Effortless Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas: Your Ultimate Guide to a Quick & Flavorful One-Pan Meal
Imagine a vibrant, flavorful dinner that comes together with minimal fuss and leaves you with hardly any cleanup. That’s exactly what you get with these incredible Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas! This recipe transforms succulent shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and sweet onions into a sizzling, spice-infused delight, all on a single baking sheet. It’s an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights when you crave something wholesome, delicious, and quick.
Our baked shrimp fajitas are seasoned to perfection and finished with a creamy, homemade yogurt lime crema. This bright, tangy sauce elevates the dish, adding a refreshing counterpoint to the smoky spices and juicy ingredients. You’ll be amazed at how such an easy meal can deliver such an explosion of authentic Mexican-inspired flavors right to your dinner table!
Sheet pan meals are truly a lifesaver in the kitchen. Their inherent simplicity means less prep time, less active cooking, and best of all, significantly less washing up – thanks to that magical single pan! If you’ve fallen in love with the convenience of sheet pan cooking, be sure to explore more of our favorites. Try our Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas for another poultry option, or savor the deliciousness of Sheet Pan Chili Lime Salmon. For a hearty meat and veggie combo, our Sheet Pan Italian Sausage and Vegetable Bake is a must-try. And if your sweet tooth is calling for a single-pan treat, our famous Texas Sheet Cake is the perfect delicious dessert.
Why You’ll Love These Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
- Ultimate One-Pan Convenience: Say goodbye to multiple pots and pans! This entire shrimp fajita recipe comes together on just one baking sheet. There’s no need for pre-cooking anything on the stovetop, which means effortless preparation and incredibly fast cleanup. It’s the ultimate solution for busy home cooks who want delicious results without the kitchen mess.
- Bursting with Juicy Flavor: Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor! Our baked shrimp fajitas feature plump, juicy shrimp and tender-crisp vegetables, all bathed in a vibrant honey-lime marinade. This carefully crafted blend includes classic fajita seasonings like smoky cumin, robust chili powder, and sweet paprika, creating a deeply satisfying and aromatic experience with every bite. The hint of honey provides a beautiful caramelization that truly sets this dish apart.
- Effortless & Quick Weeknight Dinner: When time is of the essence, this sheet pan shrimp fajitas recipe shines. It’s specifically designed for those hectic weeknights when you need a wholesome and satisfying meal on the table in a flash. From prep to plate, you’ll be enjoying these flavorful fajitas in under an hour, making it a go-to option for families and individuals alike.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with lean protein from the shrimp and a rainbow of fresh vegetables, these fajitas are naturally light and nutritious. The homemade yogurt-lime crema replaces heavier sour cream, offering a healthier yet equally delicious topping that complements the fresh ingredients perfectly.
Key Ingredients for Perfect Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Creating truly delicious sheet pan shrimp fajitas starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is essential for that perfect flavor profile:
- Olive Oil: A staple in most kitchens, good quality olive oil serves multiple purposes here. It helps distribute the rich flavors of the marinade, ensures the vegetables roast beautifully, and prevents sticking on the sheet pan, making cleanup even easier.
- Fresh Lime Juice & Zest: Don’t skimp on fresh limes! The juice provides a crucial bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the spices, while the zest contains potent aromatic oils that infuse both the shrimp fajita mixture and the creamy honey-lime crema with an irresistible zing. It’s the secret to that vibrant, authentic fajita taste.
- Honey: This natural sweetener plays a vital role in balancing the tang of the lime and the heat of the spices. More importantly, honey helps create a beautiful caramelization on the shrimp and vegetables as they roast, adding depth and a slightly sticky, delectable texture. It also contributes a subtle sweetness to our healthy lime crema.
- Fajita Seasonings: Our carefully chosen blend of spices includes cumin for earthy warmth, chili powder for a mild kick and classic Tex-Mex flavor, and paprika (we recommend smoked paprika for an extra layer of depth) for its sweet, peppery notes and vibrant color. Freshly minced garlic cloves are non-negotiable for their pungent aroma and taste. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all these wonderful flavors. If fresh garlic isn’t available, minced garlic from a jar or garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though fresh is always best. A sprinkling of fresh cilantro at the end adds a burst of freshness and color.
