Shrimp Cowboy Fajitas
A bold fusion of Tex-Mex flavors featuring perfectly seared jumbo shrimp with smoky chipotle seasoning, caramelized peppers and onions, all served siz...
4 servings
Tex-Mex Cuisine
🟡Intermediate★★★☆☆
May 30, 2025
42 views
Ingredients
🥩
2 pounds
jumbo shrimp
peeled and deveined, tails removed
🥬
4 cloves
garlic
minced
🥬
3 peppers
chipotle peppers in adobo
finely minced
🌾
8 large
flour tortillas
warmed
🥬
1 large
white onion
sliced into half-moons
🥬
2 large
red bell pepper
sliced into 1/4-inch strips
🥬
1 large
yellow bell pepper
sliced into 1/4-inch strips
🥛
1 cup
sour cream
for serving
🍎
3 tablespoons
lime juice
freshly squeezed
🍎
8 wedges
lime wedges
for serving
📦
1/2 cup
fresh cilantro
chopped
📦
1 cup
guacamole
for serving
🥬
1/2 teaspoon
black pepper
freshly ground
💧
2 tablespoons
adobo sauce
from chipotle can
🫒
4 tablespoons
olive oil
divided
🌶️
1 teaspoon
kosher salt
🌶️
2 teaspoons
ground cumin
🌶️
1 teaspoon
smoked paprika
🌶️
1 teaspoon
chili powder
Categories:🥩protein🥬vegetable🍎fruit🌾grain🥛dairy🌶️spice🫒oil💧liquid📦other
Instructions
Step 1
Pat the jumbo shrimp completely dry with paper towels and place in a large mixing bowl. This step is crucial for achieving proper searing without steaming.
Step 2
Create the marinade by whisking together the chipotle peppers in adobo, adobo sauce, lime juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, ground cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Step 3
Pour the marinade over the jumbo shrimp and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Allow to marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature, which allows the flavors to penetrate without over-curing the shrimp.
Step 4
Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat until it begins to smoke lightly. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the surface.
Step 5
Add the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and white onion to the hot pan. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables develop golden-brown caramelized edges while maintaining a slight crunch.
Step 6
Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir into the vegetables. Transfer the vegetable mixture to a warm platter and cover loosely with foil.
Step 7
Return the same pan to high heat and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil shimmers and begins to smoke, add the marinated jumbo shrimp in a single layer, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 8
Sear the jumbo shrimp for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a beautiful caramelized crust to form. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the shrimp are opaque throughout and have reached an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 9
Return the cooked vegetables to the pan with the jumbo shrimp and toss everything together for 30 seconds to reheat and meld the flavors. Remove from heat immediately to prevent overcooking.
Step 10
Transfer the sizzling fajita mixture to a warm cast iron serving platter or large serving dish. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately alongside warm flour tortillas, lime wedges, sour cream, and guacamole.
✨Chef's Tips
- ★The key to restaurant-quality fajitas is achieving the perfect sear on your protein while maintaining the vegetables' texture. Use the highest heat your stovetop allows and resist the urge to move ingredients too frequently - let them caramelize.
- ★Shrimp cook incredibly quickly and become rubbery when overcooked. Look for the moment they turn from translucent to opaque white with pink edges - this is your visual cue for perfectly cooked shrimp.
- ★For authentic sizzling presentation, heat your serving platter in a 200°F oven for 10 minutes before plating. The hot surface will create that dramatic sizzle when the fajitas hit the plate.
- ★Control the heat level by adjusting the amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. Start with less if you're heat-sensitive - you can always add more, but you can't take it away.
- ★Warm your tortillas properly by wrapping them in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30 seconds, or char them directly over a gas flame for 10-15 seconds per side for added smokiness.
shrimpfajitastex-mexamericanchipotledinnerspicyseafood