Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are a quick and fun dinner option! Tender shrimp, colorful peppers, and onions all roast together on one pan, bursting with flavor.
I love how easy cleanup is—just throw everything on the sheet pan! Perfect for busy nights when you still want something tasty. Who doesn’t love a meal in under 30 minutes? 🌮
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Fresh shrimp is ideal. If you can’t find it, frozen shrimp works too! Just thaw thoroughly before cooking. You may also swap shrimp for chicken or tofu based on your preference.
Bell Peppers: I love using a mix of colors for presentation. Feel free to substitute with whatever is on hand—zucchini or mushrooms can be great options!
Onion: Red onion gives a nice flavor and color, but white or yellow onions are also great substitutes. They will add a different taste but will still work beautifully.
Spices: If you’re low on spices, you can use pre-made taco seasoning as a quick substitute. It adds a similar flavor profile in a pinch!
How Do I Ensure My Shrimp Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking shrimp can be tricky—they can go from perfect to tough quickly! Here’s a simple guide:
- Watch the time: Roast shrimp for just 10-12 minutes.
- Look for color: Shrimp will change from gray to pink when done.
- Avoid overcooking: Once they curl into a “C” shape, they’re ready!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have juicy shrimp every time!
How to Make Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fajitas:
- 1 lb (450g) raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges (for serving)
- Optional toppings: sliced jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, shredded cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and just 10-12 minutes to cook, making the total time around 30 minutes. That’s super quick for a fun and flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, take a large sheet pan and line it with parchment paper or give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Making the Fajita Seasoning:
In a big bowl, mix together the olive oil, chili powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. This mix will add loads of flavor to your shrimp and veggies!
3. Mixing It All Together:
Add the peeled and deveined shrimp along with the sliced bell peppers and onion into the bowl. Use a spoon or your hands to toss everything around until each piece is nicely coated in the seasoning. Yum!
4. Arranging on the Sheet Pan:
Pour the shrimp and veggie mix onto the prepared sheet pan in an even layer. Make sure they’re not overcrowded so they roast nicely!
5. Roasting to Perfection:
Pop the sheet pan into the preheated oven and roast for 10-12 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the shrimp are pink and fully cooked, and the veggies are tender but still have a little crunch. Take a peek around the 10-minute mark to check!
6. Heating the Tortillas:
While the fajitas are roasting, warm your tortillas! You can do this in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in foil and pop them in the oven for a few minutes.
7. Assembling and Serving:
When everything is done cooking, take the sheet pan out of the oven. Spoon generous portions of the shrimp and veggies onto your warm tortillas. Don’t forget to add fresh cilantro on top!
8. Adding Final Touches:
Serve your fajitas with lime wedges on the side and any optional toppings you want, such as jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, or shredded cheese. Squeeze fresh lime juice over your fajitas before diving in for an extra punch of flavor!
Enjoy this vibrant and tasty dish with family and friends or as a simple meal at home. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp before using them. The best way to do this is to leave them in the fridge overnight or place them in a sealed bag and submerge in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What Can I Substitute for Bell Peppers?
If you don’t have bell peppers on hand, you can use other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or even asparagus. Just make sure to cut them into similar sizes for even cooking!
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp Fajitas?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Just be careful not to overcook the shrimp again while reheating!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Yes! If you like more heat, add more cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix or toss in some sliced jalapeños with the veggies. You can also serve with a spicy salsa as a topping.