- Bell Peppers: Thinly sliced bell peppers are essential for fajitas. While any color works beautifully, using a variety of colors (red, yellow, orange, green) not only makes your dish visually appealing but also offers slightly different flavor nuances. They soften to a tender-crisp texture in the oven, absorbing all the delicious marinade.
- Onion: Sliced onions roast alongside the peppers, becoming sweet and tender. Yellow onions are a popular choice for their balanced flavor, but sweet, white, or red onions can all be used depending on your preference. Red onions offer a slightly sharper flavor and beautiful color, while sweet onions mellow out wonderfully when roasted.
- Shrimp: Opt for raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp to save on prep time. We recommend large shrimp (such as 13-15 count) as they remain plump and juicy during cooking and don’t overcook as quickly as smaller varieties. However, smaller shrimp can certainly be used; just be mindful of reducing the cooking time slightly. Ensure they are fully thawed if using frozen.
- Flour Tortillas: Soft, warm flour tortillas are the perfect vehicle for these flavorful fajitas. Wrapping them in aluminum foil and briefly warming them in the oven alongside the shrimp and veggies makes them pliable and adds an extra layer of comfort to your meal. Feel free to use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This is the star of our healthy lime crema. Using plain Greek yogurt as a base makes the crema lighter and healthier than traditional sour cream, while still providing that essential creamy texture and tangy flavor. It’s important to use plain yogurt to avoid any clashing flavors with the vibrant fajita spices.
How to Make Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas: Step-by-Step
Follow these simple steps to create a show-stopping dinner with minimal effort and maximum flavor:
- Prepare the Zesty Lime Crema: In a small bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, fresh lime juice, a touch of honey, salt, and vibrant lime zest until smooth and well combined. This creamy, tangy sauce is best when it has a little time for the flavors to meld, so cover it and store it in the refrigerator while you prepare the main dish.
- Craft the Flavorful Shrimp Fajita Marinade: Grab a glass measuring cup or a small mixing bowl. Combine the olive oil, fresh lime juice, aromatic lime zest, honey, ground cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and finely minced garlic. Whisk vigorously until the marinade is smooth and all the spices are evenly distributed. This will be the flavor base for your shrimp and vegetables.
- Begin Roasting the Peppers and Onions: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the thinly sliced bell peppers and onions evenly in a single layer on a large sheet pan. Drizzle half of the prepared marinade over the vegetables, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. Toss gently to combine. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remember to toss the vegetables halfway through the baking time to ensure even cooking and beautiful caramelization. This initial roast gives the harder vegetables a head start.
- Marinate the Shrimp & Prep Tortillas: While the peppers and onions are roasting, place your peeled and deveined shrimp into the remaining half of the marinade. Toss gently to coat each shrimp evenly. Let them marinate at room temperature during this time. Also, prepare your tortillas for warming: wrap them securely in aluminum foil.
- Bake the Shrimp & Warm the Tortillas: Once the peppers have baked for their initial 15-20 minutes, carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Add the marinated shrimp (along with any remaining marinade) to the pan, distributing them evenly among the roasted vegetables. Gently toss everything together. Return the sheet pan to the oven. At this point, also place the foil-wrapped tortillas directly into the oven to warm them through. Bake for another 8 minutes, or until the shrimp turn opaque pink and are cooked through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Garnish and Serve Immediately: Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked and the tortillas are warm, remove everything from the oven. Sprinkle a generous amount of fresh chopped cilantro over the entire sheet pan of shrimp, peppers, and onions for a burst of color and herbaceous flavor. To assemble your fajitas, simply spoon some of the flavorful shrimp and vegetable mixture into a warm tortilla. Finish with a generous drizzle of the prepared lime crema. Serve immediately and enjoy the incredible flavors of your homemade sheet pan shrimp fajitas!
