If you are craving a flavorful, colorful, and fuss-free dinner, this Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe will quickly become one of your favorites. It combines juicy, perfectly spiced shrimp with vibrant bell peppers and red onions, all roasted together on a single pan for a meal that bursts with Mexican-inspired flavors and requires minimal clean-up. Whether you are new to cooking fajitas or just want a speedy supper that doesn’t sacrifice taste, this recipe is pure magic from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe lies in its simplicity and freshness. Each ingredient plays a vital role in delivering that iconic fajita flavor and satisfying texture, making the dish vibrant, aromatic, and irresistibly delicious.
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp cook quickly and soak up the spices beautifully.
- 1 small red onion (sliced into ¼ inch strips): Adds a sweet, slightly sharp bite that caramelizes when roasted.
- 4 bell peppers (deseeded and sliced into ¼ inch strips): Use a mix of colors to make the dish visually stunning and add natural sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the shrimp and veggies roast evenly while locking in moisture.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth and a gentle warmth to the fajitas.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Introduces a smoky note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano: Offers herbal freshness that balances the bright peppers.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the onion flavor and rounds out the spice blend.
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin: Essential for that classic Mexican earthiness.
- ½ teaspoon sea salt: Intensifies all the flavors without overpowering them.
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds just the right amount of spice kick.
- 1 lime (halved): A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens and ties all the flavors together.
- Optional toppings – roughly chopped cilantro: Adds a fresh herbal finish that’s perfect for fajitas.
- Optional serving options – small tortillas or rice: Great for turning this into a full meal with your preferred base.
How to Make Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Begin by heating your oven to 400 degrees F. This temperature is just right to roast the shrimp and vegetables quickly, allowing everything to cook evenly while developing that lovely roasted flavor and slight caramelization without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare and Season the Shrimp and Vegetables
On a large rimmed sheet pan, arrange your peeled and deveined shrimp, sliced red onion, and a colorful assortment of bell peppers. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried oregano, ground cumin, sea salt, and black pepper. Toss everything together directly on the pan, making sure each piece is coated in the aromatic spice blend. Spread the shrimp and veggies out in a single layer to ensure every bite cooks perfectly crisp on the edges and juicy inside.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide the sheet pan into your preheated oven and roast the ingredients for about 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the shrimp turn a beautiful pink color and are no longer translucent, and the vegetables soften with slightly charred edges. This short roasting time keeps the shrimp tender and the peppers crisp-tender, which is key to the fajita experience.
Step 4: Brighten and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and vegetables. Toss everything gently to combine that zesty citrus flavor throughout. At this point, you can serve the fajitas directly from the pan, spooned into warm tortillas, or alongside fluffy rice. Don’t forget to sprinkle on some chopped cilantro if you like that burst of fresh herbaceousness!
How to Serve Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of shredded cheese instantly elevates your fajitas. These toppings add layers of flavor and creaminess that contrast beautifully with the smoky, spiced shrimp and vegetables. A wedge of lime on the side invites everyone to add a bright, zesty finish to their bites.
Side Dishes
This Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe pairs wonderfully with warm flour or corn tortillas, allowing for a handheld feast. Alternatively, serve the fajitas over cilantro-lime rice or Mexican-style rice for a hearty, comforting meal that can feed a crowd. Black beans or a simple avocado salad can round out the meal for a truly complete plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your friends? Serve the fajita mixture family-style in a rustic cast iron skillet right at the table. You can also turn leftovers into vibrant shrimp fajita bowls topped with avocado slices, pickled onions, and a drizzle of crema. For a fun twist, try stuffing the shrimp and peppers into pita pockets or topping a fresh green salad for a lighter option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which might be rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain much of their flavor, making for quick lunches or dinner reheats.
Freezing
Freezing cooked shrimp fajitas is not recommended because shrimp can become rubbery and lose texture when thawed. It’s best to enjoy this recipe fresh, but you can freeze the shrimp and peppers separately before cooking if needed.
Reheating
When reheating your Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe, gently warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350 degrees F for just a few minutes. This keeps the shrimp tender and the vegetables crisp rather than soggy, preserving the delightful textures you enjoyed at first bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before seasoning and roasting to avoid excess moisture which can steam the vegetables instead of roasting them.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
You can still make a delicious dish by focusing on the basics like garlic powder, cumin, and paprika. Oregano and onion powder add nuance but aren’t essential if you’re missing them.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the shrimp with firm tofu or sliced portobello mushrooms. Toss them with the same seasoning and roast as directed for a fantastic vegetarian fajita experience.
How spicy is this recipe?
This version is mild and approachable for most palettes. If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some sliced jalapeños before roasting.
What’s the best way to reheat fajita leftovers?
Reheat gently in a skillet or oven to keep the shrimp tender and the peppers from turning mushy. Microwaving tends to toughen shrimp, so use that only if you’re short on time.
Final Thoughts
This Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe is one of those simple yet stunning weeknight dinners that feels special but requires very little effort. The combination of fresh shrimp, colorful vegetables, and bold spices coming together on one pan is a total game changer for busy cooks craving a tasty, wholesome meal. I hope you enjoy making these fajitas as much as I do—once you try them, they just might become a staple in your dinner rotation!
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: Gluten Free
Description
This vibrant Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas recipe combines succulent shrimp with colorful bell peppers and red onions, all perfectly seasoned and baked on a single sheet pan for an easy, flavorful meal. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s a quick and healthy option ideal for busy weeknights.
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 & 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
- 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 F to prepare for baking the shrimp fajitas.
- Prepare and Season Ingredients: Place the shrimp, sliced red onion, and sliced bell peppers onto a large rimmed sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cumin, sea salt, and black pepper evenly over the ingredients. Toss everything together to ensure the shrimp and vegetables are fully coated in the spices. Spread the mixture out into a single layer across the pan.
- Bake the Fajitas: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes, or until the shrimp turns pink and is no longer opaque, indicating it is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Immediately squeeze the juice of the lime over the shrimp and vegetables, then toss gently to combine the flavors. Serve the fajitas hot, either on their own, wrapped in small tortillas, or over rice. Garnish with roughly chopped cilantro if desired.
Notes
- Ensure shrimp is peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor.
- Use a rimmed sheet pan to prevent juices from spilling during baking.
- Adjust spices according to your taste preferences; add more cumin or paprika for a smokier flavor.
- Serve with warm tortillas or rice to make a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
