedges, shrimp and garlic

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

In a bowl, combine shrimp, paprika, cumin, garlic, onion and chili powder, salt, pepper, lime juice and zest, tequila,, jalapeno and olive oil.
  1. 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.
Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and heat it in the pan.
  1. 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.
Add the shrimp into the pan and cook for 2 minutes.
  1. 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.
saute the onions and garlic until fragrant.
  1. 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.
Toss in the mushrooms and cooked for another minute.
  1. Add the Mushrooms  Toss in the mushrooms and sauté for another minute. Stir occasionally to prevent burning and to develop flavor.
Add the sliced bell peppers and cooked  until tender-crisp
  1. 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.
Add the shrimp back into the pan and stir.
  1. Return the Shrimp Add the shrimp back into the pan. Stir and cook for 1 minute. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice from the wedges.. Serve with warm flour or corn tortillas.
  1. 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

Can I Use Frozen Shrimp For This Shrimp Fajitas Recipe?

Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture

What’s The Best Type Of Shrimp To Use?

 Large shrimp (16/20 count) work best for seafood fajitas because they cook quickly and hold up well to high heat without overcooking.

How Spicy Are These Spicy Shrimp Fajitas?

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.

spicy shrimp fajita tacos served in paper trays with lime wedges

You might also like

Karina in a white and black dress with her hair blowing back, standing in front of her cooktop, cooking salmon in a pan

Get a free eBook!

Subscribe to Cafe Delites FOR FREE and receive recipes straight into your inbox!

5 from 2 votes

Spicy Shrimp Fajitas

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Spicy shrimp fajitas is a quick and easy one pan meal ready in 15 minutes or less! 
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

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

Tip: Keep it low carb and swap out the tortilla for a lettuce leaf. 

Nutrition

Calories: 475kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 183mg | Sodium: 921mg | Potassium: 862mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 3.205IU | Vitamin C: 123mg | Calcium: 198mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this? Leave a comment below!
Karina eating butter chicken from a gold fork out of a bowl with a nann bread on the side.

Hey Good Food Lovers! It’s nice to see you! My name is Karina. Welcome to Cafe Delites, my beloved space for the last 10 years where my passion for food has flourished and connected millions!

5 from 2 votes

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

7 Comments

  1. Amy M Hudak says:

    5 stars
    Easy, delicious and colorful dish! I skipped the cilantro (b/c cilantro = ick) and this is definitely a keeper!

  2. Teresa says:

    5 stars
    Very interesting recipe. Thanks.

  3. Sharon Scipio says:

    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

    1. Karina says:

      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

  4. Ivette says:

    This looks amazing!! Can’t wait to try it!

  5. Becky says:

    Any chance you have basic nutritional details easily at hand? Fajitas look fabulous!
    Thanks.

    1. Karina says:

      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!