Skillet Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro-Lime Cream Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This vibrant shrimp fajita recipe combines zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and colorful peppers for a meal that bursts with flavor. It serves 5 and pairs perfectly with warm tortillas and creamy cilantro-lime sauce.

Ingredients

Cilantro-Lime Cream

• 1 cup sour cream
• 3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste

Fajitas

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon Mexican oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced vertically
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced vertically
• 1/4 cup olive oil or avocado oil, divided
• Juice of 1 lime, divided
• 10 flour tortillas, warmed
• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and sliced (optional)
• 1 cup pico de gallo, store-bought or homemade (optional)
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Directions

Prepare Cilantro-Lime Cream

In a small bowl with a lid, combine sour cream, chopped cilantro, lime zest and juice, minced garlic, and salt. Stir until smooth, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Make Fajita Seasoning

In a small bowl, mix chili powder, cayenne, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Marinate Shrimp

In a large bowl or resealable plastic bag, combine 2 tablespoons oil, half of the lime juice, and the prepared fajita seasoning. Add shrimp and toss to coat. Let sit while preparing vegetables.

Cook Vegetables

Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and bell peppers, stirring frequently, until lightly charred and tender, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Cook Shrimp

Add shrimp to the same skillet and cook 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Return vegetables to the skillet and cook an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring to combine. Squeeze remaining lime juice over the mixture.

Assemble Fajitas

Fill warmed tortillas with shrimp, peppers, and onions. Top with avocado slices, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro if desired. Drizzle generously with cilantro-lime cream and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 1168
• Fat: 48g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Cholesterol: 410mg
• Sodium: 3200mg
• Carbohydrates: 126g
• Dietary Fiber: 15g
• Sugars: 7g
• Protein: 62g
• Vitamin C: 90mg
• Calcium: 349mg
• Iron: 9mg
• Potassium: 1372mg

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values may vary depending on individual dietary needs. Nutrient information is estimated and may not account for all ingredients.

History and Origins of Shrimp Fajitas

Fajitas are a quintessential part of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, with roots tracing back to the ranching culture of northern Mexico and southern Texas. Originally, the term "fajita" referred to the cut of meattypically skirt steakused by Mexican cowboys, known as vaqueros, who would grill it over open flames and serve it with tortillas. Over time, seafood variations emerged, particularly in coastal regions of Mexico where shrimp and fish were abundant. The Skillet Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro-Lime Cream are a modern adaptation that combines this traditional technique with the fresh, zesty flavors of lime and cilantro, making it a light yet flavorful twist on the classic dish.

Regional Characteristics

In coastal Mexican regions, seafood fajitas often include shrimp or fish, reflecting local availability and culinary preferences. The addition of bell peppers and onions, sauted to maintain a slight crunch, is a hallmark of Tex-Mex style, which emphasizes smoky, vibrant flavors. The creamy cilantro-lime sauce is a contemporary addition that balances the spiciness of traditional seasonings with a refreshing tang, creating a fusion that appeals to both Mexican and international palates.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While tacos, burritos, and traditional steak fajitas may share some ingredients, shrimp fajitas stand out due to the delicate texture of the seafood, which cooks quickly and pairs naturally with citrus-based sauces. Unlike tacos that are often smaller and served with minimal toppings, fajitas are typically served sizzling in a skillet with sauted vegetables and a variety of garnishes. The cilantro-lime cream distinguishes this recipe further, offering a creamy, aromatic component that is absent in simpler seafood wraps or grilled shrimp dishes.

Typical Serving Settings

Skillet Shrimp Fajitas are commonly served in both casual and festive settings, ranging from home dinners to restaurant tables specializing in Mexican or Tex-Mex cuisine. They are often presented directly in the skillet to retain heat, enhancing the sensory experience of the meal. Accompaniments may include warm flour tortillas, sliced avocado, pico de gallo, and fresh cilantro, allowing diners to customize each bite. This style of presentation not only showcases the vibrant colors of the ingredients but also emphasizes communal, hands-on dining.

Interesting Facts

• The word "fajita" literally means "little strip" in Spanish, referring to the thin slices of meat or shrimp used in the dish.
• Shrimp fajitas cook in just a few minutes, making them a quick, protein-packed meal compared to traditional beef fajitas.
• The combination of lime and cilantro is a classic Mexican pairing, known for enhancing seafood flavors while providing a fresh, aromatic quality.
• Tex-Mex cuisine has popularized fajitas worldwide, with shrimp variations gaining particular popularity in coastal cities and areas with a strong seafood tradition.
• Serving fajitas in a skillet originates from the concept of sizzling platters, designed to keep food hot and create a visually appealing, aromatic presentation.

FAQ about Skillet Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro-Lime Cream Recipe

Comments