Name: Shrimp Fajita Bowls Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: For The Shrimp:; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lime juice; 1 tsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1 tsp oregano; ½ tsp smoked paprika; ½ tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; freshly ground black pepper; 1 lb large shrimp; For The Veggies:; 2 medium red bell peppers; 1 large red onion; 1 tbsp olive oil; ½ tsp kosher salt; freshly ground black pepper; For the rice:; 3 cups brown rice; 2 tbsp cilantro; ¼ tsp salt; ½ lime juice; For the salsa and topping:; 1 cup tomatoes; ⅓ cup white onion; ¼ cup cilantro; pinch kosher salt; freshly ground black pepper; 4 oz Hass avocado

This shrimp fajita bowl recipe is a colorful, flavorful, and healthy dish packed with sauteed bell peppers, onions, and zesty marinated shrimp. It's topped with a homemade salsa and fresh avocado, all served over a bed of cilantro lime brown rice. It's a perfect balance of textures and flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Mexico. Easy to prepare and deliciously satisfying, this dish is sure to become a regular in your meal rotation.

Photos of Shrimp Fajita Bowls Recipe

Most of the ingredients required for this recipe are quite common and probably already in your pantry, such as olive oil, lime, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. However, the recipe also requires some fresh produce like large shrimp, red bell peppers, red onion, cilantro, tomatoes, white onions and a hass avocado, which you may need to pick up from the supermarket if they're not readily available at home.

Shrimp Fajita Bowl Recipe Ingredients

Olive oil: This is used to sautè the veggies and marinate the shrimp, providing a base for the other flavors to build upon.

Lime: Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the shrimp marinade and the rice.

Chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder: These spices create a flavorful marinade for the shrimp and a seasoning for the veggies.

Kosher salt and black pepper: Used to season all components of the dish.

Large shrimp: The star protein of this dish, marinated and roasted to perfection.

Red bell peppers and red onion: Sautéed until tender, they add a sweet and slightly smoky flavor to the dish.

Brown rice: Serves as a hearty and healthy base for the bowl.

Cilantro: Adds a fresh and slightly citrusy flavor to the rice and the salsa.

Tomatoes and white onion: Main components of the homemade salsa, providing a fresh and tangy contrast to the other ingredients.

Hass avocado: Sliced on top for a creamy, rich finish.

One reader, Hope Tanaka says:

This shrimp fajita bowl recipe is a game-changer! The flavors are incredible, and the dish is so easy to make. The combination of juicy shrimp, flavorful veggies, and zesty salsa is simply divine. It's become a regular in my meal rotation, and I can't get enough of it!

Hope Tanaka

Techniques Required for Making a Shrimp Fajita Bowl

How to marinate the shrimp: Whisk together the olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add the shrimp and toss to evenly coat, then set aside to marinate.

How to roast the veggies: Combine the red bell peppers, red onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss to evenly coat the veggies with oil and seasoning, then transfer to a sheet pan and roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.

How to prepare the rice: In a medium bowl, combine the brown rice with cilantro, salt, and lime juice.

How to make the salsa: In a small bowl, combine the tomatoes, white onion, cilantro, salt, and pepper to make the salsa.

How to assemble the shrimp fajita bowl: Place ¾ cup of prepared rice in each of 4 bowls. Evenly divide the roasted shrimp and veggies, salsa, and sliced avocado among each bowl and serve.

How To Make Shrimp Fajita Bowls

Savor a hearty dish with these shrimp fajita tossed in lime juice and spices. It’s served over rice with veggies, salsa, and avocado slices.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Cooking: 10 minutes

Total: 25 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

For the shrimp:

1tbspolive oil
1lime juice
1tspchili powder
1tspcumin
1tsporegano
½tspsmoked paprika
½tspkosher salt
½tspgarlic powder
½tsponion powder
freshly ground black pepper,to taste
1lblarge shrimp,peeled, deveined, tail-off

For the veggies:

2medium red bell peppers,sliced
1large red onion,sliced
1tbspolive oil
½tspkosher salt
freshly ground black pepper,to taste

For the rice:

3cupsbrown rice,cooked
2tbspcilantro,chopped
¼tspsalt
½lime juice

For the salsa and topping:

1cuptomatoes,diced
⅓cupwhite onion,chopped
¼cupcilantro,chopped
pinchkosher salt
freshly ground black pepper,to taste
4ozhass avocado,(1 small) thinly sliced

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Shrimp:

In a large bowl, whisk together the shrimp ingredients from olive oil through pepper.
Add the shrimp and toss to evenly coat.
Set aside and allow to marinate while making the veggies.

