Sheet Pan Cilantro Lime Shrimp Fajitas: Your Ultimate Easy Weeknight Meal
Experience a burst of vibrant flavor with these deliciously tangy Shrimp Fajitas, perfectly spiced and incredibly simple to prepare. This effortless recipe comes together quickly on a single sheet pan in your oven, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Featuring colorful bell peppers, fresh cilantro, bright citrus, and a homemade spice blend you’ll want to put on everything, these fajitas are a treat for the senses. Crowned with a luscious cilantro lime butter, every bite will have your tastebuds dancing!
It’s no secret that I have been absolutely enamored with the dynamic duo of cilantro and lime lately! This zesty, herbaceous combination has found its way into many of my recent culinary creations. Just last week, I shared a mouthwatering recipe for Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Pork, which quickly became a family favorite. And with Cinco de Mayo just around the corner, you can rest assured that almost all of our Mexican-inspired dishes are delightfully paired with my beloved Cilantro Lime Rice! The freshness and brightness that cilantro and lime bring to any dish are simply unparalleled, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Indeed, Mexican food holds a special place in my heart – it’s undeniably my absolute favorite cuisine. If I had it my way, it would certainly be its own dedicated food group! Whether I’m indulging in a festive meal at a vibrant restaurant or whipping up a delicious spread at home, I find it impossible to ever say no to the rich flavors, aromatic spices, and comforting textures that Mexican dishes offer. This unwavering passion for Mexican cuisine is precisely what inspired me to create this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make sheet pan shrimp fajita recipe, perfect for satisfying those cravings any day of the week.
Why These Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Will Become Your New Favorite
There are countless reasons why you’ll fall in love with this shrimp fajita recipe, beyond just their undeniably delicious taste and tantalizing aroma. These aren’t just any seafood fajitas; they’re designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort, making them a true culinary delight:
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to lengthy chopping and tedious cooking processes. This recipe is a dream for busy individuals, requiring only about 10-15 minutes of active prep time. To make dinner even faster, I often recommend slicing your bell peppers and onions, and mixing up the homemade shrimp fajita seasoning in the morning. Later in the day, simply toss the shrimp with the prepped veggies and marinade, then pop everything back into the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This forward-thinking approach transforms a quick meal into an almost instant one!
- Simplified One-Pan Cooking: If you’re like me, washing dishes after a meal is rarely a highlight. That’s why I’m a huge advocate for sheet pan meals! The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity – everything cooks on a single baking sheet. This not only ensures all the flavors meld beautifully together but also drastically cuts down on cleanup time. It’s a win-win for anyone who prefers to spend less time scrubbing and more time savoring.
- Lightning-Fast Cooking Time: These Mexican shrimp fajitas are incredibly efficient when it comes to cooking. In just about 20 minutes in a hot oven, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked, tender shrimp and caramelized vegetables. This rapid cooking makes them an ideal choice for last-minute dinner plans or those evenings when you’re craving a flavorful, homemade meal without the long wait. You’ll be dishing up warm tortillas bursting with succulent cilantro and lime-infused shrimp in no time!
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, and a vibrant homemade spice blend ensures that every bite is packed with incredible taste. The bright citrus notes perfectly complement the sweet shrimp and savory peppers, creating a truly unforgettable flavor profile.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Loaded with lean protein from the shrimp and an abundance of colorful vegetables, this recipe is a nutritious choice for the whole family. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a satisfying meal without compromising on health.
Nutritional Insights: Are Shrimp Fajitas Healthy?
One of the many appealing aspects of this one-pan shrimp fajita recipe is its versatility, especially for those with specific dietary considerations. When enjoyed without traditional flour tortillas, this dish is wonderfully Keto friendly, making it a fantastic option for low-carb lifestyles. You can easily substitute the tortillas with large lettuce cups, creating delicious and crunchy lettuce wraps that keep the carb count low while still delivering all the fantastic fajita flavor. Keep in mind that the exact calorie and nutritional information can vary slightly based on the specific brands and products you choose to prepare your meal. The nutrition details provided in the recipe card are an estimate, designed to give you a general idea.
For those who still enjoy tortillas but are looking for healthier alternatives, I wholeheartedly recommend the carb balance flour tortillas from Mission. They are consistently soft and pliable, yet boast a significantly lower carbohydrate count and higher fiber content compared to conventional tortillas. This makes them an excellent choice for a balanced meal.
Beyond these specific dietary considerations, I absolutely adore the abundance of fresh ingredients in this recipe. There’s something inherently uplifting about a meal that is not only delicious but also bright, colorful, and visually appealing. The vibrant hues of the bell peppers, combined with the fresh green of the cilantro, make those perfectly cooked pink shrimp even more irresistible and appetizing!
