Easy Grilled Shrimp Fajitas: A Flavor Fiesta in Minutes!

Grilled shrimp fajitas are a weeknight dinner champion! They’re quick, healthy, and bursting with smoky, zesty flavor. This recipe is designed for maximum ease, using simple ingredients and straightforward grilling techniques. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Fast:** From prep to plate in under 30 minutes.
* **Easy:** Minimal ingredients and simple grilling steps.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein and vegetables.
* **Delicious:** Smoky grilled flavor combined with zesty fajita spices.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapt to your dietary needs and preferences.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined. Look for shrimp that are already peeled and deveined to save time. Butterfly them for even faster cooking and better flavor absorption.
* **Bell Peppers:** 2 bell peppers (any color), sliced into strips. Red, yellow, and orange peppers offer a sweeter flavor than green peppers.
* **Onion:** 1 medium onion, sliced into strips. Yellow or white onions work best.
* **Fajita Seasoning:** 2 tablespoons. You can use store-bought or make your own (recipe below).
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, divided. For tossing the shrimp and vegetables.
* **Lime Juice:** 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed. Adds a zesty brightness.
* **Tortillas:** 8-10 flour or corn tortillas. Warm them up for the best flavor and texture.

**Optional Toppings:**

* Salsa
* Guacamole
* Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
* Shredded Cheese
* Cilantro
* Hot Sauce

## Homemade Fajita Seasoning (Optional)

If you prefer to make your own fajita seasoning, here’s a simple recipe:

* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
* 1/4 teaspoon oregano
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and store in an airtight container.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* Grill (gas or charcoal)
* Grill pan or vegetable basket (optional, but recommended for the vegetables)
* Large bowl
* Tongs
* Small bowl (for fajita seasoning)

## Step-by-Step Instructions

**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a large bowl.
* Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
* Sprinkle with 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning. Mix well to coat evenly.

**2. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* In the same bowl (or a separate bowl), combine the sliced bell peppers and onion.
* Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lime juice.
* Sprinkle with the remaining 1 tablespoon of fajita seasoning. Mix well to coat evenly.

**3. Preheat the Grill:**

* Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F or 190-200°C).
* If using a grill pan or vegetable basket, place it on the grill to preheat as well.

**4. Grill the Vegetables:**

* Place the seasoned vegetables on the preheated grill pan or vegetable basket (or directly on the grill grates if you don’t have a pan/basket).
* Grill for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly charred.
* Remove the vegetables from the grill and set aside.

**5. Grill the Shrimp:**

* Place the seasoned shrimp directly on the grill grates.
* Grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until the shrimp turn pink and opaque.
* Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they will become tough.

**6. Warm the Tortillas:**

* While the shrimp is grilling, warm the tortillas according to package directions. You can warm them in a dry skillet, microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel, or grill them briefly on the grill.

**7. Assemble the Fajitas:**

* Place a portion of grilled vegetables and grilled shrimp in the center of each warmed tortilla.
* Top with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
* Fold the tortilla and enjoy immediately!

## Tips for Perfect Grilled Shrimp Fajitas

* **Don’t overcook the shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use a grill pan or vegetable basket:** This prevents the vegetables from falling through the grill grates and makes them easier to manage.
* **Preheat the grill properly:** A hot grill will give the shrimp and vegetables a nice char and prevent them from sticking.
* **Butterfly the shrimp:** Butterflying the shrimp allows them to cook faster and more evenly, and it also helps them absorb more flavor.
* **Marinate the shrimp (optional):** Marinating the shrimp for 30 minutes to an hour before grilling will enhance their flavor.
* **Use fresh lime juice:** Fresh lime juice adds a bright, zesty flavor that bottled lime juice can’t replicate.
* **Customize the toppings:** Get creative with your toppings! Try adding pickled onions, roasted corn, or a drizzle of chipotle mayo.
* **Warm the tortillas:** Warmed tortillas are softer and more pliable, and they taste better.
* **Control the Heat:** Shrimp cook very quickly. Keep a close eye on them to prevent overcooking. Adjust the grill temperature if needed to ensure even cooking.
* **Don’t overcrowd the grill:** Grilling in batches prevents the grill temperature from dropping too low and ensures even cooking. Overcrowding steams the food instead of grilling it, resulting in less desirable results.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Fajitas:** Substitute the shrimp with chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into strips.
* **Steak Fajitas:** Substitute the shrimp with steak, such as flank steak or skirt steak, cut into strips.
* **Vegetarian Fajitas:** Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant.
* **Spicy Fajitas:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the fajita seasoning or use a spicier hot sauce.
* **Low-Carb Fajitas:** Serve the fajitas in lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.
* **Gluten-Free Fajitas:** Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas and ensure that your fajita seasoning is gluten-free.
* **Add a pinch of sugar:** A pinch of sugar in the fajita seasoning balances the flavors and helps the vegetables caramelize.
* **Grill the tortillas**: For added smoky flavor, lightly grill the tortillas for a few seconds on each side until slightly charred and pliable.
* **Make a foil packet:** If you prefer, you can grill the shrimp and vegetables in a foil packet. This is a good option if you don’t have a grill pan or vegetable basket. Simply place the seasoned shrimp and vegetables in the center of a large piece of foil, fold the foil tightly to seal, and grill for 10-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through.

## Serving Suggestions

* Serve the grilled shrimp fajitas with a side of rice and beans.
* Make a fajita bowl by layering rice, beans, grilled shrimp and vegetables, and your favorite toppings in a bowl.
* Serve the fajitas as part of a taco bar, allowing guests to customize their own creations.
* Leftover grilled shrimp and vegetables can be used in salads, quesadillas, or tacos.

## Make Ahead Tips

* The fajita seasoning can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container for up to 6 months.
* The vegetables can be sliced ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
* The shrimp can be peeled, deveined, and seasoned ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

## Storage Tips

* Leftover grilled shrimp and vegetables can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Reheat the shrimp and vegetables in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
* Store leftover tortillas in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, without toppings)

* Calories: Approximately 300
* Protein: 30g
* Fat: 15g
* Carbohydrates: 20g
* Fiber: 5g

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.*

Enjoy these Easy Grilled Shrimp Fajitas! They’re the perfect way to bring a taste of summer to your table any time of year. They’re sure to become a family favorite!

This recipe provides a delicious and healthy meal option. Experiment with different toppings and variations to create your perfect fajita experience. The key to success is fresh ingredients and not overcooking the shrimp! Happy grilling!