Spicy Skillet Blackened Shrimp Fajitas Recipe in a Flash

Sizzling and packed with bold flavors, these skillet blackened shrimp fajitas bring the vibrant spirit of Tex-Mex cuisine right to your dinner table in just 20 minutes.

The smoky blackened seasoning creates an irresistible crust on succulent shrimp that dances with zesty spices.

Colorful bell peppers and onions caramelize alongside the shrimp, creating a perfect harmony of textures and tastes.

Every bite promises a spicy, satisfying experience that feels like a fiesta on a plate.

Charred edges, tender seafood, and a medley of bright vegetables make this dish a weeknight winner.

With minimal prep and quick cooking time, you can whip up these fajitas faster than ordering takeout.

Dive into this easy, restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Key Ingredients for Blackened Shrimp Fajitas

• Paprika: Adds rich, smoky warmth with a vibrant red color that creates the signature blackened coating.
• Onion Powder, Garlic Powder: Delivers deep, savory aromatics that infuse incredible depth into the shrimp.
• Dried Oregano, Dried Thyme: Herbaceous notes that bring Mediterranean-inspired complexity to the seasoning.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: Builds layers of heat and bold flavor, creating a perfectly balanced spice profile.

• Shrimp: Select large, fresh shrimp with firm texture and sweet ocean aroma for the best flavor and quick cooking.
• Red Bell Pepper, Yellow Bell Pepper, Green Bell Pepper: Crisp, colorful peppers that add sweetness, crunch, and nutritional boost.
• Red Onion: Brings sharp, slightly pungent flavor that caramelizes beautifully when seared.

• Flour Tortillas: Soft, pillowy vessels to wrap your sizzling fajita ingredients.
• Fresh Cilantro: Optional bright, citrusy herb that adds fresh herbaceous punch.
• Lime Wedges: Zesty citrus that cuts through richness and enhances overall flavor profile.

Fajita Tools That Make Cooking Fast and Fun

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking shrimp and vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Small mixing bowl: Perfect for combining fajita seasoning ingredients.
• Large bowl: Used for tossing and coating shrimp with spices.
• Cutting board: Needed for slicing bell peppers and onions.
• Sharp knife: Required for precisely cutting vegetables.
• Wooden spoon or tongs: Helps with stirring and flipping shrimp and vegetables during cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurately portioning seasoning ingredients.

Quick Guide for Skillet Shrimp Fajitas

• Spice Creation

Blend together paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, thyme, salt, pepper, and cayenne into a vibrant seasoning mix that will transform your shrimp. This magical powder brings explosive flavor to every bite.

• Shrimp Preparation

Generously coat raw shrimp with the seasoning blend, ensuring each piece gets a delicious spice massage. Let the flavors mingle and dance together.

• Sizzling Surface

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature until the pan whispers with potential energy. The surface should feel alive and ready for cooking.

• Seafood Transformation

Drop seasoned shrimp into the hot skillet, allowing them to turn pink and curl slightly. Cook roughly 2-3 minutes per side until they’re perfectly opaque and tender. Remove and set aside.

• Veggie Symphony

In the same skillet, toss colorful bell peppers and red onions. Let them soften and caramelize, creating a vibrant medley of flavors and textures.

• Fajita Fusion

Reunite shrimp with sautéed vegetables, gently mixing to create a harmonious blend. Warm everything together briefly to meld the flavors.

• Final Touch

Nestle the sizzling mixture into warm tortillas. Optional: Garnish with fresh cilantro and a zesty lime squeeze for extra brightness.