Of course, for the 4-14% of the population who find that cilantro tastes unpleasantly like soap, due to specific olfactory receptor genes (OR6A2), rest assured that you can still enjoy this dish! While the flavor profile will shift slightly, you can easily swap the fresh cilantro for an equal amount of fresh parsley. It’s not your fault that genetics play a role in your taste perception, and the dish will still be incredibly tasty with parsley’s earthy, fresh notes. Don’t let a gene stop you from enjoying a great meal!
A Culinary Adventure: Freaky Friday – 2021 Spring Edition
Today’s delightful recipe is proudly presented as part of the “Freaky Friday” blog hop, a wonderful culinary tradition I initiated over six years ago. Five times each year, a dedicated group of food bloggers, including myself, come together to participate in this unique event. Each of us is secretly assigned a fellow food blog from which to cook or bake. It’s truly one of my most cherished activities, as it allows me the incredible opportunity to introduce my readers to the immense talent and creativity of so many other food bloggers in our community. Furthermore, it provides you, my wonderful audience, with a diverse array of new and exciting recipes to explore and enjoy!
This collaborative spirit is what makes the food blogging community so special, and Freaky Friday is a fantastic way to celebrate it, share new ideas, and discover hidden gems in the vast world of online recipes. It’s a chance to step outside our usual recipe development, learn from peers, and bring fresh content directly to your kitchens. I always look forward to seeing what delicious creations emerge from each round, and this Spring Edition is no exception!
Discovering Culinary Excellence: Lemon Blossoms Blog
For this exciting round of Freaky Friday, I was absolutely thrilled to draw Kathy’s name! I hadn’t had the pleasure of being assigned her fantastic blog, Lemon Blossoms, before, and I couldn’t wait to dive into her impressive collection of recipes. Knowing her background, I knew I was in for a culinary treat.
Kathy is a true culinary powerhouse, having graduated from culinary school and trained as a professional chef before transitioning to a home cook. Her career includes incredible experiences, like working for The Food Network on Wolfgang Puck’s TV show and later joining the culinary team behind “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” When her family relocated from the vibrant culinary scene of California to Alabama, she decided to channel her passion and expertise into her food blog, Lemon Blossoms. Her mission? To teach others how to prepare all sorts of wonderful, approachable, and delicious food right in their own kitchens.
Beyond her impressive professional background, I’ve had the distinct pleasure of spending time with Kathy in person, and I can confirm she is an absolute joy to be around! She possesses a huge heart and a infectious enthusiasm for food. Despite our culinary backgrounds being quite different – she with her professional training and me with my passion for home cooking – we share incredibly similar tastes when it comes to food. This shared palate makes exploring her recipes all the more exciting.
The Delightful Challenge of Choosing a Recipe
Our similar food tastes, in fact, made the task of narrowing down which recipe to make from her site quite the delightful challenge! I initially compiled a list of about 20 recipes from Lemon Blossoms that I was eager to try. From savory main courses to tempting desserts, her blog has it all. With great difficulty, I managed to whittle my selection down to four top contenders. Aside from Kathy’s stellar shrimp with lime butter sauce, my shortlist included these tempting options: Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars, a refreshing Asian Slaw with Peanut Sesame Ginger Sauce, and her fluffy Blueberry Pancakes. However, with the festive spirit of Cinco de Mayo in the air this week – a time when bold, zesty flavors are celebrated – the vibrant shrimp fajitas ultimately emerged as the clear winner!
Essential Ingredients for Cilantro Lime Shrimp Fajitas
While the complete list of ingredients for this flavorful recipe might appear extensive at first glance, you’ll notice that a significant portion of them are pantry staples used to create the vibrant spice blend and the tangy marinade. This approach ensures maximum flavor impact from common ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to gather to prepare these amazing sheet pan shrimp fajitas. Remember, the full, printable recipe card with precise measurements is conveniently located at the bottom of this page for your ease.
For the incredibly aromatic and flavorful homemade fajita seasoning blend, you will combine a selection of common yet potent spices. You’ll need ground cumin, which provides a warm, earthy base; garlic powder for a pungent depth; chili powder to add a smoky, mild heat; paprika for a lovely color and subtle sweetness; salt and black pepper for essential seasoning; and a unique pinch of ground cloves, which offers an unexpected hint of warm, sweet spice that truly elevates the blend. If you’re someone who loves an extra kick and wants to really spice things up, feel free to add about 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to this blend, adjusting to your preferred level of heat.
To prepare the vibrant and tenderizing shrimp fajita marinade, you’ll need a carefully balanced mix of liquids and flavors. This includes high-quality olive oil to help carry the flavors and ensure the shrimp stays moist; fresh orange juice, which adds a subtle sweetness and acidity; soy sauce for a touch of umami and depth; a generous portion of your freshly mixed spice blend; and the invaluable zest and juice of one small lime, providing that essential bright, tangy citrus note that defines this dish. This marinade not only infuses the shrimp with incredible flavor but also helps to keep it perfectly tender during cooking.
