Whip up a vibrant Shrimp Fajita Bowl with cilantro-lime rice, juicy shrimp, and colorful veggies! A quick, healthy dinner everyone will love.
When you’re craving a flavorful, wholesome dinner with minimal fuss, a Shrimp Fajita Bowl is the answer. Packed with vibrant peppers, juicy shrimp, and zesty cilantro-lime rice, it’s a meal that doesn’t just satisfy but excites the palate.
Perfect for busy nights, it’s quick to whip up and customizable to suit your cravings. Whether you’re exploring other fajita-inspired dishes like these Chicken Fajita Wraps or just looking for a versatile meal idea, this recipe fits the bill. Dinner has never been this colorful—or this easy!
We are sharing tips to help you get the best results when making this recipe. If you don’t need the tips, scroll to the bottom for the full recipe and printable recipe card.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ⭐
Quick & Easy Preparation: This Shrimp Fajita Bowl is here to save the day! With just 15 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have a wholesome and satisfying meal in no time.
Healthy & Nutritious: This bowl is a nutrient-packed powerhouse! Shrimp is not only rich in lean protein but also a great source of key vitamins and minerals like B12, selenium, and iodine.
Every bite of this Shrimp Fajita Bowl is a burst of flavor, and with so many ways to adapt it, you’ll never feel stuck in a dinner rut again!
🧾 Ingredients
📌 Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full ingredients list with quantities and step-by-step instructions!
- Long-grain brown rice
- Limes
- Ground cumin
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Sea salt and black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Red bell pepper
- Yellow pepper
- Orange bell pepper
- Red onion
- Shrimp
- Fajita Seasoning
- Additional cilantro and lime wedges
🔪 How to Make Shrimp Fajita Bowls
Combine the cooked rice, lime juice, lime zest, cumin, and cilantro in a large bowl. Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste, then give it a good mix. Cover it up to keep warm and set it aside for now.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat two tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the bell peppers and red onion, season with a pinch of salt and pepper, and stir it all together. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and start to get a little golden.
Move the cooked veggies to a plate and add the shrimp to the same skillet. (If the pan looks dry, add a splash more olive oil.) Sprinkle the shrimp with cumin, chili powder, and garlic powder, along with a bit of salt and pepper. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, just until the shrimp turns pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook them—they’ll toughen up!
To serve, scoop the rice into four bowls, then top each with a generous helping of the sautéed veggies and shrimp. If you’d like, garnish with extra cilantro and lime wedges for a fresh pop of flavor. Enjoy every bite!
For those looking to experiment with more hearty bowl recipes, these 10 Green Leafy Salads for Meat & Seafood Lovers can bring additional inspiration to your table.
⭐ Pro Tips ⭐
Perfectly Cooked Shrimp
- Start with good quality shrimp: Opt for medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined. If possible, use fresh shrimp for better texture and flavor.
- Keep an eye on time: Shrimp cooks quickly—just 2-3 minutes per side on medium heat. You’ll know they’re ready when they turn opaque and curl into a “C” shape.
- Avoid overloading the pan: Don’t crowd the skillet, allowing each piece of shrimp to sear evenly. A little space goes a long way!
Balancing Flavors
- Brighten things up: Add a squeeze of lime juice right before serving. The acidity enhances the flavors of both the shrimp and veggies.
- Don’t forget the garnish: Chopped cilantro, ripe avocado slices, or a dollop of sour cream can be the finishing touches that tie everything together.
Meal Prep and Storage
- Make-ahead prep: Slice your bell peppers and onions in advance, then store them in airtight containers in the fridge. Shrimp can be marinated up to an hour ahead for extra flavor.
- Divide and conquer: Prepare individual portions with rice, veggies, and shrimp stored in separate containers for easy reheating. Glass containers work great for maintaining freshness!
- Storage tips: This recipe holds well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, warm the shrimp separately to avoid overcooking.
📖 Variations
Alternative Protein Options
Not in the mood for shrimp? No problem. This fajita bowl can easily accommodate other proteins to suit your preferences. Chicken, for instance, is a classic choice that’s always a crowd-pleaser. You could even explore recipes like this flavorful twist on a Chicken Fajitas Wrap.
Want to keep it plant-based? Tofu is a fantastic option. Be sure to use firm tofu, press the excess water out, and season generously to mimic that bold, fajita-style flavor. For a hearty alternative, steak strips offer a rich, savory addition that pairs beautifully with caramelized onions and peppers. Whatever protein you choose, the sizzling fajita concept stays intact.
Low-Carb Version
For those following a low-carb or keto-friendly lifestyle, you don’t have to miss out on this vibrant dish. One simple swap? Use cauliflower rice as the base instead of traditional rice—it absorbs all the delicious fajita flavors while keeping carbs to a minimum. If you need inspiration for prepping cauliflower rice, take a look at this Keto Cauliflower Fried Rice.
Prefer a handheld option? Try using lettuce wraps as a creative substitute. Romaine or butter lettuce leaves are sturdy enough to hold all the fajita goodness while keeping it light and refreshing. It’s a fun, mess-free way to enjoy your bowl with a twist.
Pairing Suggestions
No Shrimp Fajita Bowl is complete without some mouthwatering sides to complement the main event. Here are a few ideas to elevate this meal:
- Guacamole: Creamy, rich, and packed with healthy fats, guacamole adds a luxurious texture and flavor contrast.
- Salsa: A zesty pico de gallo or smoky chipotle salsa can add some extra excitement to your bowl. My favorite Avocado Salsa, Mango Salsa, or Salsa Verde
- Light Salad: A fresh, crisp side salad can balance out the richness of the bowl, especially when topped with a tangy citrus vinaigrette.
These simple add-ons not only enhance the flavors of your fajita bowl but also offer variety, making your meal feel like a complete fiesta.
For more pairing possibilities, you might find inspiration in recipes like this comforting and flavorful Chicken Fajita Soup.
More Recipes To Try
Shrimp Fajita Bowls with Cilantro-Lime Rice
Ingredients
Cilantro-Lime Rice Ingredients:
- 3 cup long-grain brown rice cooked
- 2 large limes preferably organic – juice and zest
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
Remaining Ingredients:
- 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil + more, if needed
- 1 medium red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 medium yellow pepper thinly sliced
- 1 medium orange bell pepper thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion thinly sliced
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lbs. shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp fajita seasoning
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
- Additional cilantro and lime wedges for serving
Directions
- Add the cooked rice, lime juice, lime zest, ground cumin, and cilantro to a large bowl. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cover to keep warm and set aside.
- Add two tablespoons olive oil to a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and red onion. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and develop a bit of color, approximately 10 minutes.
- Transfer the veggies to a plate and add the shrimp to the skillet. (Add a little more olive oil, if necessary). Sprinkle with fajita seasoning. Season with salt and black pepper, to taste, and cook just until the shrimp turns opaque, approximately 3-4 minutes. Do not overcook.
- To serve, divide the seasoned rice between four serving bowls and top each bowl with the cooked vegetables and shrimp. Garnish with additional cilantro and lime wedges, if desired. Enjoy!
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