Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the marinade. Frozen shrimp are often a great option as they're typically frozen right after being caught, preserving their freshness.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or certified gluten-free tortillas. Also double-check your chicken broth is gluten-free, as some brands contain additives with gluten.

Can I make the marinade less spicy for kids?

Definitely! Reduce the chili powder by half and skip the optional serrano or jalapeño pepper. The cumin and garlic powder will still provide plenty of flavor without the heat that might overwhelm sensitive palates.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp form a "C" shape, are pink all over with no gray spots, and opaque rather than translucent. If they curl into a tight "O" shape, they're overcooked. Remember, they'll continue cooking slightly after you remove them from the heat.

One Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

This sizzling One Pan Shrimp Fajitas recipe transforms your kitchen into a Mexican restaurant in just 20 minutes! Juicy shrimp and colorful peppers, all marinated in zesty lime and spices, then quickly cooked to perfection in a single skillet. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution when you crave big flavors but have little time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From start to finish in just 20 minutes (plus marinating time), making it perfect for those busy evenings when you need dinner on the table quickly.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, meaning minimal cleanup and maximum flavor as all those wonderful spices meld together.
Customizable Fiesta: Set up a fajita bar with all the toppings and let everyone build their perfect wrap – great for picky eaters and fun family dinners!
Healthy Yet Satisfying: Lean protein and plenty of veggies wrapped in warm tortillas strikes that perfect balance between nutritious and delicious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: The star of the show! They cook quickly and absorb all those wonderful marinade flavors. Larger shrimp (31-40 count) work best, as they don’t overcook as easily.
Bell Peppers: Provide sweetness, crunch, and beautiful color. Using a variety of colors makes the dish visually stunning.
Onion: Adds essential savory flavor and sweetness when caramelized. Slice them thinly so they cook at the same rate as the peppers.
Lime Juice: The acid tenderizes the shrimp and brightens everything up with its citrusy tang. Fresh is best but bottled works in a pinch.
Olive Oil: Helps carry flavors and prevents sticking during cooking. Use extra virgin for the best flavor.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth and keeps everything moist. A little goes a long way!
Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder create that classic fajita flavor profile without requiring a special trip to the store.
Tortillas: The vehicle for all this deliciousness! Flour tortillas are traditional, but corn tortillas work for a gluten-free option.
Toppings: This is where you can get creative! Salsa, cheese, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole, and lime wedges take these fajitas to the next level.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Protein Swap

Try chicken breast strips, sliced steak, or firm tofu instead of shrimp. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly (chicken and steak will take longer than shrimp).

Veggie Variations

Add sliced mushrooms, zucchini, or corn kernels to the pepper and onion mix for extra veggie goodness.

Heat Level Customization

For milder fajitas, reduce the chili powder. For extra kick, add the optional serrano or jalapeño pepper, or include a pinch of cayenne in the marinade.

Low-Carb Option

Serve over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a carb-conscious meal.

How to Make One Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Whisk together lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Divide this flavorful mixture between two large zip-top bags.

Step 2: Marinate Ingredients

Add shrimp to one bag and the sliced onions and peppers to the other. Seal both bags and give them a good toss to coat everything evenly. Let them hang out in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

The separate bags prevent the shrimp from starting to “cook” in the acidic marinade while still allowing the vegetables to absorb all those wonderful flavors.

Step 3: Cook the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the marinated onions and peppers (discard their marinade), season with a pinch of salt, and sauté until they’re softened but still have a bit of bite, about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Transfer the cooked vegetables to a serving platter and arrange them around the edges. Keep the same skillet (no need to wash it—those flavors are gold!) and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the marinated shrimp (discarding their marinade too), season with salt, and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 4-5 minutes.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Spoon the sizzling shrimp into the center of the serving platter, surrounded by the colorful peppers and onions. Serve with warm tortillas and all your favorite toppings for a build-your-own fajita feast!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook incredibly quickly! As soon as they turn pink and opaque, they’re done. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery.
Preheat Your Skillet: Make sure your pan is nice and hot before adding ingredients. This ensures you get some lovely caramelization rather than steaming the vegetables.
Cut Everything Uniformly: Try to slice your peppers and onions to similar thickness so they cook evenly.
Warm Those Tortillas: A quick 15-20 seconds in the microwave (wrapped in a damp paper towel) or a few seconds per side in a dry skillet makes all the difference in texture.
Season in Layers: Don’t forget to add a pinch of salt when cooking both the vegetables and the shrimp, not just in the marinade. This builds flavor throughout the dish.

How to Serve

Create a Fajita Bar

Set everything out buffet-style and let everyone build their own perfect fajita. Place the serving platter of shrimp and veggies in the center, surrounded by warmed tortillas and bowls of toppings.

Perfect Pairings

These fajitas pair wonderfully with Mexican rice, black beans, or a simple side salad with lime vinaigrette. For beverages, try a classic margarita, Mexican beer with lime, or horchata!

Garnish Suggestions

For restaurant-style presentation, serve the platter with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime wedges tucked alongside the shrimp and peppers. A few slices of avocado add beautiful color contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Prep Ahead

You can slice all the vegetables and mix the marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Store everything separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to marinate and cook.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the tortillas and toppings separate to prevent sogginess.

Reheating

Gently reheat the shrimp and vegetables in a skillet over medium-low heat just until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp during reheating!

Freezing

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, as freezing can make the peppers soggy and the shrimp tough when reheated. The marinade itself can be frozen for future use if needed.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before adding to the marinade. Frozen shrimp are often a great option as they’re typically frozen right after being caught, preserving their freshness.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the flour tortillas for corn tortillas or certified gluten-free tortillas. Also double-check your chicken broth is gluten-free, as some brands contain additives with gluten.
Can I make the marinade less spicy for kids?

Definitely! Reduce the chili powder by half and skip the optional serrano or jalapeño pepper. The cumin and garlic powder will still provide plenty of flavor without the heat that might overwhelm sensitive palates.
How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp form a “C” shape, are pink all over with no gray spots, and opaque rather than translucent. If they curl into a tight “O” shape, they’re overcooked. Remember, they’ll continue cooking slightly after you remove them from the heat.

Final Thoughts

These One Pan Shrimp Fajitas bring the excitement of sizzling restaurant-style fajitas right to your kitchen table with minimal effort. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and flexibility – it’s quick enough for Monday night dinner yet festive enough for weekend entertaining. Give this recipe a try next time you’re craving something with big flavor but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Your taste buds (and your schedule) will thank you!