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Shrimp Fajita Rice Bowls - Bright, Fresh, and Weeknight-Friendly

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Shrimp: 1 to 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium or large)
  • Rice: 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cilantro-lime rice)
  • Bell peppers: 2 large (mixed colors for variety), sliced
  • Onion: 1 large yellow or red onion, sliced
  • Garlic: 2–3 cloves, minced
  • Lime: 1–2 limes, zest and juice
  • Fresh cilantro: A small handful, chopped
  • Olive oil or avocado oil: 2–3 tablespoons
  • Butter (optional): 1 tablespoon for finishing the shrimp
  • Fajita seasoning: 2–3 teaspoons (store-bought or homemade)
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese, hot sauce, jalapeños
  • Optional add-ins: Black beans or pinto beans, corn kernels, cherry tomatoes

Method
 

  1. Cook the rice: Make your rice according to package directions. Fluff with a fork. For extra flavor, stir in lime zest, a squeeze of lime juice, chopped cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
  2. Pat the shrimp dry: Dry shrimp with paper towels so they sear instead of steam. Toss with 1 teaspoon oil, 1–2 teaspoons fajita seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
  3. Slice the veggies: Cut bell peppers and onion into thin strips. Keep them similar in size so they cook evenly.
  4. Sauté peppers and onions: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon oil, then the peppers and onions. Season with 1 teaspoon fajita seasoning and a pinch of salt. Cook 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender with some charred edges. Remove to a plate.
  5. Cook the shrimp: In the same skillet, add another drizzle of oil if needed. Add shrimp in a single layer. Cook 1–2 minutes per side until opaque and lightly golden. Stir in minced garlic during the last 30 seconds. If using, add a small pat of butter and a squeeze of lime to finish. Return peppers and onions to the pan and toss with shrimp.
  6. Taste and adjust: Add more lime, salt, or fajita seasoning if needed. If the pan looks dry, a splash of water or stock loosens the flavorful bits.
  7. Assemble bowls: Spoon rice into bowls. Top with the shrimp-pepper mixture. Add beans, corn, avocado, salsa, cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. Finish with fresh cilantro and an extra lime wedge.
  8. Serve: Enjoy immediately while warm and saucy.