Sizzling Shrimp Fajitas

Shrimp Fajitas Recipe offers a vibrant, flavorful experience with perfectly spiced shrimp, tender bell peppers, and sweet red onion, all baked on a single sheet pan. This quick and easy meal is served sizzling in charred tortillas, garnished with fresh lime, creamy sour cream, and bright cilantro. It’s the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that doesn’t skimp on taste!

For a complete and well-rounded meal, these delicious Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas pair wonderfully with a crisp cucumber salad, hearty roasted brussels sprouts, or a refreshing fruit salad.

From the Kitchen of Chelsea Lords

One Pan. All the Flavor. Zero Stress.

Fajitas hold a special place in my family’s heart—they’re truly one of our all-time favorite meals. Over the years, I’ve shared numerous variations on my site, from chicken fajitas to steak fajitas, and even delightful vegetarian options and creative fajita twists. However, it’s high time I introduced a fantastic SHRIMP fajita recipe, especially one that boasts the incredible convenience of being made entirely on a single sheet pan!

These sheet pan shrimp fajitas are an absolute winner. They burst with authentic Tex-Mex flavor, are incredibly versatile with all your favorite toppings, and are perfectly designed for those demanding weeknights. Plus, they’re my secret weapon when I’m hosting; cleanup is a breeze, the taste is phenomenal, and they always look far more impressive than the minimal effort they actually require. Prepare to impress without the stress!

Why Choose Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas?

In the realm of quick and delicious weeknight meals, sheet pan dinners reign supreme. This Shrimp Fajitas recipe is a prime example of culinary efficiency fused with incredible taste. The beauty of a sheet pan meal lies in its simplicity: minimal prep, hands-off cooking, and perhaps the best part – exceptionally easy cleanup. By roasting everything together on one pan, the flavors meld beautifully, creating a harmonious and deeply satisfying dish.

Shrimp, being a lean protein, cooks rapidly, making it an ideal choice for a speedy dinner. When combined with vibrant bell peppers and aromatic onions, seasoned with a robust blend of spices, you get a meal that’s not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients. It’s a healthy, customizable, and utterly delicious option for families and entertainers alike.

Essential Ingredients for Flavorful Shrimp Fajitas

Creating truly outstanding shrimp fajitas starts with selecting the right ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Bell Peppers: Don’t limit yourself to just one color! Using a mix of red, orange, yellow, and green bell peppers not only adds a beautiful visual appeal to your fajitas but also provides a spectrum of subtly different flavors and textures. Slice them into thin strips so they cook evenly and become perfectly tender-crisp.
• Red Onion: The vibrant purple hue and slightly sharper, sweeter flavor of red onion complement the peppers and shrimp beautifully. Slice it thinly to ensure it softens and caramelizes alongside the bell peppers, infusing the dish with its signature aroma.
• Shrimp: The star of the show! Opt for fresh, uncooked (not frozen), peeled, and deveined medium shrimp for the best results. If using frozen, make sure to thaw them completely and pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This crucial step allows the seasoning to adhere properly and prevents the shrimp from steaming instead of roasting, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Homemade Fajita Seasoning: While store-bought blends work, crafting your own seasoning elevates the flavor significantly. Our blend includes:
  • Chili Powder: For a foundational, earthy spice.
  • Ground Cumin: Adds warmth and an essential Tex-Mex aroma.
  • Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: Intensify the savory base.
  • Paprika: Contributes a mild sweetness and beautiful color.
  • Dried Oregano: Adds an aromatic, herbaceous note.
  • Salt and Pepper: To taste, enhancing all the other flavors.

  Mix these spices thoroughly before tossing with the shrimp and veggies for even distribution.

• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil is key for coating your vegetables and shrimp. It helps them cook evenly, achieve deliciously crispy edges, and prevents sticking to the pan.
• Lime: Fresh lime juice is non-negotiable! Squeeze it generously over the cooked fajitas just before serving. The bright, zesty acidity cuts through the richness and awakens all the flavors, bringing a fresh finish to every bite.
• Cilantro: A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro right before serving adds a burst of freshness and a classic Mexican-inspired aroma. If you’re not a fan of cilantro, parsley makes a decent substitute, though the flavor profile will shift.
• Tortillas: Warm tortillas are essential for authentic fajitas. Whether you prefer flour or corn, heat them until soft and pliable, or even char them lightly on a gas burner or hot pan for an extra layer of smoky flavor.

