Authentic fajitas are made with marinated flank steak and were developed in the 60s by Mexicans who worked on the Texas ranches. As is the usual, American chain restaurants insist on changing authentic into something that sells – old fashioned capitalism. It’s a widespread food crime, but crime or no crime, the following Shortcut Shrimp Fajitas are delicious.

Of course you can make these fajitas as special and fancy as you like: homemade flour tortillas, fresh homemade guacamole (this one is my Halloween version, but it is perfect for these fajitas sans ceramic pumpkin), assorted Mexican cheeses like crumbled cojito and queso fresca, Fresh pico de gallo or homemade salsa, etc. These shrimp fajitas are suitable for company, but they are quick and easy so they can be a go-to recipe for family dinners. They are also perfect to serve on Cinco de Mayo or any Mexican holidays that you celebrate.
Now that there are frozen pepper medleys, I always use them, and that eliminates me having to slice peppers and onions. I do, however, slice a fresh jalapeño or two to make my fajitas a bit spicy; you can do as your taste buds dictate. Shrimp don’t need salt, so make sure you use salt-free seasoning; if you don’t have Salt-Free Fajita Seasoning or Salt-Free Taco Seasoning on hand, either is easily and quickly made; I’ve included the recipes below.

8 Servings

2 pounds raw medium shrimp, (tails off) rinsed and drained
2 tablespoons salt-free fajita seasoning
Juice of 1 lime

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 to 3 fresh jalapeno peppers, cored, seeded, and sliced
1 16 oz. package frozen pepper stir-fry (onions, red, green, & yellow peppers), rinsed in cold water and drained well

Toppings:
Sour cream
Mexican cheese, such as queso fresco
Guacamole
Sliced avocado
Pico de Gallo
Salsa

1. Place the shrimp in a bowl and stir in the fajita seasoning and lime juice; set aside.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat; add the jalapenos and let cook about 1 minute.
3. Stir in the pepper stir-fry and cook, over high heat, stirring, until most of the liquid has been absorbed.
4. Add the shrimp and stir until they turn pink and are just cooked through.
5. Serve on freshly made flour tortillas with your choice of toppings.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 185 Calories from Fat 62
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 33% Protein 54% Carb. 12%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 7 g
Saturated Fat 1 g
Cholesterol 222 mg
Sodium 266 mg
Total Carbohydrate 6 g
Dietary Fiber 2 g
Sugars 2 g
Protein 25 g

Vitamin A 20% Vitamin C 36% Calcium 0% Iron 21%

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Salt Free Fajita Seasoning

2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon whole oregano
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon crushed chipotle pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary

Mix all ingredients in a bullet blender; process until well mixed and finely ground. Store in an airtight container.

Salt-Free Taco Seasoning

6 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 tablespoon crushed red hot pepper
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon paprika
2 tablespoons ground cumin
2 tablespoons black pepper

Mix all ingredients in a bullet blender; process until well mixed and finely ground. Store in an airtight container.