For the essential fajita vegetables, you’ll need beautifully sliced onions and a medley of colorful bell peppers. The choice of bell pepper colors is entirely up to your preference – whichever vibrant hues you select will work perfectly and add both visual appeal and a range of sweet to slightly bitter notes. For my batch, I decided to be extra colorful and bought one of each: red, yellow, green, and orange. After slicing them all, I used half of each color in my fajitas, creating a stunning rainbow on the sheet pan. The remaining sliced peppers weren’t wasted; I simply tossed them into a plastic bag and popped them into the freezer. They’ll be perfectly prepped and ready to go for the next time I decide to whip up my comforting stuffed pepper skillet or my savory pepper steak recipe!
And finally, the star of our dish: you will need succulent shrimp! I typically opt for convenience and purchase mine from the freezer section of the grocery store. Look for large shrimp that are already cleaned, deveined, and have their tails removed, as this saves a significant amount of prep time. It’s important to note the type of shrimp you’re using: if your shrimp are pre-cooked (as mine often are), their cooking time on the sheet pan will be considerably less, primarily just needing to be heated through. If you are using raw shrimp, you will need to increase the cooking time until they turn opaque and pink, ensuring they are fully cooked but not overdone, which can lead to a chewy texture. Always thaw frozen shrimp thoroughly before marinating and cooking for the best results, usually by placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes or overnight in the fridge.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas in the Oven
Creating these vibrant and flavorful sheet pan shrimp fajitas is remarkably straightforward, even for beginner cooks. Follow these simple steps for a delicious and hassle-free meal:
First, ensure your shrimp is properly thawed (if frozen) and then place it into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour your prepared marinade over the shrimp, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow the shrimp to soak in this delicious marinade for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for maximum flavor absorption. While the shrimp marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Next, prepare your sheet pan. Line a large, sturdy sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup – a trick you’ll thank yourself for later! Spread your sliced bell peppers and onions evenly across the foil-lined pan. Drizzle them generously with olive oil and give them a quick toss to ensure every piece is lightly coated. Once spread into a single, even layer, dust the vegetables with some of your incredible homemade seasoning mix. Place the sheet pan into the preheated oven and roast for approximately 15 minutes. This initial roasting time allows the vegetables to begin softening and caramelizing, developing a beautiful depth of flavor.
After the initial roasting period, carefully pull the sheet pan from the oven. Using a spatula, stir the peppers and onions to ensure even cooking and then push them over to one side of the pan, creating space. On the empty side of the pan, add your marinated shrimp. Before adding, remember to drain any excess liquid from the marinade bag – you want the shrimp to roast, not steam! Spread the shrimp in a single layer on their side of the pan. Return the sheet pan to the oven and continue to roast for another 5-8 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and turn a beautiful opaque pink. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become rubbery. The key is tender, juicy shrimp and perfectly roasted, slightly crisp-tender vegetables.
The Secret Weapon: Cilantro Lime Butter for Fajitas
The ultimate step that elevates these sheet pan shrimp fajitas from delicious to absolutely unforgettable is the addition of the magical fajita butter sauce recipe. This simple yet incredibly flavorful topping transforms the entire dish with its rich, zesty, and herbaceous notes. To create this “pure magic,” you’ll simply melt some butter and then whisk in a generous amount of freshly chopped cilantro, the bright, invigorating juice and zest of a small lime, and a couple of cloves of finely minced garlic. The warmth of the butter perfectly releases the aromas of the garlic and cilantro, while the lime adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the richness, balancing all the flavors beautifully. Drizzling this incredible concoction over the piping hot shrimp and vegetables just as they come out of the oven is a game-changer – it truly makes the whole dish sing and leaves an exquisite flavor lingering on your palate. Don’t skip this step; it’s the finishing touch that your tastebuds will thank you for!
While often served in tortillas, these fajitas are so complete and satisfying, you might find yourself enjoying them straight from the bowl! Personally, I frequently grab a fork and dig right in, relishing every bite just like this. And why not? With such fresh, vibrant ingredients and a burst of flavor, it’s a perfectly delightful and fulfilling meal on its own.
Loved It? Pin It for Later!
Don’t let this incredible recipe get lost in the shuffle! Make sure to save these delicious Sheet Pan Cilantro Lime Shrimp Fajitas for future meal planning. Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board before you go, so it’s always just a click away when those fajita cravings strike. Sharing is caring, and your friends will thank you for sharing this easy and flavorful weeknight meal idea!
