Fajita Old Bay Shrimp Tacos

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Fajita Old Bay Shrimp Tacos combine the smoky spice of fajitas with the zesty kick of Old Bay seasoning, wrapped in a soft taco shell for a mouthwatering fusion of flavors.

tacos with shrimp, cheese, chives, and refried beans
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Simple Fresh Fajita Old Bay Shrimp Tacos

Old Bay Fajita Shrimp Tacos blend the distinctive Chesapeake flavors of Old Bay seasoning with the smoky, spicy essence of traditional fajitas, creating an irresistibly zesty seafood dish. Each taco is filled with succulent shrimp that have been perfectly seasoned and sautéed, then nestled in warm, soft tortillas. The vibrant mix of sautéed bell peppers and onions adds a sweet and savory crunch, complementing the tender shrimp. Topped with a squeeze of fresh lime and a dollop of creamy avocado, these tacos offer a symphony of flavors that dance on the palate with every bite.

My family love these tacos and they are a super crowd pleaser for taco night!

tacos with shrimp, cheese, chives, and refried beans

How to Make Old Bay Fajita Tacos

First assemble the following ingredients:

  • Olive oil (2 tbsp) – A drizzle of olive oil provides a healthy cooking base, ensuring the ingredients are sautéed to perfection while adding a subtle, fruity depth to the dish.
  • Yellow onion (1) – The sweet and robust flavor of yellow onion softens in the heat, adding a caramelized complexity to the tacos’ overall taste profile.
  • Bell pepper (1) – Crisp and colorful bell peppers add a sweet, slightly tangy crunch, injecting vibrant freshness and visual appeal into each taco.
  • Shrimp (1 lb) – Succulent shrimp serve as the star of the dish, their tender texture and seafood sweetness enhanced by the spices they’re cooked with.
  • Old bay seasoning (2 tbsp) – The iconic Old Bay Seasoning brings a unique blend of herbs and spices, infusing the shrimp with a zesty, slightly spicy kick synonymous with coastal cuisine.
  • Uncooked flour tortillas (6) – Soft and pliable, uncooked flour tortillas toast up to a delightful warmth and chewiness, forming the perfect envelope for the savory fillings.
  • Cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) – Melty cheddar cheese adds a rich, gooey layer of comfort, binding the ingredients together with its sharp, creamy flavor.
  • Refried beans (1 cup) – Creamy refried beans offer a hearty, earthy base, contributing a smooth texture and filling substance to balance the tacos’ flavors.
  • Green onions and cilantro – Fresh cilantro leaves and green onions lend a burst of citrusy, herbal brightness, elevating the dish with their vibrant, aromatic finish.

Use this Method

Cook Fajita Veg. In a large pan, heat oil on medium high heat until shimmery. Add onions and pepper, cook until moderately browned- about 8 minutes.

Cook Seafood. Add shrimp and old bay seasoning, mix well. As shrimp cooks, heat uncooked flour tortillas on a griddle pan until lightly browned and puffy, removing and setting aside in a foil pouch to keep warm as they cook. When shrimp has cooked (about 6 minutes- shrimp will be pink and opaque), turn off heat.

Assemble and Enjoy. Assemble tacos with beans, shrimp and fajita mixture, and top with cheese, cilantro and green onions. Enjoy!

tacos with shrimp, cheese, chives, and refried beans

Tips and Tricks for Making Shrimp Tacos

Marinate Shrimp: Combine Old Bay seasoning with lime juice, olive oil, and a touch of garlic to marinate the shrimp. This not only infuses them with flavor but also tenderizes them, enhancing their taste and texture.

Don’t Overcook Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become rubbery if overcooked. Sauté them over medium-high heat for just 1-2 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cilantro, ripe avocados, and crunchy vegetables can make a big difference in the overall flavor and texture of your tacos.

Char Your Tortillas: Lightly char the tortillas on an open flame or in a dry skillet. This adds a smoky flavor and makes them more pliable.

Customize Your Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like diced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sour cream, and cheese so everyone can customize their taco to their liking.

Balance Your Flavors: The spice of Old Bay and fajita seasoning should be balanced with something cool and creamy, like a dollop of guacamole or sour cream, to round out the flavors.

Add a Squeeze of Lime: A fresh squeeze of lime juice over the finished tacos can brighten the flavors and add a zesty kick.

Prep Ahead: Prepare your toppings and sides ahead of time to make taco assembly quick and easy, ensuring your shrimp are served hot and fresh.

Consider Texture: Add elements like crunchy slaw or pickled onions to introduce a contrasting texture to the soft shrimp and tortillas.

Experiment with Slaws: A slaw with a base of cabbage, carrots, and a light vinaigrette can add a crunchy, tangy element that complements the shrimp perfectly.

FAQs

What type of shrimp is best for tacos?

Medium to large shrimp (about 20-30 per pound) are ideal for tacos, providing a good balance between size and flavor. Opt for peeled and deveined shrimp for convenience.

Can I make these tacos with frozen shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water before marinating and cooking.

How can I prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery?