Veggies:

Combine all veggie ingredients in a large bowl. Use hands to toss and evenly coat veggies with oil and seasoning.
Transfer to a sheet pan and roast for 20 minutes, tossing halfway through.

Rice and Salsa:

Meanwhile, prepare the rice and salsa. In a medium bowl, combine rice with cilantro, salt, and lime juice.
In a small bowl, make the salsa by combining the tomatoes, onion, cilantro, salt and pepper.
Remove veggies from oven and place marinated shrimp (leaving excess marinade in the bowl) evenly among the veggies.
Return to the oven and roast for 8 minutes.
Place ¾ cup rice in each of 4 bowls. Evenly divide the shrimp, veggies, salsa, and sliced avocado among each bowl and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 769.40kcal
Fat: 16.60g
Saturated Fat: 2.74g
Trans Fat: 0.02g
Monounsaturated Fat: 9.45g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.15g
Carbohydrates: 127.29g
Fiber: 11.04g
Sugar: 6.27g
Protein: 29.04g
Cholesterol: 142.88mg
Sodium: 1077.05mg
Calcium: 166.46mg
Potassium: 1057.77mg
Iron: 4.56mg
Vitamin A: 196.42µg
Vitamin C: 93.16mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting Your Shrimp Fajita Bowl Recipe

When preparing the shrimp, it's important to not over-marinate them. Marinating for too long can make the shrimp tough and rubbery. Ideally, you should marinate the shrimp for about 15-30 minutes. Also, when roasting the shrimp with the veggies, ensure they are spread out evenly on the pan. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of roasting, which may affect the texture and flavor.

Time-Saving Tips for Preparing a Shrimp Fajita Bowl

Prep ahead: Prepare the shrimp marinade and chop the veggies the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

One-pan cooking: Use a large sheet pan to roast the shrimp and veggies together, saving time on cleanup.

Batch cooking: Make a larger quantity of rice and freeze the extra portions for future use, cutting down on prep time for future meals.

Efficient multitasking: While the veggies are roasting, use that time to prepare the salsa and slice the avocado for assembly later.

Invest in quality tools: Sharp knives and efficient kitchen gadgets can significantly reduce prep time and make cooking more enjoyable.

Streamline the process: Organize your ingredients and equipment before starting to cook to minimize time spent searching and gathering items.

Substitute Ingredients For Shrimp Fajita Bowls Recipe

shrimp - Substitute with sliced chicken breast: Chicken breast can be used as a substitute for shrimp to create a similar fajita bowl. It provides a lean protein option and absorbs flavors well when seasoned and cooked.
red bell peppers - Substitute with yellow bell peppers: Yellow bell peppers can be used as a substitute for red bell peppers to add a slightly sweeter flavor and vibrant color to the fajita bowl.
brown rice - Substitute with quinoa: Quinoa can be used as a substitute for brown rice to provide a gluten-free, protein-rich base for the fajita bowl.
tomatoes - Substitute with diced canned tomatoes: Canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh tomatoes to provide a convenient alternative with a similar flavor for the salsa topping.

Best Way to Present a Shrimp Fajita Bowl

Elevate the shrimp: Arrange the marinated and roasted shrimp in a visually appealing manner, ensuring they are the star of the dish. The vibrant colors and succulent texture of the shrimp should be showcased prominently.
Create a vibrant veggie medley: Arrange the roasted red bell peppers and onions in an artful manner, ensuring a visually appealing contrast of colors and textures. The veggies should complement the shrimp without overshadowing them.
Present the rice with finesse: Mold the cilantro-infused brown rice into a neat, compact shape using a ramekin or mold. Carefully place it in the center of the bowl, creating a visually striking base for the other components.
Artfully arrange the salsa: Spoon the vibrant tomato and onion salsa around the rice, creating a colorful and appetizing border. The salsa should add a pop of freshness and flavor to the dish.
Garnish with avocado: Thinly slice the ripe avocado and delicately fan it out on top of the shrimp fajita bowl. The creamy, green slices should add a touch of elegance and richness to the overall presentation.

