Sizzling Chili Lime Shrimp Fajitas: A Flavor Fiesta!

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these vibrant and easy Chili Lime Shrimp Fajitas! This recipe combines succulent shrimp marinated in a zesty chili-lime sauce with colorful bell peppers and onions, all sizzling hot and ready to be piled into warm tortillas. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend gathering, these fajitas are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The chili-lime marinade infuses the shrimp with a delicious tangy and spicy kick.
* **Versatile:** Customize the veggies and toppings to your liking.
* **Healthy:** Packed with protein and colorful vegetables.
* **Crowd-Pleasing:** A fun and interactive meal that everyone will enjoy.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need to create these irresistible fajitas:

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined (medium to large size works best).
* **Bell Peppers:** 2, assorted colors (red, yellow, and orange are great for visual appeal and varying sweetness).
* **Onion:** 1 large, sliced (yellow or white onion works well).
* **Chili Powder:** 2 tablespoons. This provides the base flavor and a mild heat. Adjust to your preference.
* **Lime Juice:** 3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed (about 2-3 limes). Fresh lime juice is crucial for the bright, citrusy flavor.
* **Lime Zest:** 1 teaspoon, from one lime. Adds an extra layer of lime flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves, minced. Garlic complements the chili and lime beautifully.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons. Used for both the marinade and cooking the vegetables.
* **Cumin:** 1 teaspoon. Adds a warm, earthy note to the marinade.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1/2 teaspoon. Contributes a smoky depth of flavor.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for extra heat). Adjust or omit based on your spice preference.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste. Enhances all the flavors.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste. Adds a subtle spice.
* **Tortillas:** 8-10, flour or corn, warmed. Choose your favorite type and size.

**Optional Toppings:**

* **Salsa:** Adds a fresh, tangy element.
* **Guacamole:** Creamy and rich, a classic fajita topping.
* **Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt:** Cools down the heat and adds a creamy texture.
* **Shredded Cheese:** Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
* **Cilantro:** Freshly chopped, for a bright, herbaceous flavor.
* **Lime Wedges:** Extra lime for squeezing over your fajitas.
* **Hot Sauce:** For those who like an extra kick.
* **Pickled Jalapeños:** Adds a tangy and spicy bite.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect Chili Lime Shrimp Fajitas:

**1. Prepare the Shrimp:**

* If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them to brown nicely when cooked.
* Place the shrimp in a medium-sized bowl.

**2. Make the Chili Lime Marinade:**

* In a small bowl, whisk together the chili powder, lime juice, lime zest, minced garlic, olive oil (1 tablespoon), cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.

**3. Marinate the Shrimp:**

* Pour the chili lime marinade over the shrimp, ensuring they are evenly coated.
* Gently toss the shrimp to distribute the marinade.
* Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes. Do not marinate for longer than 30 minutes, as the acid in the lime juice can start to cook the shrimp and make them rubbery.

**4. Prepare the Vegetables:**

* While the shrimp is marinating, slice the bell peppers into thin strips. Remove the seeds and membranes before slicing.
* Slice the onion into thin strips.

**5. Cook the Vegetables:**

* Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet.
* Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender-crisp and slightly caramelized, about 5-7 minutes. You want them to have some color and char marks for added flavor.
* Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

**6. Cook the Shrimp:**

* In the same skillet, increase the heat to high.
* Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
* Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are pink and opaque and slightly charred. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so be sure to watch them carefully to avoid overcooking.

