One Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

This recipe for Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas is all about minimal effort and maximum flavor. The combination of fresh shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and red onion roasted with a blend of spices creates an explosion of flavor that’s not only quick to make but also healthy and satisfying. The lime juice and fresh cilantro add the perfect finishing touch, making every bite zesty and refreshing. Ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen, these fajitas can be served with warm tortillas or over a bed of rice. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress with its vibrant colors, delightful aroma, and fantastic taste. Plus, it’s all done on one sheet pan, making clean-up a breeze!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 3 bell peppers (red, yellow, green), sliced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish
  • Warm flour or corn tortillas, for serving

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 450°F (230°C).
  2. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the shrimp, bell peppers, and red onion to the bowl and toss to coat evenly with the seasoning mixture.
  4. Spread the shrimp and vegetables in a single layer on a sheet pan.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until the shrimp is pink and opaque, and the vegetables are tender.
  6. Remove from the oven and drizzle with fresh lime juice.
  7. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with warm tortillas.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Flavorful, Quick, and Healthy Meal

If you’re looking for a delicious and hassle-free weeknight meal, look no further than Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas. This recipe is perfect for those busy nights when you want a hearty dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, without compromising on flavor. Combining the bold tastes of shrimp, bell peppers, and red onion with aromatic Mexican-inspired spices, this dish offers a punchy, zesty, and colorful meal that appeals to both your taste buds and your eyes. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting to find your way around the kitchen, this recipe is a go-to for simplicity, flavor, and convenience.

The Magic of Sheet Pan Meals

Sheet pan meals have become increasingly popular due to their simplicity and convenience. All the ingredients are roasted together on one pan, making prep work and clean-up a breeze. The beauty of cooking this way is that it locks in flavors while offering a variety of textures, making each bite a delightful experience. For these Shrimp Fajitas, the shrimp becomes tender and juicy while the bell peppers and onions gain a delicious caramelization and slight char from the high heat, bringing out their natural sweetness and deep flavor. The end result is a well-rounded, flavorful dish without any fuss.

Why Shrimp Works So Well for Fajitas

Shrimp is a fantastic protein for quick meals like this one. It cooks in a matter of minutes and absorbs flavors exceptionally well, making it a perfect match for the blend of spices used in fajitas. The key is to keep an eye on the shrimp while cooking, as overcooking can make it rubbery. When roasted quickly at high heat, shrimp takes on a slightly crispy exterior while remaining succulent on the inside. Paired with crunchy vegetables and served on warm tortillas, this shrimp dish elevates the classic fajita experience with its light, refreshing twist.

Additionally, shrimp is a lean source of protein and low in calories, making this dish a great choice for those looking to eat healthy without sacrificing taste. It’s also a great way to introduce seafood to your family, especially for those who may not be used to it, as the flavors of the spices and vegetables make the shrimp particularly approachable.

A Burst of Flavors and Textures

What sets these fajitas apart is their bold and vibrant flavor profile. The spice mix of chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and a hint of onion powder infuses the shrimp and vegetables with that classic fajita taste. The optional crushed red pepper flakes can add a bit of heat for those who enjoy a touch of spice, while fresh lime juice squeezed over the roasted ingredients adds a layer of tangy brightness, bringing all the flavors together harmoniously.

The vegetables in the recipe – a combination of colorful bell peppers and red onions – are not just for show. They add crunch, sweetness, and freshness, balancing the slight spice of the shrimp. The high heat of the oven helps to caramelize the vegetables, enhancing their natural flavors and giving them a charred, smoky edge that’s reminiscent of grilled fajitas you might find at your favorite Mexican restaurant.

The fresh cilantro used as a garnish not only adds a pop of color but also provides an herbaceous freshness that contrasts the deep flavors of the roasted shrimp and vegetables. It’s a simple addition, but it makes a big impact on the overall taste of the dish.

Versatility and Customization for Every Palate

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily customizable it is. Not a fan of shrimp? Swap it out for chicken strips, thinly sliced steak, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. You can change up the vegetables, too – zucchini, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes would make delicious additions. The spice blend is also adaptable; feel free to add smoked paprika for a deeper, earthier flavor or cayenne for a spicier kick.

Serving the fajitas is where creativity truly shines. You can go the traditional route with warm flour or corn tortillas, letting everyone at the table assemble their own fajitas with toppings like guacamole, sour cream, salsa, shredded cheese, or even fresh pico de gallo. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a low-carb option, serve the shrimp and veggies over a bed of greens, cauliflower rice, or in lettuce wraps.

Health Benefits and Nutritional Value

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas aren’t just about flavor – they’re also about health. Packed with lean protein from the shrimp, fiber, and vitamins from the fresh vegetables, and healthy fats from the olive oil, this dish is balanced, nutritious, and light. Shrimp is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their heart-healthy benefits, and it’s also a good source of selenium, an antioxidant that helps boost immune function.

The colorful bell peppers add a wealth of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, which is great for immune support and skin health, and vitamin A, which benefits eye health. The red onions are packed with antioxidants, and the use of olive oil contributes heart-healthy fats.

If you’re mindful of calorie intake, this recipe is a fantastic option. At roughly 250 calories per serving, it’s a satisfying meal that won’t weigh you down. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free (if served with corn tortillas) and can easily be adapted to suit various dietary needs.

Time-Saving and Perfect for Meal Prep

Because this recipe is cooked entirely on one sheet pan, it’s a time-saver for both cooking and cleaning up. All the ingredients cook together in just 8-10 minutes, meaning that in under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, healthy, and homemade dinner on the table. For meal preppers, this dish is ideal. You can easily double the recipe to make enough for lunches throughout the week. Store the shrimp and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat when you’re ready to eat – it will taste just as delicious the next day.

If you’re preparing it ahead of time, you can also marinate the shrimp and vegetables earlier in the day or even overnight. This allows the flavors to meld together even more, making the final dish even more flavorful. When you’re ready to cook, simply spread everything out on a sheet pan and roast – dinner couldn’t be easier.

The Perfect Balance of Convenience, Flavor, and Nutrition

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas truly have it all – bold flavors, vibrant colors, and an array of textures, all tied together with the convenience of being a one-pan meal. The combination of seasoned shrimp and roasted vegetables offers a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s sure to become a favorite in any household.

This recipe can easily transform a busy weekday dinner into a festive occasion. The short cooking time, simple preparation, and the flexibility to customize make it a go-to for any cook, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced chef.

Conclusion A Must-Try for Seafood Lovers and Busy Families

If you haven’t tried Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas yet, now’s the time to add this dish to your repertoire. Its simplicity, flavor, and adaptability make it a winner on any table, and its bright, festive presentation is sure to please both kids and adults alike. With the ease of cooking everything on one sheet pan and the multitude of ways to serve and enjoy the meal, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

From the succulent, spicy shrimp to the caramelized bell peppers and onions, every component of this dish bursts with flavor and offers a delightful eating experience. So the next time you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, remember these shrimp fajitas – they may just become your new favorite dinner.

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