Essential Tools for Making a Shrimp Fajita Bowl Recipe

Oven: An appliance used for baking, roasting, and heating food.
Large bowl: A container for mixing ingredients or holding large quantities of food.
Sheet pan: A flat, rectangular metal pan used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.
Medium bowl: A container for mixing ingredients or holding moderate quantities of food.
Small bowl: A container for mixing small quantities of ingredients or holding condiments.
Whisk: A kitchen tool used for blending and mixing ingredients together.
Spatula: A flat cooking tool used for flipping, spreading, and lifting foods.
Knife: A sharp tool used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Cutting board: A flat board used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
Measuring cups and spoons: Tools used for accurately measuring ingredients in cooking and baking.
Tongs: A utensil with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting food items.
Baking dish: A glass or metal dish used for baking and roasting foods in the oven.

How To Store and Freeze Shrimp Fajita Bowl Ingredients

Allow the shrimp fajita bowl to cool completely before storing. This will prevent the rice from becoming soggy and the veggies from wilting.
Divide the shrimp, veggies, rice, and salsa into separate airtight containers. This will help maintain the texture and flavor of each component.
Store the containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to freeze the shrimp fajita bowl, follow these steps:
- Place the cooled shrimp and veggies in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Freeze the rice separately in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag.
- Do not freeze the salsa or avocado, as they will not maintain their texture and flavor when thawed.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To reheat the frozen shrimp fajita bowl:
- Thaw the shrimp, veggies, and rice in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheat the shrimp and veggies in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
- Reheat the rice in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent dryness.
- Assemble the reheated components in a bowl and top with fresh salsa and avocado before serving.

How To Reheat Shrimp Fajita Bowl Leftovers

To reheat your leftover shrimp fajita bowl, start by removing the avocado and salsa from the bowl, as these ingredients are best served cold and fresh.
If your rice has dried out a bit in the fridge, sprinkle a tablespoon of water over it to help rehydrate it during the reheating process.
Place the bowl (without the avocado and salsa) in the microwave and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until the shrimp and veggies are heated through and the rice is steaming.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the shrimp, veggies, and rice separately in the microwave or on the stovetop for more control over the texture of each component.
For a crispy texture on your veggies, you can opt to reheat them quickly in a skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of olive oil.
If you're reheating multiple portions at once, it's best to use the oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the shrimp fajita bowl (without the avocado and salsa) in an oven-safe dish and cover it with foil.
- Heat the bowl in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until everything is heated through.
Once your shrimp fajita bowl is reheated, top it off with the reserved fresh avocado and salsa for a burst of cool, refreshing flavor.
If desired, you can also add a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro to brighten up the flavors after reheating.

Random Fact About Shrimp Fajita Bowls

The shrimp fajita bowl recipe is a delicious and nutritious meal that is packed with protein, fiber, and essential nutrients. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein and is low in calories, making it a healthy choice for those looking to maintain a balanced diet. Additionally, the combination of vegetables, rice, and salsa provides a variety of vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall well-being. This recipe is not only flavorful but also offers a range of health benefits, making it a great option for anyone seeking a wholesome and satisfying meal.

Is Making a Shrimp Fajita Bowl Economical for Home Cooking?

This shrimp fajita bowl recipe offers a high degree of cost-effectiveness for a household. The use of affordable ingredients such as bell peppers, onions, and brown rice makes it budget-friendly. The versatility of the recipe allows for easy substitution of ingredients based on seasonal availability, further enhancing its cost-effectiveness. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $20, making it an economical choice. Overall Verdict: 9/10.

Is This Shrimp Fajita Bowl Healthy or Unhealthy?

This shrimp fajita bowl recipe is a healthy and well-balanced meal. The recipe incorporates a variety of nutritious ingredients, such as:

Lean protein: Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein option that provides essential amino acids for muscle growth and repair.
Fiber-rich vegetables: Bell peppers and onions are packed with vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and promotes feelings of fullness.
Whole grains: Brown rice is a whole grain that provides complex carbohydrates, fiber, and various nutrients like magnesium and selenium.
Healthy fats: Avocado and olive oil contain heart-healthy monounsaturated fats that help reduce inflammation and support overall health.

The recipe also uses a homemade spice blend and fresh salsa, which reduces the reliance on processed ingredients and added sugars.

