If you love bold flavors and vibrant, fresh ingredients, then these Shrimp Fajita Bowls are exactly what you need. With juicy shrimp coated in a zesty fajita seasoning, paired with colorful bell peppers, onions, and a tangy lime-flavored rice, these bowls are a delicious, balanced meal that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Quick to prepare, full of flavor, and customizable to your taste, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Shrimp Fajita Bowls are packed with vibrant veggies, perfectly seasoned shrimp, and a hearty base of lime-infused rice, creating a satisfying dish that is both fresh and filling. The fajita seasoning adds just the right amount of spice without overpowering the natural sweetness of the shrimp and vegetables. The dish comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something quick and healthy. Plus, it’s versatile—you can add your favorite toppings like salsa, avocado, or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor!
Ingredients
For the Fajita Seasoning:
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½ tsp chili powder
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp red pepper flakes
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¼ tsp salt (add more to taste)
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4 cloves garlic (minced)
For the Shrimp:
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1.5 lbs raw large shrimp (about 15/20 or 26/30 count per pound, peeled and deveined)
For the Veggies & Other Ingredients:
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2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
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3 medium bell peppers (tri-colored: red, yellow, and green), thinly sliced
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1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
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3 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed, plus extra)
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¼ cup fresh basil or cilantro (chopped)
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1.5 cups cooked corn kernels
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½ tsp chili powder
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15 oz canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
Lime-Flavored Rice:
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2 cups cooked white rice
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¼ tsp salt
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1 small lime (freshly squeezed juice)
Optional Garnish:
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Lime slices
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Sliced avocado
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Salsa
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare Shrimp & Fajita Seasoning:
In a large bowl, combine the raw shrimp with the homemade fajita seasoning. Toss to coat the shrimp evenly and set aside while you prep the other ingredients. -
Cook Veggies:
Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove the cooked veggies from the skillet and set them aside. -
Cook Shrimp:
Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Cook the shrimp for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until they turn pink. Remove from heat, then add lime juice and chopped basil (or cilantro) to the shrimp and toss gently. Set the shrimp aside. -
Cook Corn:
In the same skillet, add the cooked corn kernels, salt, and ½ tsp chili powder. Cook for about 2 minutes on medium heat, stirring occasionally, to infuse the corn with flavor. -
Prepare Rice:
In a medium bowl, combine the cooked rice with lime juice and salt. Mix until the rice is evenly coated and flavorful. -
Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the lime-flavored rice evenly among 4 bowls. Top each bowl with shrimp, bell peppers, onions, black beans, and corn. Garnish with chopped basil or cilantro, lime slices, and optional toppings like sliced avocado and salsa. -
Serve:
Serve immediately and enjoy these flavorful, satisfying Shrimp Fajita Bowls!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Calories per Serving: 474 kcal
Variations
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Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies such as zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.
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Make it Spicy: If you like heat, add more red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to the shrimp or veggies.
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Swap the Shrimp: You can substitute the shrimp with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a different take on this dish.
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Use Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, swap the white rice with cauliflower rice to reduce the calorie count and add more veggies.
Storage/Reheating
These Shrimp Fajita Bowls can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, microwave the components separately or gently heat in a skillet until warmed through. The shrimp may lose some of their texture after reheating, so it’s best to enjoy the bowls fresh.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly and pat them dry before cooking.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep the components ahead of time (e.g., cook the rice, chop the veggies, season the shrimp), but it’s best to cook the shrimp and assemble the bowls just before serving to ensure everything is fresh.
Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?
Yes, brown rice can be used for a heartier, fiber-rich alternative. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before using it in the recipe.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the fajita seasoning or add some diced fresh chilies or hot sauce.
Can I add cheese to these bowls?
Yes, a sprinkle of shredded cheese (such as cheddar or Monterey Jack) on top of the finished bowls can add a delicious creamy element.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this recipe vegetarian, simply replace the shrimp with grilled vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, and peppers, or use a plant-based protein like tofu.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh corn?
Yes, you can use frozen corn. Just thaw it and cook it the same way you would fresh corn.
Can I make the fajita seasoning in bulk?
Yes, you can make a larger batch of the fajita seasoning and store it in an airtight container for future use. It’s a great way to save time on future meals.
How can I serve these bowls for a crowd?
To serve for a larger group, double the ingredients and set up a build-your-own fajita bowl station where everyone can customize their toppings.
Can I make this recipe with a different protein?
Yes, you can swap the shrimp for chicken, or beef. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly for the different proteins.
Conclusion
These Shrimp Fajita Bowls are a delicious and vibrant meal that brings together the perfect combination of seasoned shrimp, fresh veggies, and zesty lime rice. This dish is perfect for a quick dinner that’s both healthy and satisfying. With the option to customize the toppings and ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe that can be made to suit everyone’s taste. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to impress! Enjoy!
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Shrimp Fajita Bowls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These vibrant and flavorful shrimp fajita bowls are loaded with seasoned shrimp, colorful veggies, lime-infused rice, and black beans, making for a perfect healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- For the Fajita Seasoning:
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp salt (add more to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- For the Shrimp:
- 1.5 lbs raw large shrimp (about 15/20 or 26/30 count per pound, peeled and deveined)
- For the Veggies & Other Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 3 medium bell peppers (tri-colored: red, yellow, and green), thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp lime juice (freshly squeezed, plus extra)
- ¼ cup fresh basil or cilantro (chopped)
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels
- ½ tsp chili powder
- 15 oz canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Lime-Flavored Rice:
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 small lime (freshly squeezed juice)
- Optional Garnish:
- Lime slices
- Sliced avocado
- Salsa
Instructions
- Prepare Shrimp & Fajita Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with the homemade fajita seasoning. Toss to coat and set aside.
- Cook Veggies: Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions, cooking for about 5 minutes until softened and slightly charred. Remove cooked veggies to a plate.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil to the skillet. Add the shrimp (cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding) and cook for 3-4 minutes, flipping once, until the shrimp turn pink. Remove from heat, add lime juice and chopped basil, and mix well. Set shrimp aside.
- Cook Corn: In the same skillet, add cooked corn kernels, salt, and ½ tsp chili powder. Cook for about 2 minutes on medium heat to infuse the corn with flavor.
- Prepare Rice: In a medium bowl, combine cooked rice with lime juice and salt.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the lime-flavored rice evenly among 4 bowls. Top with shrimp, bell peppers, onions, black beans, and corn. Garnish with chopped basil (or cilantro) and lime slices. Optional: top with sliced avocado and salsa.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a squeeze of lime juice just before serving.
- Feel free to swap out the shrimp for chicken or your favorite protein.
- Add extra vegetables like zucchini or cherry tomatoes to customize the bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir-frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 474
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 910mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 155mg