Can I use frozen shrimp directly without thawing?

No, you must completely thaw and drain your shrimp first. Frozen shrimp release too much water during cooking, preventing proper searing and diluting the flavors. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or place sealed shrimp in cold water for faster thawing.

How do I know when the shrimp are perfectly cooked?

Perfectly cooked shrimp turn pink, form a slight C-shape, and become opaque. If they curl into a tight O-shape, they're overcooked. Remember that shrimp cook extremely quickly—usually 1-2 minutes per side is all you need.

Can I prepare components of this meal ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chop all veggies and prepare toppings up to 24 hours ahead. The shrimp can be seasoned up to 2 hours before cooking (longer may make them too salty). Keep everything refrigerated until ready to cook and assemble.

What's the best way to warm tortillas without drying them out?

For an authentic touch, warm corn tortillas directly over a gas flame for 10-15 seconds per side until slightly charred. No gas stove? A dry skillet works well too. Keep warmed tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel or tortilla warmer to maintain heat and pliability.

Easy Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

Description

This Easy Shrimp Fajitas recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a busy weeknight meal. Juicy, seasoned shrimp are paired with vibrant vegetables, grilled corn, and a homemade guacamole for a fresh, zesty meal wrapped in warm tortillas. It’s a delightful Tex-Mex favorite that’s healthy, easy to prepare, and incredibly delicious.

Ingredients

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Shrimp and Fajitas Mix

1.10 lbs. shrimp, defrosted and drained (500 g)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, sliced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 oz fajita seasoning
1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

Tortillas and Toppings

8 small-sized corn tortillas
Lettuce, cut into ribbons
Red onion, sliced
Cherry tomatoes, halved
Sweet corn, grilled
Guacamole
Limes, quartered

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Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp Mix
Pat dry the shrimp using a kitchen towel to remove excess moisture. In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, sliced onion, minced garlic, and fajita seasoning. Toss until everything is well coated.
Cook the Shrimp
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat until it’s smoking hot. Add the shrimp mixture to the pan and sear. Allow the shrimp to cook until they turn nicely pink on both sides—this should take about 3 minutes. Remove the shrimp from heat once fully cooked.
Warm the Tortillas
In a non-stick skillet, warm each tortilla for about 10-15 seconds on each side to make them soft and pliable.
Assemble the Fajitas
Start filling each tortilla by adding a layer of lettuce and red onion slices. Add the cooked shrimp on top, followed by cherry tomato halves, grilled sweet corn, guacamole, and a squeeze of lime juice.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the fajitas immediately while warm and enjoy with your favorite side dishes or sauces.

Notes

Opt for fresh, deveined shrimp for the best flavor and texture. Make sure to peel them if the shells are still on.
You can replace corn tortillas with flour tortillas if preferred.
To achieve a smoky flavor in the corn, grill it until charred slightly.
Fajita seasoning can be store-bought, or you may prepare your own at home by combining chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, and salt.
For a spicier twist, add sliced jalapeños to the fajitas.
If you want a low-carb option, consider serving the shrimp and toppings over lettuce wraps instead of tortillas.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 290
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 23g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 190mg