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Citrus-Enhanced Shrimp Fajitas

These shrimp fajitas feature tender, smoky shrimp and charred peppers, finished with a bright burst of citrus zest. The dish is cooked quickly in a hot skillet, creating a vibrant, colorful presentation with a balance of smoky, spicy, and zesty flavors. Perfectly tender shrimp and crisp vegetables come together in a lively, appetizing wrap.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 250
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 bell peppers bell peppers mixed colors, sliced thin
  • 1 large onion sliced thin
  • 1 lime lime for juice
  • 1 teaspoon cumin ground
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon citrus zest lemon or lime, freshly grated
  • 2 tablespoons oil vegetable or canola
  • salt to taste

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board

Method
 

  1. Gather your skillet, knife, tongs, and cutting board to prep for cooking.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then season with a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of chili powder, and a dash of cumin for flavor.
  3. Slice the bell peppers into thin strips and peel the onion, then slice it thin as well—aim for even pieces so they cook uniformly.
  4. Heat your skillet over high heat until it shimmers, then add a tablespoon of oil, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
  5. Add the sliced peppers and onions to the hot skillet, stirring frequently. Cook for 5-7 minutes until they start to blister and turn vibrant, slightly charred at the edges.
  6. Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, then add the shrimp to the empty space, arranging them in a single layer.
  7. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they turn opaque and pink, with a slightly firm texture and a fragrant aroma.
  8. Sprinkle the cumin and chili powder over the shrimp and vegetables, tossing everything together to coat evenly. Grate some citrus zest over the mixture for a bright, zesty aroma.
  9. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture, then give everything a final stir to combine all the flavors—this adds a lively, citrusy punch.
  10. Remove the skillet from heat once the shrimp are cooked through and everything looks charred and vibrant. Serve immediately with warm tortillas for a complete, colorful fajita experience.

Notes

Adding citrus zest at the end enhances brightness. Use fresh lime juice just before serving for maximum zing. For extra heat, incorporate hot sauce or cayenne pepper.