These Shrimp Fajita Bowls are a wholesome, flavor-packed meal that combines juicy shrimp, charred peppers, and onions with fresh avocado and zesty cilantro-lime rice.
High in protein, rich in fiber, and balanced with healthy fats, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing.
With its vibrant Tex-Mex flair, quick cooking shrimp, and meal-prep friendly components, it’s an easy go-to recipe for busy weeknights or nutritious lunches.
Flavorful Shrimp Fajita Bowls
Equipment
- 1 Medium pot
- 1 Large skillet
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Chef’s knife
- 1 Measuring cups set
- 1 Measuring spoons set
- 1 Mixing Bowl
- 1 Citrus Juicer
- 1 Grater or zester
Ingredients
For the Cilantro Lime Rice
- 1 ¼ cups brown rice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 ½ cups water
- 1 medium lime zested and juiced
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For the Shrimp and Fajita Veggies
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 3 medium bell peppers thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow onion thinly sliced
- 4 cloves garlic thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons taco or fajita seasoning divided
- 1 pound shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 large avocado sliced
- Sour cream for serving (optional)
- Hot sauce for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cilantro Lime Rice: Start by rinsing 1 ¼ cups of brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear—this helps remove excess starch and prevents the rice from becoming gummy. In a medium-sized pot, combine the rinsed rice with 2 ½ cups of water and 1 teaspoon of salt. Place the pot over high heat and bring it to a rolling boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot with a tight-fitting lid, and let it simmer gently for 45–50 minutes. The rice is done when all the water has been absorbed, and the grains are tender but still slightly chewy. Just before serving, remove the lid, fluff the rice gently with a fork to separate the grains, then stir in the juice and zest of 1 lime along with ¼ cup of freshly chopped cilantro. This gives the rice a fresh, vibrant flavor that complements the shrimp and vegetables perfectly.
- Season the Shrimp for Maximum Flavor: While the rice is cooking, prepare the shrimp. Place 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp in a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the shrimp and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of taco or fajita seasoning evenly. Toss everything together with your hands or a spoon until each shrimp is well-coated in the seasoning. Set aside briefly while you cook the vegetables. This step ensures the shrimp absorbs the bold, smoky flavors that make Tex-Mex dishes irresistible.
- Cook the Bell Peppers and Onions: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 3 thinly sliced bell peppers (any color combination you prefer) and 1 medium thinly sliced yellow onion.Stir occasionally to ensure the vegetables cook evenly. After 5 minutes, pour in ½ cup of water. This helps to steam the vegetables slightly, softening them while also deglazing the pan to capture all the flavorful bits stuck to the bottom. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the peppers and onions begin to char lightly at the edges and become tender.
- Add Garlic and Seasoning to the Veggies: Once the peppers and onions have softened, add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and the remaining 1 tablespoon of taco or fajita seasoning directly to the skillet. Stir everything together so the garlic infuses the vegetables and the seasoning is evenly distributed. Cook for an additional 2–5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the vegetables are beautifully caramelized but still retain a slight crunch. Then, transfer the cooked vegetables to a plate and keep them warm while you cook the shrimp.
- Cook the Shrimp to Perfection: Reduce the heat of the same skillet to medium. Carefully add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece. Allow the shrimp to cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes on one side. You’ll notice the edges turning pink and slightly firming up. Flip each shrimp gently using tongs or a spatula, and cook for another 2–3 minutes on the other side until the shrimp are opaque, firm to the touch, and slightly golden. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can become rubbery if left too long in the pan.
- Assemble the Shrimp Fajita Bowls: To build your bowls, start by dividing the cilantro lime rice evenly among four serving bowls. Layer the charred bell peppers and onions on top of the rice, followed by the cooked shrimp. Add 1 sliced avocado to each bowl for a creamy, nutritious touch. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro if desired. For extra indulgence or heat, offer a dollop of sour cream and a drizzle of hot sauce on the side. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh.
- Optional: Meal-Prep and Serving Tips: If preparing for meal prep, store the rice, shrimp, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, though the best flavor is within 24 hours. Assemble the bowls right before eating to maintain the vibrant colors and textures.
Notes
- Use peeled and deveined shrimp for the best texture and even cooking.
- Thinly slice bell peppers and onions to ensure quick, uniform cooking and better caramelization.
- Fluff the rice gently before adding lime juice and cilantro to maintain light, separate grains.
- Add water when cooking vegetables to help steam them without losing flavor.
- Avoid overcooking shrimp; they cook quickly and can become rubbery if left too long.
- Garnish with avocado just before serving to maintain its creamy texture and vibrant color.
- Store rice, shrimp, and vegetables separately if prepping ahead to preserve flavor and texture.
- Adjust seasoning and hot sauce according to your heat preference.
Chef’s Secrets for Perfect Bowls
The secret to making shrimp fajita bowls truly outstanding lies in layering flavors and textures.
First, seasoning the shrimp before cooking ensures they absorb a smoky, Tex-Mex flavor without overpowering the natural sweetness.
When sautéing the vegetables, add a splash of water to steam them gently and create tender, slightly charred peppers and onions—this gives the dish a perfect balance of caramelized flavor and freshness.
Fluffing the rice right before serving and mixing in fresh lime juice and cilantro adds brightness and a refreshing contrast to the savory shrimp and veggies.
Finally, timing is crucial: cook the shrimp last and assemble immediately to keep everything warm, juicy, and vibrant.
Serving Suggestions for Maximum Enjoyment
Shrimp fajita bowls are versatile and can be served as a quick weeknight dinner, a meal-prep lunch, or even a party-friendly option.
Pair the bowls with a side of tortilla chips or a simple mixed greens salad for extra crunch and freshness.
A dollop of sour cream, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even a spoonful of salsa verde can elevate the dish and add additional layers of flavor.
For a lighter option, serve without sour cream or use Greek yogurt instead.
Garnishing with fresh cilantro or a few lime wedges enhances both taste and presentation.
Storage Tips to Retain Freshness
To maintain the best texture and flavor, store the shrimp, rice, and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator.
Cooked shrimp will keep for up to 2 days, while rice and vegetables can also last the same amount of time.
Avoid mixing all components together until ready to serve, as this prevents the rice from becoming soggy and the shrimp from overcooking during reheating.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water to the rice if needed.
For meal prep, store avocado slices separately and add them fresh to each bowl before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before seasoning and cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents excess water from making the dish soggy.
2. Can I make this recipe low-carb?
Absolutely! Swap the brown rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of shredded lettuce to reduce carbs while keeping the dish flavorful and satisfying.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add extra taco seasoning to the shrimp, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the vegetables, or serve with a spicy hot sauce or jalapeño slices. Adjust the heat gradually to suit your taste.
4. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! The components can be cooked and stored separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days. Assemble the bowls right before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
5. What other toppings work well with shrimp fajita bowls?
Try toppings like shredded cheese, chopped tomatoes, black beans, corn, or a squeeze of fresh lime. Avocado or guacamole adds creaminess, while fresh cilantro brightens the flavors.
