If you are searching for a quick, vibrant, and utterly delicious dinner, this Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine tender, perfectly spiced shrimp nestled alongside sweet, colorful bell peppers and red onions, all roasted together on one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor. The combination of smoky paprika, cumin, and garlic spices with a fresh splash of lime juice brightens up every bite, making it a family-friendly favorite that never feels heavy. Whether you’re serving it on warm tortillas or over fluffy rice, this dish brings fiesta vibes straight to your table with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that pack a punch in terms of both taste and texture. Each element plays a vital role, from the juicy shrimp providing protein to the bell peppers delivering crunch and vivid color.
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): Quick-cooking and flavorful, shrimp is the star protein that perfectly absorbs the spices.
- 1 small red onion (sliced ¼ inch strips): Adds a sharp, sweet bite that softens beautifully when roasted.
- 4 bell peppers (deseeded and sliced into ¼ inch strips): Use a mix of colors for a bright and sweet vegetable medley.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices cling and ensures everything roasts to tender perfection.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a deep, savory aroma that enhances the shrimp and veggies.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Offers subtle smokiness and a warm color.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Adds an earthy herbal note that ties the spices together.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the natural sweetness of the onions and peppers.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Helps create the classic fajita flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Balances and elevates every ingredient.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 lime (halved): Fresh lime juice brightens the whole dish with a zesty, refreshing finish.
- Optional toppings – roughly chopped cilantro: For a fresh, herbaceous kick.
- Optional serving options – small tortillas or rice: Perfect for turning the fajitas into a complete meal.
How to Make Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature is ideal for roasting the shrimp and vegetables quickly without drying them out while ensuring the spices get nicely toasted for those deep, irresistible flavors.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Ingredients
On a large rimmed sheet pan, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp, sliced red onion, and the vibrant sliced bell peppers. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over everything. Toss thoroughly to coat every piece in the spice blend and oil, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor and each vegetable softens while retaining a bit of crunch during roasting.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Spread the shrimp and vegetables into a single layer on the sheet pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes, or until the shrimp are a lovely pink color and are no longer translucent. This short roasting time keeps the shrimp juicy and the vegetables tender but not mushy.
Step 4: Add Fresh Lime and Serve
As soon as the fajitas come out of the oven, squeeze the fresh lime halves over the entire pan. Give everything a gentle toss to marry the bright acidity with the seasoned shrimp and veggies. Now you’re ready to serve the fajitas immediately, either on their own, wrapped in tortillas, or spooned over fluffy rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle with chopped cilantro for that little herbal pop!
How to Serve Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can take your Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe from great to absolutely unforgettable. Adding chopped cilantro gives freshness and a burst of green color that’s visually inviting and adds a hint of citrus-herbal aroma. You could also add a dollop of sour cream or a few slices of avocado to balance the spices with cool creaminess.
Side Dishes
Though this recipe shines all on its own, serving your shrimp fajitas with side dishes can turn it into a filling and balanced meal. Warm, soft tortillas make it easy to fold the shrimp and veggies for handheld enjoyment. Alternatively, a bed of fluffy rice or even some simple black beans pairs beautifully, soaking up all those delicious juices on the pan.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to bring a little flair to your dinner table? Try serving the shrimp fajitas family-style right on the sheet pan for a rustic presentation that keeps everything warm and inviting. Or plate the shrimp and veggies atop a fresh green salad for a lighter take. You can also wrap the fajitas in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option that’s crunchy and refreshing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers from this Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to two days and are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.
Freezing
While shrimp and peppers are best enjoyed fresh due to texture changes, you can freeze cooked shrimp fajitas in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to one month. To reduce moisture loss, consider freezing the shrimp and vegetables separately if possible.
Reheating
For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat or a microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the shrimp tender and prevent the vegetables from becoming overly soft. Adding a squeeze of fresh lime after reheating revives the flavors beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before seasoning, so they roast perfectly and avoid excess moisture on the sheet pan.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
No worries! The garlic powder, paprika, and cumin are key for that classic fajita flavor, but you can customize with what you have—chili powder or smoked paprika can add a nice twist.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Definitely! Swap the shrimp for firm tofu, tempeh, or even hearty mushrooms to soak up the spices and enjoy a colorful, plant-based version.
Is this recipe spicy?
This version is mild and family-friendly, but if you love a little heat, you can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne powder to suit your taste buds.
How do I keep the shrimp from overcooking?
Keep a close eye on them while baking and aim for just until the shrimp turn pink and opaque, typically about 10 minutes at 400°F. Shrimp cook quickly, so it’s best not to overbake.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe is one of those dishes that feels special but is so simple to throw together on any busy night. The vibrant colors, bold spices, and fresh lime make it a crowd-pleaser with minimal fuss and cleanup. I encourage you to give it a try — once you do, I bet it will become one of your go-to meals, bringing a little fiesta spirit to your weeknight dinners without any stress.
Print
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Halal
Description
This vibrant Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas recipe offers a quick and easy meal bursting with bold flavors. Juicy shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and red onion are seasoned with a delightful blend of spices and baked together on one pan for minimal cleanup. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, these fajitas can be served with warm tortillas or rice and topped with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fresh, 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
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Spices and Seasonings
- 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 Ingredients
- 1 lime, halved
- Optional toppings: roughly chopped cilantro
- Optional for serving: small tortillas or rice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (204 degrees Celsius) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking your fajitas.
- Prepare and season the ingredients: In a large rimmed sheet pan, add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with the sliced red onion and bell peppers. Drizzle the olive oil over the ingredients. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, dried oregano, onion powder, ground cumin, sea salt, and ground black pepper evenly over the top. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the shrimp and vegetables evenly with the oil and spices. Then, spread the mixture into a single layer across the sheet pan to ensure even cooking.
- Bake until cooked through: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. The shrimp should turn pink and become opaque, indicating they are fully cooked, and the vegetables should begin to soften.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pan from the oven and immediately squeeze the fresh lime juice over the shrimp and vegetables. Toss to combine all the flavors evenly. Serve hot either as is, placed in small tortillas to make fajitas, or alongside rice. Garnish with the optional chopped cilantro for a fresh herbaceous touch.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough; pink and opaque is the perfect doneness.
- Feel free to use different colored bell peppers or add jalapeños for extra heat.
- If you prefer a smoky flavor, substitute smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Gluten-free tortillas can be used to keep this dish gluten free.