To further enhance the nutritional value of this recipe, consider the following suggestions:

Increase the variety of vegetables by adding zucchini, yellow squash, or mushrooms to the fajita mix.
Swap brown rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb, nutrient-dense alternative.
Include a source of probiotics, such as a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of fermented vegetables like pickled jalapeños or sauerkraut, to support gut health.
Serve with a side of leafy greens, such as a simple salad or sautéed spinach, to boost the overall nutrient content of the meal.

Editor's Thoughts on This Delicious Shrimp Fajita Bowl

The shrimp fajita bowl recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The marinated shrimp, roasted veggies, and zesty salsa come together to create a vibrant and satisfying dish. The use of fresh ingredients and bold seasonings adds depth to the dish, while the cilantro-lime rice provides a refreshing balance. This recipe offers a perfect blend of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, making it a wholesome and delicious meal option. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to impress with its vibrant colors and bold flavors.

Enhance Your Shrimp Fajita Bowls Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Corn on the Cob: Try grilling some fresh corn on the cob and serving it with a zesty lime and chili butter for a delicious and flavorful side dish.

Mango Salsa: Whip up a refreshing mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro to add a sweet and spicy kick to your shrimp fajita bowl.

Black Bean Salad: Create a colorful and nutritious black bean salad with red bell pepper, red onion, and a tangy lime vinaigrette to complement the flavors of the fajita bowl.

Alternative Recipes Similar to a Shrimp Fajita Bowl

Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Marinate the vegetables in a mixture of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and herbs before grilling them to perfection on skewers.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Top grilled chicken with a refreshing salsa made with diced mango, red onion, jalapeno, and cilantro for a burst of tropical flavor.

Butternut Squash Soup: Simmer butternut squash with onions, garlic, and vegetable broth, then blend until smooth for a comforting and creamy soup.

Berry Crisp: Combine fresh berries with a crumbly oat topping and bake until golden and bubbly for a delicious and easy dessert.

Lemon Garlic Roasted Chicken: Rub a whole chicken with a zesty mixture of lemon, garlic, and herbs before roasting it to juicy perfection in the oven.

Appetizers and Desserts to Complement Your Shrimp Fajita Bowl

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Create a mouthwatering appetizer by stuffing large mushrooms with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. Bake until golden and serve hot for a delicious start to any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: Grate fresh zucchini and mix with herbs, cheese, and a touch of flour to create a batter. Fry until golden and crispy, then serve with a side of creamy dipping sauce for a delightful and crunchy appetizer.

Desserts:

Chocolate Lava Cake: Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of a warm, gooey chocolate lava cake. The contrast between the molten center and the slightly crisp exterior creates a delightful texture that will satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.

Apple Crisp: Enjoy the comforting and nostalgic flavors of a warm apple crisp. The tender, cinnamon-spiced apples are topped with a crunchy oat and brown sugar crumble, creating a delightful contrast of textures. Serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of caramel swirl ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Why trust this Shrimp Fajita Bowls Recipe:

This shrimp fajita bowl recipe is a delicious and nutritious option for a wholesome meal. The shrimp is marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lime juice, and a mix of spices, ensuring a burst of savory goodness in every bite. The roasted veggies are seasoned to perfection and complement the shrimp beautifully. The addition of fresh cilantro and zesty lime juice in the rice and salsa adds a refreshing touch. With high-quality ingredients and a harmonious blend of flavors, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience.

Have a favorite shrimp fajita bowls recipe of your own? Share it with others in the Recipe Sharing forum and let's discuss!

FAQ:

What is the best way to cook the shrimp for this recipe?

The best way to cook the shrimp for this recipe is to marinate them in a mixture of olive oil, lime juice, and spices, and then roast them in the oven along with the veggies. This method ensures that the shrimp are flavorful and perfectly cooked.

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use white rice instead of brown rice if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time and method according to the instructions for the white rice you choose.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish to my preference?

You can adjust the spiciness of the dish by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder and smoked paprika in the shrimp marinade. You can also control the heat by adding or reducing the amount of jalapeños in the salsa.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the components ahead of time and assemble the bowls when you're ready to eat. Just store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.

What are some optional toppings or additions to this fajita bowl?

Some optional toppings or additions to this fajita bowl include sour cream, shredded cheese, black beans, corn, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Feel free to customize the bowl with your favorite toppings and additions!