Expert Tips for the Best Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Achieving perfectly cooked, restaurant-quality fajitas at home is easy with a few simple tricks. Here are our top tips to ensure your sheet pan shrimp fajitas are nothing short of amazing:
- Timing is Everything for Even Cooking: The secret to perfectly cooked shrimp and tender-crisp vegetables is to bake them in stages. Always start by roasting the bell peppers and onions first, as they require more time in the oven to soften. Shrimp cooks incredibly quickly, often in under 10 minutes. By adding the shrimp to the pan later, you prevent it from overcooking and becoming rubbery, ensuring juicy, succulent results every time.
- Embrace a Rainbow of Bell Peppers: While any color of bell pepper will work, incorporating a variety of colors – like yellow, red, and orange – not only makes your fajitas visually stunning but also offers a subtle range of flavors. Each color brings its own natural sweetness and vibrant appeal to the dish, enhancing the overall dining experience.
- Ensure a Single Layer for Optimal Roasting: For the best texture and flavor, it’s crucial to arrange your vegetables and then later, your shrimp, in a single layer on the sheet pan. Overcrowding the pan will cause the ingredients to steam rather than roast, resulting in soggy vegetables and less flavorful shrimp. If you’re doubling the recipe, use two separate sheet pans.
- Don’t Forget the Fresh Garnishes: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro and a few extra lime wedges are more than just pretty; they add essential brightness and a burst of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the fajitas. Consider serving these sheet pan shrimp fajitas with a side of homemade Pico de Gallo for an extra layer of authentic Mexican taste.
- Master the Crema Drizzle: For an elegant and mess-free presentation, transfer your homemade lime crema into a Ziploc bag. Snip off a tiny corner of the bag, and you can easily pipe beautiful zigzags of crema over your assembled fajitas or directly onto the sheet pan for serving. This trick makes garnishing a breeze and adds a professional touch!
- Properly Thaw Frozen Shrimp: If you’re using frozen shrimp, it’s vital to thaw them completely before marinating and cooking. The easiest method is to place them in a bowl or colander and rinse them under cool running water for a few minutes until defrosted. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels before adding them to the marinade; excess moisture can dilute the flavors and prevent proper searing.
- Cut Vegetables Uniformly: For consistent cooking, make sure to slice your bell peppers and onions into similar, thin strips. This ensures that all the vegetables become tender at the same rate, avoiding some pieces being crunchy while others are perfectly soft.
Make Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Guidelines
While these sheet pan shrimp fajitas are best enjoyed fresh off the pan, here’s how to manage leftovers and prep components in advance:
- Make Ahead (for the Crema): The lime crema can be prepared up to 2-3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to deepen. Stir well before serving. For the fajita mixture itself, it’s best to cook the shrimp and vegetables just prior to eating to ensure the freshest taste and best texture, as seafood tends to cool quickly and can lose its tenderness when reheated multiple times.
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover cooked shrimp and vegetable fajita mixture should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh and delicious for 2-3 days. When reheating, you can warm them gently in the oven at a lower temperature (around 300°F/150°C) until heated through, or quickly in the microwave. Be careful not to overheat the shrimp.
- Storing Lime Crema: The homemade lime crema sauce stores exceptionally well. Keep it in a separate airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days. This makes it a great component to prepare ahead of time.
- Freezing Recommendations: When it comes to freezing shrimp fajitas, we generally recommend against freezing the cooked mixture. Freezing and then thawing cooked shrimp can significantly alter its texture, often making it tougher or more rubbery. Since this recipe is incredibly quick to prepare from scratch, the benefit of freezing a cooked batch for meal prep is minimal compared to the potential compromise in quality. If you want to “meal prep” in advance, consider having extra raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp readily available in your freezer for last-minute cooking. You can also chop your bell peppers and onions ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a day or two before cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Absolutely! Shrimp is a fantastic addition to a healthy diet. It’s an excellent source of lean protein, iodine (crucial for thyroid function), vitamin B12, and iron. Plus, it’s remarkably low in calories and saturated fat, making it a smart choice for a nutritious meal.
