Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

Name: Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 1 (1 ounce) package fajita seasoning; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1.5 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips; 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips; 1 red onion, sliced into strips; 1 jalapeno pepper, sliced into rings

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

This recipe was developed with its original yield. Ingredient amounts are automatically adjusted, but cooking times and steps remain unchanged. Note that not all recipes scale perfectly.

Original recipe (1X) yields 8 servings:

1 (1 ounce) package fajita seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 red bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 yellow bell pepper, sliced into strips
1 red onion, sliced into strips
1 jalapeno pepper, sliced into rings

Directions

Preheat the oven to 450F (230C).
In a large bowl, mix together the fajita seasoning and olive oil.
Add the shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat them evenly with the seasoning mixture.
Arrange the seasoned shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeo rings to the baking sheet with the shrimp, spreading them out evenly.
Roast the mixture in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes, until the shrimp turn opaque.
Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate.
Broil the pepper and onion mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, or until lightly blackened.
Transfer the broiled peppers and onions to the serving plate with the shrimp.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (based on 8 servings per recipe):

Nutrition Information	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	100	-
Total Fat	3g	3%
Saturated Fat	0g	2%
Cholesterol	129mg	43%
Sodium	398mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	5g	2%
Dietary Fiber	1g	2%
Total Sugars	1g	-
Protein	14g	28%
Vitamin C	22mg	25%
Calcium	30mg	2%
Iron	2mg	12%
Potassium	176mg	4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins of Fajitas

Fajitas, one of the most beloved Tex-Mex dishes, has an interesting history rooted in the cattle-ranching traditions of Texas. The term "fajita" comes from the Spanish word "faja," meaning "strip" or "belt," referring to the thin strips of meat that are typically used. Traditionally, fajitas were made with skirt steak, a cut of beef that was considered less valuable by ranchers. Over time, the dish became popular, especially after the 1960s, when it was served at barbecues and fiestas. Today, it is often prepared with chicken, shrimp, or even vegetables, but the core idea of serving a sizzling plate of seasoned meat with peppers and onions remains.

Regional Variations

While fajitas are now a staple in Tex-Mex cuisine, regional variations of the dish can be found across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. In Texas, the dish is often served with grilled beef or chicken, while in Mexico, it's less common to find the fajita as it's known in the U.S. Instead, similar dishes like "tacos de carne asada" (grilled beef tacos) might be preferred. In coastal regions, seafood versions such as shrimp fajitas are a delicious variation, highlighting the abundance of fresh seafood available in those areas.

Differences from Similar Dishes

Fajitas are often confused with other Mexican dishes, like tacos or burritos, but there are key differences. Tacos are typically served with tortillas wrapped around the filling, while fajitas are traditionally served on a sizzling plate, with the componentsusually grilled meat, vegetables, and tortillasoffered separately so that diners can assemble their own fajitas. Another key difference is the marinade: fajitas are usually marinated with lime juice, garlic, and spices, giving them a tangy, zesty flavor that distinguishes them from the simpler taco fillings.

Where to Serve Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas

Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas are perfect for casual family dinners, quick weeknight meals, or even a fun gathering with friends. Their simple preparation makes them ideal for a busy evening, while the vibrant colors and delicious aroma make them a hit at any table. They are commonly served with flour or corn tortillas, a side of guacamole, salsa, and a refreshing drink, such as a margarita or iced tea. This dish is often enjoyed in both home kitchens and at Mexican or Tex-Mex restaurants, where the communal aspect of assembling your fajita makes it a crowd-pleaser.

Interesting Facts

Fajitas were once considered a "leftovers" dish, using tougher cuts of beef that were not ideal for grilling.
In some regions, fajitas are served with a variety of sides like beans, rice, and grilled vegetables, allowing diners to mix and match flavors.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas have become popular in recent years due to their ease of preparation and minimal cleanup. The sheet pan method allows you to cook everything in one place, making it a favorite for busy cooks.
The shrimp in this recipe cook in just 8-10 minutes, making it a great option for a quick meal that still packs tons of flavor.

FAQ about Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Recipe

Leftover shrimp fajitas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best quality, separate the shrimp and vegetables before storing. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet over medium heat to avoid overcooking the shrimp.

