Description
These Shrimp Fajita Bowls are a vibrant, flavorful, and quick meal that comes together in just 30 minutes using one skillet. Tender shrimp coated in a homemade fajita seasoning are cooked alongside colorful bell peppers, onions, and seasoned corn, served over zesty lime-infused white rice. Garnished with fresh herbs, avocado, lime slices, and salsa, this dish offers a perfect balance of spice, freshness, and satisfying textures, making it ideal for a wholesome weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Fajita Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus additional to taste)
Shrimp and Vegetables
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp (large, peeled and deveined, about 15/20 or 26/30 count per pound)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 medium bell peppers (tri-colored: red, yellow, and green, thinly sliced)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed, plus extra for serving)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or cilantro (chopped)
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 15 oz canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
Additional Components
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 small lime (freshly squeezed juice)
- Lime slices (for garnish)
- Sliced avocado (optional garnish)
- Salsa (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp with seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the raw shrimp with the homemade fajita seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, and salt). Toss thoroughly to ensure all shrimp are evenly coated and set aside to marinate briefly.
- Cook the vegetables: Heat a large high-sided skillet over medium heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil which should coat the pan evenly without burning. Add the thinly sliced bell peppers and red onion. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened and have slight char marks. Transfer the cooked veggies to a large plate and set aside.
- Cook the shrimp: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Cook the shrimp in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Sauté the shrimp on medium heat for about 3 to 4 minutes total, flipping once or twice, until they turn pink and opaque. Remove from heat. Stir in freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped fresh basil (or cilantro) into the shrimp for added flavor. Transfer the shrimp to a bowl.
- Sauté the corn: Using the same skillet, add the cooked corn kernels along with salt and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. If the pan is dry, add a splash of olive oil. Cook the corn over medium heat for about 2 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare the lime rice: In a medium bowl, mix the cooked white rice with freshly squeezed lime juice and 1/4 teaspoon salt. This will give the rice a bright, fresh flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide the lime-infused rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top each bowl with equal portions of cooked shrimp, sautéed bell peppers and onions, seasoned corn, and rinsed black beans.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or cilantro over each bowl. Garnish with lime slices, and optionally, add sliced avocado and a spoonful of salsa to add creaminess and extra zest. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute fresh basil with cilantro for a classic southwestern flavor.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness of the fajita seasoning to suit your heat preference.
- If you don’t have cooked corn kernels on hand, fresh or frozen corn can be used; just ensure it’s cooked before adding to the skillet.
- To make the dish gluten-free, ensure canned black beans contain no added gluten-containing ingredients.
- For a lower-calorie version, reduce the amount of olive oil used or substitute with a cooking spray.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Keywords: shrimp fajita bowls, one-pan shrimp recipe, quick fajita bowls, shrimp dinner, Tex-Mex shrimp bowls, healthy shrimp recipe, shrimp and rice bowls
