Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp Fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish that features shrimp marinated and then grilled or sautéed, then served with sautéed bell peppers and onions. The dish is often flavored with spices such as cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and lime juice, giving it a vibrant taste.

Fajitas originated in Texas, United States, with roots tracing back to the Mexican ranching communities along the border. The dish is believed to have developed among Mexican-American cowboys (vaqueros) who prepared and cooked inexpensive cuts of beef, such as the skirt steak (faja in Spanish), over open flames. These early versions of fajitas became popular in Tex-Mex cuisine, blending Mexican culinary traditions with American influences. The original fajitas did not use onions, bell peppers or mushrooms.

Shrimp fajitas are usually served with warm flour or corn tortillas and can be accompanied by various toppings such as guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese. The combination of the savory shrimp, colorful vegetables, and flavorful toppings creates a delicious and visually appealing meal.

Guidelines to help you choose which shrimp to buy

Tiger Shrimp – Mild flavor, with a sweet taste and a crunchy texture.

White Shrimp – Mild flavor, with a slightly salty, shrimpy taste and firm texture. Great for salads and stir-fry. These are a popular choice for grilling

Pink Shrimp – Mild to medium flavor, with a medium texture. Perfect for shrimp cocktail.

Brown Shrimp – Full, robust flavor, with medium texture. Best when used for full-flavor dishes like gumbo or for frying.

Rock Shrimp: These small and sweet shrimp are often overlooked but should not be underestimated when it comes to grilling. Despite their size, rock shrimp have a firm texture that holds up beautifully on the grill. They also have a slightly nutty flavor that adds a unique twist to your grilled dishes.

Gulf Shrimp: Known for their superior taste and texture, Gulf shrimp are a fantastic option for grilling. They have a rich, buttery flavor that pairs well with a variety of seasonings and marinades. Gulf shrimp are also versatile, making them suitable for various grilling techniques, such as skewering or direct grilling.

Jumbo Shrimp: These large and meaty shrimp are perfect for grilling. With their impressive size, they hold up well on the grill and offer a satisfying bite. Their flavor is slightly sweet and delicate, making them a popular choice for many seafood lovers.

Never overcook shrimp. An easy way thing to remember when cooking shrimp is to use the “C-O Method”. When boiled or steamed, shrimp are cooked when they curl to form the letter “C”. Shrimp are overcooked when they curl to form the letter “O”. Over-cooked shrimp are tough and rubbery.

Shrimp Fajitas

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Shrimp fajitas are a popular Tex-Mex dish that features shrimp marinated and then grilled or sautéed.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice, divided 1 garlic clove, pressed 1/2 teaspoon salt, divided 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper, divided 1/4 teaspoon cumin 1/8 teaspoon chili powder 2 medium onions, sliced 2 bell peppers, seeded and sliced (a mix of colors is good) 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro, divided 8 flour tortillas Sour cream and salsa (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, 1 tablespoon each oil and lime juice, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/8 teaspoon pepper, cumin and chili powder. Stir to coat shrimp.
3. Heat remaining oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook onions until translucent, 5 minutes.
4. Add bell peppers and mushrooms (if using) and remaining salt and pepper, stirring frequently, 5 minutes more.
5. Stir in 2 tablespoons cilantro. Transfer to an ovenproof bowl and keep warm in oven.
6. Heat skillet over medium heat and add shrimp. Sauté until just cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes.
7. Stir in remaining lime juice and cilantro.
8. To serve, wrap each tortilla around vegetables and shrimp.
9. Serve with sour cream and salsa, if desired.