Yes, you can freeze the shrimp fajitas, but it's best to freeze the shrimp and vegetables separately. Place them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. Note that the texture of the shrimp may change slightly after freezing.

Yes, you can easily make your own fajita seasoning. Combine chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Adjust the quantities to your taste, and feel free to add a bit of cayenne pepper for heat.

Absolutely! You can substitute the shrimp with boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs. Slice the chicken into strips and cook for about 20 minutes, or until fully cooked, depending on the thickness of the pieces. Adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken is cooked through.

You can use flour tortillas, corn tortillas, or even low-carb tortillas if preferred. The choice depends on your dietary preferences, but flour tortillas tend to hold up best with the shrimp and vegetables.

Yes! If you like things spicier, you can add more jalapeños or use a spicier chili powder in the fajita seasoning. You can also drizzle some hot sauce over the fajitas before serving or add a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to the vegetables.

Shrimp cook very quickly, so make sure not to overcook them. They should only be in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes, depending on their size. Keep a close eye on them, and remove them from the oven as soon as they turn opaque and curl up.

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture before seasoning and cooking. This will help prevent them from becoming soggy.

If you double the recipe, the cooking time for the shrimp should remain the same, but you may need to use two baking sheets to ensure even cooking. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan, and check that the shrimp are cooked through (opaque) and the vegetables are lightly charred.

Yes, you can substitute or add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or sweet potatoes. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the vegetables you use.

Comments

Carol Cruz

09/19/2024 12:52:14 AM

I was skeptical about being able to cook shrimp on a sheet pan in just 10 minutes and have it turn out well. But I was pleasantly surprised by how SIMPLE it was - and it was delicious too!! Lately, I've been eating out a lot due to my long work hours, but I was really craving a home-cooked meal without the hassle of a long prep time or cleanup. This meal met all my needs perfectly, and I even got to unwind with a glass of wine while it cooked - no need to constantly watch over it on the stovetop. It was definitely a fantastic meal for a busy weeknight. 😉

Raymond Jones

02/06/2024 07:35:32 PM

I cooked the dish for 6 minutes and then broiled it for an additional 2 minutes. It turned out perfect! I added some Mexican oregano and coriander (from fresh cilantro) for extra flavor. Served with chopped cilantro, avocado, and tomato. To make cleanup a breeze, I lined the cookie sheet with foil. Warmed up some flour tortillas in foil in the oven while the shrimp was cooking. Muy bueno!

Heather Rodriguez

06/14/2024 07:58:09 PM

Fantastic! I've found a new way to make veggies for fajitas without frying them. The only issue I encountered was the insufficient amount of olive oil specified in the recipe, which made it challenging to create a sauce out of the seasoning packets. However, I adapted by using two packages of seasoning for 1.5 lbs of shrimp and compensating for the lack of oil by adding tequila (why not, right?). Instead of the suggested method of cooking the shrimp separately, I opted to bake the veggies for 20 minutes first, then adding the seasoned shrimp for the final 10 minutes. It worked like a charm! The result was perfectly timed and had an excellent flavor.

Joshua Rivera

11/08/2022 09:56:55 PM

This dish has quickly become a go-to for my family—it's a definite favorite! It's so simple to make and tastes absolutely delicious. I've prepared it with both shrimp and chicken, and each version is fantastic. The chicken fajitas are hands down the best I've ever tasted—tender and juicy every single time. I typically use chicken strips, marinate them in a mixture of olive oil and fajita seasoning, then bake them with the peppers for around 20 minutes. The shrimp cooks up perfectly in just 10-15 minutes.

Katherine Roberts

08/01/2024 08:53:43 AM

I absolutely loved preparing and devouring these sheet pan fajitas. The shrimp cooked beautifully in just 6 minutes in my convection oven, while the veggies needed about 5 minutes more. After mixing everything together, I arranged the shrimp on one side and the veggies on the other. Once the shrimp was cooked, I combined them with the veggies to enhance the flavors. I will definitely be making these again. Just a word of caution, keep an eye on the shrimp as they can overcook and become rubbery if not monitored closely.