Fresh Takes on Shrimp Fajitas You’ll Love

• Speedy Shrimp Swaps: Try using chicken or firm white fish like cod as delicious protein alternatives that cook equally fast and absorb the bold blackened seasoning perfectly.
• Spice Level Control: Reduce cayenne pepper for milder heat or add extra for adventurous taste buds wanting a fiery kick that tingles with excitement.
• Veggie Variety Magic: Replace bell peppers with zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms to create unexpected flavor combinations that keep your meal interesting and nutritionally diverse.
• Smart Storage Strategy: Leftover fajita mixture stays fresh in sealed containers for 2-3 days, making quick lunch meal preps super convenient for busy professionals or students wanting delicious reheatable meals.
• Pantry Friendly Hack: Create a large batch of blackened seasoning blend and store in an airtight container, allowing spontaneous flavor boosting for future recipes like grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or quick seafood dishes.

Serve These Shrimp Fajitas with a Twist

• Fiesta Fresh Presentation
• Stack warm tortillas on a large wooden board, creating an inviting family-style spread that encourages everyone to build their own fajitas. This interactive approach makes mealtime fun and engaging.
• Zesty Topping Bar
• Create a mini condiment station with chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sliced avocado, sour cream, and salsa. Guests can customize their fajitas with their favorite fresh toppings, adding personal flavor and excitement.
• Color-Pop Plating
• Arrange the blackened shrimp and vibrant peppers on a bright white or colorful ceramic plate. Garnish with fresh herb sprigs and lime slices to enhance visual appeal and add a restaurant-quality touch to your home-cooked meal.
• Sidekick Companions
• Pair the fajitas with Mexican-style rice, black beans, or a crisp corn salad. These complementary sides balance the spicy shrimp and provide a complete, satisfying dining experience that celebrates bold southwestern flavors.

Make Ahead Tips for Shrimp Fajita Evenings

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare extra seasoned shrimp and vegetables for quick weeknight meals. Store separately in airtight containers to maintain maximum freshness and crispness.
• Refrigerator Revival: Cooked fajita mixture stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed tightly in glass containers. Reheat gently in a skillet to prevent rubbery shrimp texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Freeze uncooked seasoned shrimp and sliced vegetables in separate freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before cooking for best results.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Repurpose leftover fajita filling into salads, wraps, or rice bowls. Toss with mixed greens or quinoa for a protein-packed lunch option that keeps meal prep exciting and versatile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Sizzling Skillet Blackened Shrimp Fajitas

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Quick and zesty 20 minute skillet blackened shrimp fajitas deliver bold Tex-Mex flavors with minimal effort. Sizzling peppers, onions, and spice-coated shrimp create an irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) paprika
• 1 tsp (5 ml) onion powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) garlic powder
• 1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
• 1 tsp (5 ml) dried thyme
• 1 tsp (5 ml) salt
• 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) black pepper
• 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) cayenne pepper
• Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Whisk paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant spice blend.
2. Shrimp Marination: Coat raw shrimp thoroughly with the handcrafted seasoning mixture, ensuring complete coverage in a preparation container.
3. Searing Technique: Heat olive oil in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, creating an optimal cooking surface for shrimp. Gently place seasoned shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes per side until they turn russet and become translucent.
4. Vegetable Sauté: Remove shrimp and in the same skillet, sauté bell pepper slices and crimson onion until tender with a slight crisp texture.
5. Final Assembly: Reintroduce cooked shrimp to the vegetable medley, tossing gently to integrate flavors. Warm flour tortillas and layer with the spicy shrimp and vegetable mixture.
6. Garnish and Serve: Finish the fajitas with fresh cilantro and a vibrant lime juice squeeze, transforming the dish into a restaurant-quality culinary experience.

Notes

• Ensure Shrimp Freshness: Use fresh, deveined shrimp for best flavor and texture, preferably within 1-2 days of purchase.
• Perfect Skillet Temperature: Cast-iron skillet creates ideal searing conditions, ensuring caramelization without burning shrimp.
• Seasoning Tip: Coat shrimp evenly with spice blend, allowing 5-10 minutes of marination for deeper flavor absorption.
• Quick Cooking Technique: Cook shrimp just until they turn pink and translucent to prevent rubbery texture, typically 2-3 minutes per side.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg