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Shrimp Fajitas with Smoky Chipotle and Bright Citrus

Shrimp fajitas are a vibrant, quick-cooked dish featuring succulent shrimp seared to perfection alongside blistered peppers and onions. The dish is flavored with smoky chipotle, fresh lime, and lemon, creating a bold, lively profile that’s both satisfying and visually colorful. The final result is a sizzling, juicy filling with smoky, citrusy notes, ready to be wrapped in warm tortillas for a festive meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican, Tex-Mex
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined choose fresh or properly thawed frozen
  • 3 red and yellow bell peppers sliced into thin strips
  • 1 red onion thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 can (7 oz) chipotle peppers in adobo finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon citrus zest lemon or lime
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper

Equipment

  • Large skillet (cast iron preferred)
  • Tongs
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring spoon
  • Citrus juicer

Method
 

  1. Preheat your large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and is hot enough to sizzle when ingredients touch the surface.
  2. Slice the bell peppers and onion into thin strips, then mince the garlic cloves. Mix together the smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  3. In a bowl, toss the shrimp with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chopped chipotle peppers, lime juice, citrus zest, and half of the spice mix. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the shrimp to absorb the smoky, citrusy notes.
  4. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to the hot skillet. When it starts to shimmer, add the sliced peppers and onions. Sear and cook, stirring occasionally, until they blister and soften, about 5-7 minutes. They should be slightly charred at the edges and fragrant.
  5. Push the cooked vegetables to one side of the skillet, then add the marinated shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink, opaque, and develop a slight char, filling the air with a smoky aroma.
  6. Gently toss the shrimp with the peppers and onions, letting everything cook together for another minute. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture for a bright, tangy finish, then remove from heat.
  7. Transfer the fajita filling to a serving platter or keep warm in the skillet. Serve immediately with warm tortillas, chopped cilantro, and extra lime wedges for squeezing. Enjoy the lively, smoky, citrusy flavors in every bite!