The Best Shrimp Fajita Bowls (30 Minutes, One-Pan) Recipe
This vibrant and flavorful Shrimp Fajita Bowls recipe combines perfectly seasoned shrimp, sautéed tri-colored bell peppers, onions, and spiced corn with fluffy white rice and black beans. Ready in just 30 minutes using a single skillet, it’s a quick, colorful, and healthy meal option perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Fajita Seasoning and Protein
- 1.5 lb raw shrimp (large, peeled and deveined, about 15/20 or 26/30 count per pound)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (plus 1/2 teaspoon for corn)
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (plus additional 1/4 teaspoon for rice and to taste)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
- 3 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed, plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh basil or cilantro (chopped)
Vegetables and Other Ingredients
- 3 medium bell peppers (red, yellow, and green, thinly sliced)
- 1 medium red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1.5 cups cooked corn kernels
- 15 oz canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 2 cups cooked white rice
- 1 small lime (freshly squeezed juice)
- Lime slices (for garnish)
- Sliced avocado (optional, for garnish)
- Salsa (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp with Seasoning: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp with chili powder, cumin, paprika, red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and minced garlic. Toss well to evenly coat the shrimp with the homemade fajita seasoning. Set aside while you prepare the vegetables.
- Cook Bell Peppers and Onions: Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, making sure it coats the pan without smoking. Add the thinly sliced bell peppers and red onion to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and developed slight char marks. Remove cooked peppers and onions to a plate and set aside.
- Sauté the Shrimp: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the now-empty skillet. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook shrimp for 3-4 minutes total, flipping once or twice until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the skillet from heat, then add freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped fresh basil to the shrimp. Toss to combine and transfer shrimp to a bowl.
- Cook the Spiced Corn: Using the same skillet, add the cooked corn kernels, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon chili powder. If the pan is dry, add a small drizzle of olive oil. Cook the corn over medium heat for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the spices to infuse the corn with flavor. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the Rice: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked white rice with freshly squeezed lime juice and a pinch of salt. Stir well to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the rice.
- Assemble the Fajita Bowls: Divide the lime-infused rice evenly among four bowls. Top each with equal portions of cooked shrimp, sautéed bell peppers and onions, black beans, and spiced corn. Garnish each bowl with chopped fresh basil or cilantro and lime slices. Optionally, add sliced avocado and salsa on the side or on top to enhance flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free meal, ensure that canned black beans are certified gluten-free.
- Using fresh lime juice is key to brightening the flavors throughout the dish.
- Cook shrimp in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough to prevent steaming and ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute cooked brown rice or cauliflower rice to suit dietary preferences or add more fiber.
- Adding sliced avocado and salsa are optional but add creaminess and tangy contrast to the fajita bowls.
Keywords: shrimp fajita bowls, one pan shrimp fajitas, quick shrimp recipe, Mexican shrimp bowl, easy dinner bowls, healthy shrimp fajitas