Crafting Your Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas: Step-by-Step Instructions

Making these delicious shrimp fajitas is incredibly straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:

1. Prepare Your Ingredients & Seasoning: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, thinly slice all your colorful bell peppers and the red onion. Remember to pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels; this is key for optimal seasoning adherence and cooking texture. In a small bowl, combine all the dry spices – chili powder, ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper – and mix well. Prepare two large sheet pans by lining them with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Roast the Vegetables: On one of the prepared sheet pans, spread out the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Drizzle them with about 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle 1 tablespoon of your mixed seasoning. Toss everything directly on the pan until the veggies are evenly coated, then spread them into a single, even layer. Place this pan on a higher oven rack and bake for 15 minutes, allowing the vegetables to begin softening and developing a slight char.
3. Add the Shrimp to the Pan: While the veggies are roasting, toss the pat-dried shrimp on the second sheet pan with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the rest of the seasoning mix. Ensure the shrimp are uniformly coated, then arrange them in a single layer on the pan, avoiding any overlapping to promote even cooking. After the initial 15 minutes, remove the veggie pan, give the vegetables a quick toss, and return them to a lower oven rack. Immediately place the shrimp pan on the top rack. Continue baking for 5-6 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque pink and are cooked through. For extra tender-crisp veggies, you can optionally remove the shrimp, move the veggies to the top rack, and broil for 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
4. Serve & Customize: Once cooked, immediately transfer the shrimp to a serving dish. Squeeze the juice from one fresh lime over the shrimp and scatter the finely chopped cilantro. Warm your tortillas using your preferred method (see “Recipe Notes” below for tips). Assemble your fajitas by filling the warm tortillas with a generous scoop of the seasoned shrimp and tender-crisp vegetables. Offer an array of delicious toppings like creamy avocado or homemade guacamole, a dollop of sour cream, fresh pico de gallo or salsa, and extra lime wedges. Serve warm and enjoy the vibrant flavors!

Elevate Your Fajitas: Essential Topping Ideas

The beauty of fajitas lies in their customizable nature. A selection of fresh, flavorful toppings can transform a great meal into an extraordinary one. Here are some indispensable ideas to complete your Shrimp Fajitas experience:

• Guacamole & Avocado: Fresh, creamy guacamole is a classic for a reason. Its rich texture and vibrant flavor are the perfect counterpoint to the seasoned shrimp. Alternatively, simply dice or thinly slice fresh, ripe avocados for a lighter option.
• Salsa & Pico de Gallo: A tangy and fresh component is crucial. Try our quick food processor Salsa recipe, made easily from canned tomatoes. For a chunkier, fresher option, a scoop of bright Pico de Gallo is superb, or delve into the creamy freshness of Avocado Salsa.
• Cilantro Lime Sauce: This practically famous Cilantro Lime Sauce adds an extra layer of zesty, herbaceous creaminess that ties all the flavors together beautifully.
• Fresh Lime Wedges & Cilantro: Always have extra fresh lime wedges on hand for a final squeeze and more fresh cilantro for an aromatic garnish.
• Sour Cream (or Greek Yogurt): A dollop of cool sour cream (regular, lite, or fat-free) offers a delightful creamy contrast to the spices. For a healthier alternative, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully.
• Shredded Lettuce: A handful of crisp, shredded lettuce provides a refreshing crunch and cooling element.
• Shredded Cheese: While not traditional for authentic fajitas, freshly grated or shredded cheese (such as Monterey Jack or a Mexican blend) is a popular and delicious topping that many enjoy.
• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who crave extra heat, thin slices of fresh or pickled jalapeños provide a fiery kick.