Brenda Wilson

11/22/2023 06:12:53 AM

I found that the instructions in the printed version don't align with the video tutorial. In my opinion, the recipe is successful as is, but it really shines when you incorporate fresh garlic. I recommend adding 1 teaspoon of finely diced fresh garlic to the peppers before broiling them, along with a sprinkle of cayenne for an extra kick. Enjoy with a cold beer on hand for the perfect complement. Happy cooking!

Brian Rodriguez

02/22/2025 11:34:11 AM

I highly recommend this recipe! My entire family enjoyed it so much that we'll definitely be making it again. I used 2 tablespoons of olive oil and added 2 tablespoons of my own homemade fajita seasoning to the mix, then tossed everything in a bowl and gave it a good stir. Lining the sheet pan with foil was a great decision as it made clean up incredibly easy. I opted not to use jalapenos and instead used equal parts of red, yellow, and green bell peppers. My shrimp was slightly frozen, and cooking it for just 10 minutes was perfect. We especially loved the slightly charred veggies. I served the dish with lime slices and a slaw dressed in chipotle-mayo. We can't wait to enjoy this meal again!

Betty Green

01/03/2024 05:18:08 PM

I started by sautéing onions in the pan for 10 minutes before tossing in the shrimp and peppers. I paired the dish with low-carb whole wheat wraps, topped with a dollop of fat-free Greek yogurt and salsa. Delicious and satisfying!

Emily Davis

12/15/2024 08:02:50 PM

Overall, I had a very positive experience with this recipe. While the directions were a bit unclear, separating the ingredients onto different sheet pans made the cooking process much smoother. I added a package of pre-made taco seasoning to the fajitas along with some cilantro and lime juice, and followed the recipe for the shrimp, adding extra lime, cilantro, and cayenne for a spicier kick. I paired the dish with cilantro lime brown rice, as I enjoy having rice with my Mexican dishes. The preparation was quick, and cleaning up afterwards was a breeze. The flavors were delicious, especially for someone who enjoys spicy food like myself. Overall, a great meal that I will definitely be making again!

Pamela Gonzalez

10/15/2022 03:11:11 AM

Simple to prepare. I started by roasting the shrimp, then removed them from the pan and roasted the veggies, which turned out perfectly. I added two tablespoons of olive oil mixed with Fajita seasoning. Delicious!

Michelle Moore

10/12/2023 06:40:26 AM

This dish was truly fantastic. I'm curious about the precise serving size, but the recipe itself was flawless. The whole family adored it.

Kelly Green

10/08/2024 12:43:55 PM

Extremely simple to prepare and the flavor was absolutely delightful!

Rachel Wilson

06/09/2023 06:21:11 PM

I believe I didn't add sufficient seasoning to it, so it turned out a bit bland. Nevertheless, it was quite tasty overall. I didn't bother with garnishing the dish for the picture, so it may not look the best.

Dennis Davis

05/13/2023 05:01:13 AM

Absolutely delicious and simple! I created my own fajita seasoning and used it on sliced chicken, shrimp, and a frozen mix of peppers and onions. Pairing it with brown rice and tortillas made for a complete and satisfying meal. 😊

Lisa Sanchez

11/19/2022 06:05:12 AM

I always make this dish when I need a quick dinner option... it's fast, easy, and delicious. Sometimes I swap the shrimp for diced chicken breast and it's just as tasty.

Diane Nguyen

01/09/2023 04:02:58 PM

This was fantastic!

Deborah Edwards

07/19/2023 06:48:16 AM

My family really liked this dish. I enhanced it by including jalapeño sausage and sliced jalapeños towards the end. Additionally, I sprinkled some Tequila Lime seasoning and a touch of Chipotle Chili seasoning from Whole Foods at the end. The flavors were delicious! I definitely plan on making it again.

Deborah Mitchell

11/24/2022 02:51:20 PM

This recipe was absolutely delicious! I prepared fajita shrimp tostadas and it turned out amazing. I saved time by using 1 tablespoon of pre-mixed taco seasoning, but I also tried making it from scratch and both versions were fantastic. I served it with a delicious avocado cream sauce! I absolutely love it!

George Phillips

12/29/2024 07:52:07 AM

We absolutely enjoyed it and found it very simple to prepare. We substituted yellow onions for red ones and skipped the jalapenos. We will definitely be making it again!

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