This sheet pan shrimp fajita recipe is definitely on the healthier side, especially when compared to many takeout options. It’s generously packed with colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables and lean shrimp, which offers numerous health benefits (as mentioned above). Our homemade lime crema uses plain Greek yogurt as a wholesome substitute for higher-fat sour cream, and we opt for honey as a natural sweetener instead of refined granulated sugar. These thoughtful ingredient choices make it a light, flavorful, and nutritious meal.
Sheet pan shrimp fajitas are incredibly versatile and pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Classic choices include fluffy rice like Rice Cooker Cilantro Lime Rice or Sweet Bell Pepper Rice. For a creamy and savory option, try Mexican Street Corn Casserole. Other great additions are a simple green salad, black beans, refried beans, or a fresh avocado salad.
While it’s technically possible, we highly recommend against baking the vegetables and shrimp at the exact same time unless your vegetables are cut extremely thin. Shrimp cooks very rapidly, typically in just 8 minutes. If you put them in simultaneously with regular-sized pepper and onion strips, your shrimp will likely be overcooked and tough by the time your vegetables are tender. Baking the vegetables for 15-20 minutes first ensures everything reaches perfect doneness without compromising the shrimp’s texture.
Traditional fajitas are often served with warm flour tortillas, which are what we recommend. However, you can also use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option or a different flavor profile. Smaller street taco-sized tortillas are great for individual servings, while larger ones allow for bigger, more robust fajitas.
Absolutely! If you love heat, you can easily adjust the spice level. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the marinade. You can also include thinly sliced jalapeños or serrano peppers on the sheet pan with the bell peppers and onions for an extra kick. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes after cooking also works wonders.
More Delicious One-Pan & Seafood Recipes to Try
If you’re looking for more quick, easy, and flavorful meal ideas, especially featuring seafood or the convenience of sheet pan cooking, explore these other fantastic recipes:
- Easy Coconut Shrimp: A delightful tropical twist on shrimp that’s perfect for a light meal or appetizer.
- Shrimp Scampi with Linguini: A classic and comforting dish, ready in minutes.
- Lemon Honey Glazed Salmon: Another healthy sheet pan favorite, bursting with bright flavors.
- Easy Salmon Burgers: A quick and healthy alternative to traditional burgers.
- Blackened Shrimp: For those who love a bold, spicy kick.
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Review
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup lime juice
- 3 tablespoons lime zest
- 1 1/2 tablespoons honey
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 3 garlic cloves – minced
- 3 bell peppers – sliced
- 1 onion – thinly sliced, can use yellow, sweet, or red
- 1 1/2 lbs shrimp – raw, peeled and deveined, I use bigger shrimp 13-15 but you can use smaller if you’d like.
- 1/3 cup chopped cilantro – for topping
- small tortillas – for serving, can use larger too for bigger fajitas
Lime Crema
- 3/4 cup plain greek yogurt
- zest of 1 lime
- 2 teaspoons honey
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
Equipment
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baking sheet
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whisk
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liquid measuring cups
Instructions
Lime Crema
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In a small bowl whisk the Greek yogurt, lime juice, honey, salt, and zest. Cover and store in fridge until ready to use.
Shrimp Fajitas
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Preheat oven to 425°F.
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In a glass measuring cup whisk the olive oil, lime juice, lime zest, honey, cumin, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, and garlic until smooth.
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Place the sliced peppers and onion on a baking sheet. Drizzle half of the marinade over the peppers and toss to coat. Bake for 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through baking.
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Add the shrimp to the remaining marinade and let sit while the peppers are baking. Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil.
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Remove the peppers from the oven and add the shrimp and the remaining marindate to the sheet pan. Place in the oven and bake for 8 minutes or until the shrimp is pink. When you add the sheet pan back to the oven, place the foil wrapped tortillas in the oven as well, to warm them up.
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Remove the pan and tortillas from the oven. Sprinkle the cilantro over the shrimp and peppers and onions.
To Assemble
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Add some peppers and onions and a few pieces of shrimp to a warm torilla. Drizzle the crema overtop of the shrimp and enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. The lime crema will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for u to 7 days.
Nutrition
Recipe adapted from How Sweet Eats