Expert Tips for Perfect Fajitas

Achieving restaurant-quality fajitas at home is easier than you think with these simple tips:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For best results, ensure your shrimp and vegetables are spread in a single layer on the sheet pans. Overcrowding leads to steaming instead of roasting, resulting in soggy ingredients rather than beautifully caramelized and crisp ones.
• Avoid Overcooking the Shrimp: Shrimp cook very quickly. They are done when they turn opaque pink and curl slightly, typically in 5-6 minutes. Overcooked shrimp become rubbery, so keep a close eye on them!
• Char Your Tortillas: Warming tortillas is good, but charring them takes them to the next level. A quick pass over a gas burner or a hot, dry pan adds a smoky depth of flavor and a soft, pliable texture that’s essential for authentic fajitas.
• Fresh is Best: Whenever possible, use fresh ingredients, especially for lime juice and cilantro. Their vibrant flavors make a significant difference to the overall dish.

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5 from 4 votes

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

By
Chelsea Lords

Spiced shrimp, bell peppers, and onions baked on a single sheet pan, then piled into charred tortillas with fresh lime, sour cream, and cilantro—this Shrimp Fajitas recipe is dinner done right! It’s quick, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion.

Prep Time:
20 minutes

Cook Time:
16 minutes

Total Time:
36 minutes

Servings:
4 servings

Equipment

• 2 Large sheet pans (15″ x 21″)
• Parchment paper

Ingredients

• 3 medium bell peppers (e.g., 1 red, 1 orange, and 1 yellow), thinly sliced
• 1 medium green bell pepper thinly sliced
• 1/2 medium red onion thinly sliced
• 1-1/2 pounds medium shrimp uncooked, peeled and deveined
• 2-1/2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3-1/2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 1 lime for fresh juice
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
• 8 tortillas corn or flour
• Toppings as desired (see note 1 for ideas)

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Thinly slice bell peppers and red onion. Pat shrimp dry with a paper towel. (You can remove tails now or after shrimp is baked.) Line 2 large sheet pans with parchment paper and set aside.
• In a small bowl, combine seasonings: chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and oregano. Add salt and pepper (to taste). Stir to combine and set aside.
• On 1 sheet pan, add the bell pepper and onion slices. Drizzle 1.5 tablespoons olive oil and add 1 tablespoon of the seasoning mix. Toss on the sheet pan until veggies are coated, then spread into an even layer. Bake for 15 minutes on a higher oven rack.
• On the other sheet pan, add shrimp, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and the remaining seasoning mix. Toss until shrimp are evenly coated and spread in an even layer, with none overlapping. Remove the veggie pan, toss veggies, and return to a lower oven rack. Place the shrimp pan on the top rack. Bake for 5–6 minutes or until shrimp are opaque and cooked through and veggies are crisp-tender. Optional: For more char on veggies, remove the shrimp tray, move up the veggies, and turn the oven to broil. Broil for 1–2 minutes, watching closely. Otherwise, you can cook the veggies 5 or so minutes longer if more tender veggies are desired (I like them with some bite!).
• Add 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice and cilantro to the cooked shrimp and toss gently. Cook or warm tortillas (see note 2) and prepare toppings while shrimp and veggies are cooking. Remove tails from cooked shrimp if they weren’t removed before baking and add to warm tortillas along with a big scoop of cooked veggies. Add your favorite toppings such as avocado or guac, a big scoop of sour cream, pico or salsa, etc. Serve with additional lime wedges if desired. Enjoy warm.

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Topping Suggestions: Customize your fajitas with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, thinly sliced avocados or homemade guacamole, fresh pico de gallo or salsa, and/or additional lime wedges. Shredded cheese or a cilantro-lime sauce also make great additions.

Note 2: Warming Tortillas:

• Microwave: Wrap a stack of 5 tortillas in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15–30 seconds at a time until warmed through and pliable.
• Gas Stovetop: Place tortillas directly on a medium-low gas burner flame and flip after 10–15 seconds per side for a slightly charred, soft tortilla.
• Hot, Dry Pan/Griddle/Grill: Heat a dry pan, griddle, or grill grates over medium-high heat. Place tortillas on the hot surface and flip after 10–15 seconds per side until warmed and slightly browned.

Storage: Store cooked shrimp and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze shrimp and veggies in separate airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw completely before reheating.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving |
Calories: 329kcal |
Carbohydrates: 11g |
Protein: 37g |
Fat: 15g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Cholesterol: 429mg |
Sodium: 1349mg |
Potassium: 436mg |
Fiber: 3g |
Sugar: 5g |
Vitamin A: 3343IU |
Vitamin C: 148mg |
Calcium: 273mg |
Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation only.

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