If you’re craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that comes together effortlessly, this Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy shrimp roasted alongside colorful bell peppers and red onion, all seasoned perfectly with a blend of warm spices that make each bite a fiesta of flavors. It’s fast, fresh, and fun to prepare, making it a weeknight winner or a crowd-pleaser for any casual gathering. Plus, cooking everything on one pan means minimal cleanup, so you can spend more time enjoying your food and less time in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this dish is both simple and rewarding, as each one plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. These essentials come together to make this Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe shine brilliantly.
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp work best for that tender, juicy protein base.
- 1 small red onion (sliced ¼ inch strips): Adds a subtle sweetness and crunch while softening up in the oven.
- 4 bell peppers (deseeded and sliced into ¼ inch strips): The colorful trio or quartet of peppers adds a crisp texture and bright hue.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps everything roast evenly and adds richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Introduces an herbal note that complements the spices.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor in a subtle way.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: The classic fajita spice that brings earthiness and warmth.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and aromatic lift.
- 1 lime (halved): For a fresh burst of tang when squeezed over the finished dish.
- Optional toppings – roughly chopped cilantro: Adds freshness and color.
- Optional for serving – small tortillas or rice: Perfect vehicles to enjoy the fajita mix.
How to Make Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This high heat is just what we need to roast the shrimp and veggies quickly while locking in the juices and flavors.
Step 2: Toss Shrimp and Veggies with Spices
On a large rimmed sheet pan, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the sliced red onion and bell peppers. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over them to ensure they roast beautifully. Then, sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper over everything. Toss this mixture gently but thoroughly so every piece is coated in that irresistible spice blend.
Step 3: Arrange and Roast
Spread the shrimp, onions, and peppers out into a single layer on the sheet pan. This ensures even cooking and that each piece crisps up nicely rather than steam. Place the pan in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes, until the shrimp turns pink and is no longer translucent. This quick cooking preserves the shrimp’s tenderness while melding all the flavors.
Step 4: Finish and Toss with Lime
When your timer goes off, carefully remove the pan from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lime over the shrimp and roasted vegetables. Toss everything together to combine the brightness of lime with the smoky, spicy notes. This final step elevates the dish, giving it that fresh edge that makes every bite burst with flavor.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped cilantro is the classic finishing touch, adding a burst of herbal freshness that complements the spiced shrimp and peppers so perfectly. You could also add sliced avocado or a dollop of sour cream if you like a bit of creaminess with your fajitas.
Side Dishes
Serving these shrimp fajitas with warm small tortillas is an easy, hand-held option that keeps the fun casual. If you want a heartier meal, fluffy white rice or cilantro-lime rice makes a great base to soak up all those delicious juices from the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the fajitas over a bed of crisp lettuce for a low-carb fajita bowl, or pile the shrimp and veggies atop toasted pita bread with a drizzle of Greek yogurt. Another great idea is to use this mix as a filling for crunchy taco shells at your next party. The possibilities are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a convenient and tasty lunch or quick dinner the next day.
Freezing
This dish isn’t the best candidate for freezing because the shrimp can become rubbery and the peppers mushy upon thawing. It’s definitely better enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for short-term storage.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, gently reheat in a skillet over medium heat just until warmed through, which keeps the shrimp tender and the vegetables crisp. Alternatively, a quick zap in the microwave works well for busy days — just avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before cooking so they roast properly instead of steaming. This will give you the best texture and flavor.
What types of bell peppers work best?
You can use any combination of red, yellow, green, or orange bell peppers. Mixing colors not only looks beautiful but also provides a nice variety of sweetness and crunch.
Is it okay to add extra spices or heat?
Yes! Feel free to add a pinch of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or chipotle flakes if you like your fajitas with a bit more kick. The recipe is very flexible.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! The ingredients themselves are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that any tortillas you use are certified gluten-free or opt for rice or lettuce wraps instead.
How do I know when the shrimp is perfectly cooked?
Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque all the way through with a slight firmness. Overcooking causes them to become tough, so keep an eye during baking and remove the pan as soon as they look done.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly joyful about a meal that is bursting with color, flavor, and comes together with so little fuss. This Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe is a delicious way to bring vibrant Mexican-inspired flavors to your table fast. Whether for a busy weeknight or a casual weekend get-together, it’s a dish you’ll come back to again and again. So go ahead, give it a try and enjoy the fiesta in your kitchen.
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Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal featuring perfectly seasoned shrimp, red onions, and bell peppers cooked together on a single sheet pan. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a hassle-free, vibrant dish ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Serve it with warm tortillas or rice and garnish with fresh lime and cilantro for a zesty finish.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 small red onion (sliced into ¼ inch strips)
- 4 bell peppers (deseeded and sliced into ¼ inch strips)
Seasoning and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Additional
- 1 lime (halved)
- Optional for topping – roughly chopped cilantro
- Optional for serving – small tortillas or rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for roasting the shrimp and vegetables evenly.
- Prepare the sheet pan: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp, sliced red onion, and bell peppers in a large rimmed sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, dried oregano, sea salt, and ground black pepper. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the shrimp and vegetables with the spices.
- Arrange for cooking: Spread the shrimp and vegetable mixture into a single layer on the sheet pan to allow for even cooking and roasting.
- Bake the fajitas: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are opaque, indicating they are fully cooked.
- Finish and serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and immediately squeeze the lime juice over the shrimp and vegetables. Toss gently to combine all flavors. Serve the fajitas hot, either as is, wrapped in small tortillas, or accompanied by rice. Garnish with chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Do not overcook the shrimp; they should be pink and opaque but tender and juicy.
- Use a rimmed sheet pan to prevent any juices from spilling in the oven.
- If preferred, substitute bell peppers with a mix of colors for a vibrant presentation.
- Adding fresh cilantro at the end enhances the freshness and aroma of the dish.
- For a gluten-free meal, serve with corn tortillas or rice instead of wheat tortillas.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
