Sizzling Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Colorful Peppers
Sizzling Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Colorful Peppers bring the vibrant zest of Tex-Mex cuisine right into your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. This dish celebrates the beautiful marriage of plump, juicy shrimp and an array of crunchy, colorful bell peppers, all kissed by a bold marinade that amplifies each bite. inspired by leisurely weekend gatherings, the one-pan technique ensures easy cleanup without sacrificing that irresistible sizzle and char that make fajitas so iconic.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 generous portions
Difficulty Level
Easy – perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned home chefs
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- Flour or corn tortillas, warm
Instructions
- prepare the shrimp marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, lime juice, salt, and pepper until combined.
- marinate the shrimp: Add the peeled shrimp to the bowl and toss to coat evenly. Let the shrimp marinate for 10 minutes to soak up the flavors without becoming too acidic.
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Arrange vegetables and shrimp: spread the sliced bell peppers and onions evenly on the sheet pan. Lay the marinated shrimp over the vegetables in a single layer, ensuring none overlap for optimal cooking.
- Roast: Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the shrimp are opaque and the peppers are tender with slight charred edges. Watch closely for the shrimp-overcooking turns them rubbery.
- Finish with fresh flavor: Once done, remove from the oven and squeeze additional lime juice for brightness. Garnish with fresh cilantro to lift the dish visually and aromatically.
- Serve: Spoon the shrimp and pepper mixture into warm tortillas. Add your favorite toppings such as avocado slices, sour cream, or shredded cheese if desired.
Tips for Success
- Select ripe, firm bell peppers with vibrant colors. Red,yellow,and orange peppers offer sweetness,while green provides a nice balance with a slightly earthy bite.
- Don’t over-marinate the shrimp. Acidic lime juice can start cooking the shrimp prematurely; 10 minutes is ideal for maximum flavor without compromising texture.
- Use a high-quality sheet pan to ensure even heat and enhance that coveted fajita sizzle. You can preheat the pan in the oven for an extra kick of char.
- For a smoky twist, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or swap out regular paprika for smoked paprika.
- make it ahead: Marinate shrimp and prep vegetables up to 2 hours before cooking to save time on busy nights.
Serving Suggestions and Sides
Present your fajita feast with fresh, colorful accompaniments that complement the vibrant peppers and succulent shrimp. Warm tortillas are essential for wrapping up the tender morsels.
- Refried beans or black bean salad add hearty balance.
- Cilantro-lime rice offers a bright, fluffy base that absorbs any extra juices.
- Fresh guacamole provides creamy contrast and richness.
- Pico de gallo brings a juicy, tangy freshness to each bite.
- A squeeze of fresh lime and a sprinkle of crumbled queso fresco elevate the presentation and flavor.
For a splash of heat, serve with pickled jalapeños or a side of chipotle crema. This vibrant,colorful ensemble is as tasty as it is indeed visually inviting-perfect for a festive fajita fiesta.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
Discover more easy sheet pan recipes to expand your weeknight repertoire.
For additional nutritional guidance on seafood sustainability, visit Seafood Watch.
Q&A
Q & A: Sizzling Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Colorful Peppers
Q1: What makes sheet pan shrimp fajitas a great meal choice?
A1: Sheet pan shrimp fajitas are a vibrant one-pan wonder! They combine juicy, seasoned shrimp with a rainbow of colorful peppers and onions, all roasted to smoky perfection on a single sheet pan.This method locks in bold flavors, minimizes cleanup, and speeds up dinner time without sacrificing any of the sizzle or spice.
Q2: Which peppers work best for fajitas, and how do their colors play a role?
A2: The classic trio-red, yellow, and green bell peppers-bring not just a burst of color but a balance of sweet, tangy, and slightly bitter notes. Red peppers add sweetness, green provide a bit of earthiness, and yellow contribute mild tang. Together, they make your fajita feast as beautiful as it is delicious.
Q3: How do you season shrimp and vegetables to capture authentic fajita flavors?
A3: A blend of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne evokes that warm, smoky fajita essence. Toss the shrimp and sliced peppers in olive oil and this spice mix to ensure every bite sings with vibrant Tex-Mex flair.
Q4: Can this recipe be made ahead or adapted for meal prep?
A4: Absolutely! Prep your peppers and spice mix ahead of time, even marinate the shrimp a few hours in advance. Cook everything just before eating, or roast in batches and refrigerate for easy reheating. Thes fajitas also freeze well, making future spicy cravings easy to satisfy.
Q5: What are some fun serving ideas for these sizzling shrimp fajitas?
A5: Serve your fajitas with warm flour or corn tortillas for wrapping, a dollop of cooling guacamole or sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro and lime juice. For a low-carb twist, try serving over cauliflower rice or mixed greens. Don’t forget a side of black beans or a zesty salsa to round out the fiesta!
Q6: How can beginners avoid overcooking the shrimp?
A6: Shrimp cook lightning fast-usually 6-8 minutes at 425°F (220°C) is plenty.Look for a pink, opaque color and that classic “C” shape. Overcooked shrimp get rubbery, so keep a close eye-they’re the stars of this sheet pan show!
Q7: What’s the secret to getting those perfectly roasted, slightly charred peppers?
A7: High heat is your best freind! Roasting at 425°F lets the veggies caramelize and develop a slight char, enhancing their natural sweetness and adding depth to the fajita flavors. Spacing them out evenly on the pan also helps the heat circulate for even roasting.
Ready to ignite your dinner routine? Sheet pan shrimp fajitas with colorful peppers offer a sizzling combo of flavor,ease,and vibrant freshness that turns any night into a fiesta. Grab your pan and get ready to roast up some rainbow magic!
Wrapping Up
As the vibrant colors of those sizzling sheet pan shrimp fajitas settle onto your plate, you’re not just enjoying a meal-you’re embracing a symphony of flavors and textures that celebrate simplicity and zest. Speedy to prepare yet bursting with bold,fresh ingredients,this dish proves that weeknight dinners can be both effortless and remarkable. So next time you crave a fiesta of spice and color without the fuss, let this recipe be your go-to-a vibrant reminder that great cooking can be as easy as a single pan and a handful of peppers.Ready, set, fajita!