**7. Combine and Serve:**

* Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp.
* Toss everything together to combine and heat through.
* Serve immediately with warmed tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Tips for the Best Chili Lime Shrimp Fajitas

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are rubbery and tough. Cook them just until they are pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Lime Juice:** Bottled lime juice doesn’t have the same bright, fresh flavor as freshly squeezed lime juice.
* **Adjust the Spice Level:** If you like a spicier fajita, add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also add a few drops of your favorite hot sauce.
* **Warm the Tortillas:** Warm tortillas are more pliable and easier to roll. You can warm them in a dry skillet, in the microwave, or in the oven.
* **Use a Cast-Iron Skillet:** A cast-iron skillet is great for cooking fajitas because it gets very hot and sears the shrimp and vegetables beautifully. If you don’t have a cast-iron skillet, any large skillet will work.
* **Marinate for the Right Amount of Time:** Marinating the shrimp for too long can make them rubbery due to the acid in the lime juice. Aim for 15-30 minutes.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Overcrowding the skillet will lower the temperature and cause the shrimp and vegetables to steam instead of sear. Cook in batches if necessary.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Chicken Fajitas:** Substitute the shrimp with chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into strips. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours.
* **Steak Fajitas:** Use skirt steak or flank steak, thinly sliced. Marinate the steak for at least 30 minutes, or up to a few hours.
* **Vegetarian Fajitas:** Omit the shrimp and add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn. You can also add black beans or pinto beans for extra protein.
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to your desired level of spiciness. For a milder flavor, use less chili powder and omit the cayenne pepper altogether.
* **Sweetness:** Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the marinade for a slightly sweeter flavor.
* **Veggies:** Feel free to add or substitute other vegetables, such as poblano peppers, jalapeños, or mushrooms.
* **Herbs:** Add fresh cilantro or parsley to the marinade or as a topping for extra flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

These Chili Lime Shrimp Fajitas are delicious served with a variety of toppings and sides. Here are a few ideas:

* **Toppings:** Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce, pickled jalapeños.
* **Sides:** Mexican rice, refried beans, black beans, corn on the cob, Mexican street corn salad.
* **Drinks:** Margaritas, Mexican beer, lemonade, iced tea.

## Make-Ahead Tips

* **Marinade:** The chili lime marinade can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. This allows the flavors to meld together even more.
* **Vegetables:** The bell peppers and onions can be sliced up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
* **Shrimp:** The shrimp can be peeled and deveined up to 1 day in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. However, do not marinate the shrimp for more than 30 minutes, as the lime juice can start to cook them.

## Storage and Reheating Instructions

* **Storage:** Leftover fajita filling (shrimp and vegetables) can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the fajita filling in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Warm the tortillas separately before serving.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before marinating them. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

**Q: Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?**

A: Yes, you can use corn tortillas if you prefer. Warm them before serving to make them more pliable.

**Q: How do I prevent the shrimp from overcooking?**

A: Don’t overcook the shrimp! Cook them just until they are pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them from the heat as soon as they are cooked through.

**Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?**

A: Yes, you can make the marinade and slice the vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the shrimp and vegetables just before serving.

**Q: Can I grill the shrimp and vegetables instead of cooking them in a skillet?**

A: Absolutely! Grilling the shrimp and vegetables will give them a delicious smoky flavor. Just be sure to watch them carefully to avoid overcooking.

## Nutrition Information (Approximate)

(Per serving, based on 8 servings):

* Calories: Approximately 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 15-20g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

*Note: Nutrition information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.*

## Chili Lime Shrimp Fajita Recipe Card

**Yields:** 8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 2 bell peppers, sliced
* 1 large onion, sliced
* 2 tablespoons chili powder
* 3 tablespoons lime juice
* 1 teaspoon lime zest
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1 teaspoon cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 8-10 tortillas, warmed
* Optional toppings: Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese, cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce, pickled jalapeños

**Instructions:**

1. In a bowl, whisk together chili powder, lime juice, lime zest, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
2. Add shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat. Marinate for 15-30 minutes.
3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Add bell peppers and onion and cook until tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from skillet.
5. Increase heat to high. Add shrimp to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and opaque.
6. Return vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp and toss to combine.
7. Serve immediately with warmed tortillas and your favorite toppings.

Enjoy these flavorful and easy Chili Lime Shrimp Fajitas! They are perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a fun gathering with friends and family. Don’t forget to customize the toppings to your liking and have fun creating your own fajita masterpiece!