Cook the shrimp just until they turn pink and opaque, which usually takes 1-2 minutes per side. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery

What tortillas are best for shrimp tacos?

Both corn and flour tortillas work well, depending on personal preference. Corn tortillas offer a traditional taste and gluten-free option, while flour tortillas are softer and more pliable.

Can I add other vegetables to the fajita mix?

Absolutely! Bell peppers and onions are traditional, but feel free to include other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for added flavor and color.

What are some good toppings for shrimp tacos?

Popular toppings include shredded cabbage, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sour cream, lime wedges, and a variety of salsas. Feel free to get creative!

Is there a dairy-free alternative to sour cream for tacos?

Yes, you can use avocado cream, cashew cream, or a store-bought dairy-free sour cream alternative to achieve a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor.

How can I store and reheat leftover shrimp tacos?

Store the shrimp, vegetables, and tortillas separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat the shrimp and vegetables gently in a skillet, and warm the tortillas in a dry pan or microwave before assembling the tacos to ensure the best texture and flavor.

tacos with shrimp, cheese, chives, and refried beans

What to Enjoy with Shrimp Tacos

Cilantro Lime Rice: The zesty lime and fresh cilantro flavors make this rice a refreshing side that balances the richness of the shrimp.

Black Bean Salad: A hearty and healthy option with a mix of black beans, corn, avocado, and a lime dressing to add freshness.

Mango Salsa: The sweet and tangy taste of mango salsa adds a tropical twist, contrasting beautifully with the spicy shrimp.

Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole adds a smooth texture and a depth of flavor that complements the shrimp tacos.

Grilled Vegetables: Slightly charred bell peppers, zucchini, and onions offer a smoky flavor that pairs well with the seasoning of the shrimp.

Mexican Street Corn (Elote): Grilled corn slathered in a creamy, spicy sauce with cheese, adding a decadent and flavorful side.

Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy slaw can provide a refreshing contrast to the spiciness of the tacos.

Quinoa Salad: A light and nutritious option with a mix of quinoa, black beans, tomatoes, and corn, dressed in a lime vinaigrette.

Chips and Salsa: A classic and simple side that’s always a hit, offering a crunchy texture and a spicy kick.

Refreshing Beverages: Consider serving with chilled margaritas, ice-cold beer, or a sparkling limeade to cleanse the palate and enhance the overall dining experience.

Try these other Mexican favorites:

I’ve posted recipes for Habanero and Tomatillo Shrimp Tacos, Shrimp Fajita Lettuce Wraps, and a ton of other delicious shrimp dishes!

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tacos with shrimp, cheese, chives, and refried beans

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Two Old Bay shrimp tacos on a plate.
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Fajita Old Bay Shrimp Tacos

Fajita Old Bay Shrimp Tacos are delicious, full of flavor, so easy and fresh! A great lower calorie taco for a healthier taco night!
Course Tacos
Cuisine American
Keyword main dish, old bay seasoning, seafood, seafood tacos, shrimp, tacos, tex mex
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 tacos
Calories 385kcal
Author Courtney O’Dell

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 large bell pepper cut into strips
  • 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tbsp old bay seasoning
  • 6 uncooked flour tortillas
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup refried beans preferably with lime
  • green onions and cilantro to garnish

Instructions

  • In a large pan, heat oil on medium high heat until shimmery.
  • Add onions and pepper, cook until moderately browned- about 8 minutes.
  • Add shrimp and old bay seasoning, mix well.
  • As shrimp cooks, heat uncooked flour tortillas on a griddle pan until lightly browned and puffy, removing and setting aside in a foil pouch to keep warm as they cook.
  • When shrimp has cooked (about 6 minutes- shrimp will be pink and opaque), turn off heat.
  • Assemble tacos with beans, shrimp and fajita mixture, and top with cheese, cilantro and green onions.
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 385kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 169mg | Sodium: 1774mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g

About Courtney

Courtney loves to share great wine, good food, and loves to explore far flung places- all while masting an everyday elegant and easy style at lifestyle blog Sweet C’s Designs. Sweet C's devoted to finding the best food and drinks you'll want to make or find, around the world!

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14 Comments

  1. My hubby is always wanting to omit something from his food. This week it was onion, so I added corn and a pinch of mince garlic and chopped onions on the side for me. We both were happy, Absolutely delish. Thank you for your post

  2. Thanks for sharing this post at the Pin Me Linky Party at Diana Rambles. This post is featured today as part of a taco recipe collection. It’s also been yummed, pinned and tweeted. Have a great weekend! ~Diana

  3. I bet that old Bay is wonderful in this! Thanks for linking up to us on Throwback Thursday!

    Mollie

  4. These look delicious! Thanks so much for linking up with us at the best of the blogosphere. We’d love to have you back this week for another link up!

  5. Yumm…these look amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us at Share The Wealth Sunday! xoxo

  6. Taco night is always a lovely thing, but add some shrimp into the mix?! Yes please! These look so tasty and so beautiful! Can’t wait to try them 🙂

  7. GAH, I’m obsessed with tacos lately. These look and sound amazing. No one can have TOO many tacos, can they?? 🙂