When you whip up these fantastic sheet pan shrimp in your oven, the serving possibilities are endless, making this dish incredibly versatile. You can serve them simply on their own for a low-carb option, or transform them into classic tacos, flavorful fajitas, hearty rice bowls, or even use them as a vibrant topping for a fresh salad. The beauty lies in customizing your plate with your favorite additions. To truly elevate your fajita experience, consider these delightful topping options: warm flour or corn tortillas, diced fresh tomatoes, zesty salsa or homemade pico de gallo, creamy avocado slices or a generous dollop of guacamole, shredded cheese, crisp lettuce, thinly sliced fresh jalapeño for a bit of heat, and cooling sour cream or Greek yogurt. Mix and match to create your perfect bite!
Beyond this recipe, I highly encourage you to explore more culinary delights from Lemon Blossoms. Kathy’s expertly crafted recipes and culinary insights are truly a treasure, and you will undoubtedly be glad that you discovered her blog!
A Look at All Our 2021 Freaky Friday Spring Edition Recipes:
- A Dish of Daily Life – Smoky Chicken Street Tacos
- An Affair from the Heart – Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Cilantro Lime Butter
- An Affair from the Heart – Blueberry Mojitos
- Aunt Bee’s Recipes – Easy Chile Relleno Casserole
- The Carefree Kitchen – Glazed Lemon Cookies
- The Culinary Compass – Easy Candied Pecan Recipe
- Devour Dinner – Cheese Stuffed Meatloaf
- The Foodie Affair – Keto Broccoli Salad
- The Fresh Cooky – Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Hostess at Heart – No Bake Chocolate Cheesecake
- House of Nash Eats – Roast Beef Sliders
- Lemon Blossoms – Lemon Blueberry Crumb Bars
- Lemoine Family Kitchen – Lemon Blueberry Bread
- Life, Love & Good Food – Cubano Sandwich
- Off the Eaten Path –Grilled Vegan Guacamole
- Or Whatever You Do – Blackstone Mexican Style Street Corn
- The Speckled Palate – Lemon Bars
- Take Two Tapas – Pepperoni Pizza Pinwheels
It’s time to whip up some easy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying shrimp fajitas! Enjoy every flavorful bite. 
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Print Recipe
Sheet Pan Cilantro Lime Shrimp Fajitas
Equipment
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Citrus Zester
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Manual Juicer Citrus / Lemon Squeezer
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Rubber Spatulas
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13×18 Half Sheet Pan
Ingredients
For the Spice Blend:
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt
- pinch of ground cloves
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
For the Marinade:
- 1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
- Juice and zest of one small lime about 1 Tablespoon
- 1 Tablespoon orange juice
- 1/2 Tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon of the spice blend recipe above
Vegetables
- 2 large bell peppers sliced (any colors you want)
- 1/2 of a large onion sliced
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
For the Cilantro Lime Butter
- 3 Tablespoons butter melted
- 1 Tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
- Juice and zest of 1 small lime about 1 Tablespoon
- 2 cloves of garlic minced
For serving (ideas are optional)
- tortillas tomatoes, salsa or pico de gallo, avocado, guacamole, cheese, lettuce, fresh jalapeño, sour cream
Instructions
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In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for your homemade spice blend: ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, black pepper, sea salt, and a pinch of ground cloves. Stir them well until thoroughly mixed. This blend will yield about 2 tablespoons. Set it aside.
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Place the peeled, deveined, and tails-removed shrimp into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Add all the marinade ingredients to the bag: olive oil, fresh lime juice and zest, orange juice, soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon of your prepared spice blend. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and gently toss to ensure the shrimp are completely coated in the marinade. Refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor. I like to flip the bag a couple of times during this period to redistribute the shrimp and marinade.
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Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Line a large, sturdy sheet pan with aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
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Arrange the sliced onions and bell peppers on the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Using your hands or a spatula, toss the vegetables gently to ensure they are evenly coated, then spread them out into a single layer across the sheet pan. Sprinkle them generously with some of the remaining spice mix. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. This step allows the vegetables to soften and begin caramelizing.
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While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the cilantro lime butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, freshly chopped cilantro, the juice and zest of 1 small lime, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined. Set this magic butter aside.
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Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Stir the roasted vegetables, then push them to one side of the sheet pan, creating an open space.
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Drain any excess marinade from the shrimp before adding them to the empty side of the baking sheet. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer to ensure even cooking. Place the sheet pan back into the oven and roast for an additional 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through and turn opaque pink. It’s crucial not to overcook the shrimp, as it can quickly become chewy. The vegetables should be tender-crisp. (Note: If using pre-cooked shrimp, cooking time will be shorter, around 5 minutes, just to heat through.)
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Once you remove the sheet pan from the oven, immediately mix the cooked shrimp and vegetables together directly on the pan. Drizzle the entire mixture generously with your prepared cilantro lime butter, tossing gently to coat. This final step infuses the dish with incredible aroma and flavor.
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Serve your sheet pan cilantro lime shrimp fajitas hot with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings, as desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Store any leftover shrimp fajitas in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best freshness and flavor.