Discover the ultimate weeknight meal: Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with a tantalizing Cilantro Lime Butter finish! This incredibly easy-to-make recipe brings vibrant flavors and minimal cleanup to your kitchen. Succulent shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and onions are roasted to perfection on a single sheet pan, infused with a homemade spice blend that will awaken your taste buds. Crowned with a zesty cilantro lime butter, this dish is a delicious tango of tangy and spicy notes, perfect for any occasion.
There’s an undeniable magic in the combination of fresh cilantro and bright lime, especially when it comes to Mexican-inspired cuisine. This vibrant duo has become a staple in my kitchen, transforming everyday meals into extraordinary culinary experiences. Whether it’s the savory notes of Slow Cooker Cilantro Lime Pork or the aromatic simplicity of Cilantro Lime Rice, these flavors consistently elevate any dish. As Cinco de Mayo approaches, my thoughts naturally drift to the rich and diverse world of Mexican dishes, and this recipe captures that spirit perfectly.
Mexican food isn’t just a meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and communal joy. For me, it truly belongs in its own food group! Whether I’m indulging at a favorite restaurant or creating a feast at home, the allure of Mexican cuisine is irresistible. This particular recipe for shrimp fajitas brings all the excitement and flavor of your favorite Mexican restaurant right to your dinner table, with the added convenience of a simple sheet pan preparation.
Why These Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas Will Be Your New Favorite Dinner
Beyond their undeniably delicious taste, these sheet pan shrimp fajitas offer a multitude of benefits that make them an ideal choice for busy weeknights and special gatherings alike. This isn’t just another shrimp fajita recipe; it’s a testament to quick, flavorful, and easy cooking.
- Effortless Preparation: Say goodbye to extensive chopping and multiple bowls! Preparing these seafood fajitas takes a mere 10-15 minutes of active work. You can even get a head start by mixing your homemade shrimp fajita seasoning and slicing the bell peppers and onions earlier in the day. Simply toss the shrimp with the marinade and veggies when you’re ready to cook, and they’re good to go. This minimal prep work makes it a lifesaver for those hectic evenings when you crave a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
- A True One-Pan Wonder: If you’re anything like me, the thought of a sink full of dirty dishes after dinner can be daunting. That’s why sheet pan meals have quickly become a culinary revelation. This entire dish, from the seasoned vegetables to the marinated shrimp, cooks beautifully on a single baking sheet. Fewer pans mean less scrubbing, leaving you more time to savor your delicious meal and relax. It’s the ultimate solution for a streamlined cooking and cleanup process.
- Lightning-Fast Cooking: Time is a precious commodity, and these Mexican shrimp respect that. Thanks to the oven’s consistent heat and the quick-cooking nature of shrimp, your fajitas will be ready in approximately 20 minutes. Imagine dishing up a tortilla bursting with succulent, flavorful cilantro-lime shrimp and perfectly tender-crisp vegetables in less than half an hour. It’s an ideal choice for those nights when hunger strikes and you need a satisfying, speedy solution.
- Bursting with Fresh Flavors: The combination of vibrant bell peppers, zesty lime, fresh cilantro, and a carefully crafted spice blend ensures every bite is a flavor explosion. It’s a dish that tastes complex but is deceptively simple to prepare.
- Versatile Serving Options: Whether you prefer classic tortillas, a healthy fajita bowl, or even a fresh salad, these fajitas adapt to your preferences, making them endlessly customizable for everyone at the table.
Nutritional Benefits and Dietary Adaptability of Shrimp Fajitas
This one-pan shrimp fajita recipe isn’t just about incredible taste; it’s also a fantastic option for those mindful of their dietary intake. Shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein, providing essential nutrients without excessive fat. Paired with a rainbow of bell peppers, this dish is packed with vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.
For those following a Keto or low-carb diet, these fajitas are a dream come true when served without traditional flour tortillas. The vibrant medley of shrimp, peppers, and onions, all seasoned to perfection, makes for a satisfying and flavorful meal on its own. If you still crave the convenience of a wrap, carb-balance flour tortillas, like those from Mission, offer a delicious alternative that’s soft, lower in carbs, and higher in fiber, allowing you to enjoy the full fajita experience guilt-free.
The beauty of this dish lies in its embrace of fresh ingredients. There’s something truly invigorating about a meal that’s not only delicious but also bright and colorful. The vibrant bell peppers and emerald-green cilantro beautifully complement the pretty pink shrimp, creating a feast for both the eyes and the palate. This visual appeal often translates to a more enjoyable and satisfying eating experience.
Of course, we understand that cilantro can be a divisive herb. For the 4-14% of the population whose OR6A2 olfactory receptor genes make cilantro taste like soap, there’s no need to despair! Simply swap the fresh cilantro for an equal amount of fresh parsley. While the flavor profile will shift slightly, it will still be a wonderfully fresh and aromatic dish, allowing everyone to enjoy the essence of these delightful fajitas.
A Culinary Journey: The Inspiration Behind These Fajitas
This recipe comes with a story, born from a unique culinary exchange called Freaky Friday. This blog hop, which I initiated over six years ago, brings together a group of food bloggers five times a year. Each participant is secretly assigned a fellow food blog from which to create and share a recipe. It’s an activity I cherish, as it allows me to introduce my readers to the incredible talents of other food enthusiasts and offer a diverse array of new and exciting recipes.
Spotlight On: Lemon Blossoms Blog
For this particular round, I had the delightful opportunity to explore Kathy’s blog, Lemon Blossoms. Having never been assigned her blog before, I was eager to delve into her treasure trove of recipes and was absolutely thrilled with the assignment.
Kathy is not just a home cook; she’s a trained professional chef who honed her skills in culinary school. Her impressive career includes working for The Food Network on Wolfgang Puck’s TV show and later joining the culinary team for “Throwdown with Bobby Flay.” After her family’s relocation from California to Alabama, she channeled her passion and expertise into Lemon Blossoms, where she shares her knowledge and teaches others to prepare a wide array of wonderful dishes. Her professional background shines through in her meticulously developed and flavorful recipes.
I’ve had the pleasure of spending time with Kathy in person, and she is an absolute joy to be around. She possesses a wonderfully generous spirit, and despite our different culinary journeys, we share a remarkably similar taste in food. This shared palate made the task of selecting a recipe from her site both exciting and challenging.
The Selection Process: Choosing the Perfect Recipe
Our similar tastes meant I initially had a list of about 20 recipes from Lemon Blossoms that I desperately wanted to try! The challenge was narrowing it down. After much deliberation, I managed to condense my choices to four exceptional dishes. Aside from this incredible shrimp with lime butter sauce, my top contenders included Kathy’s Berry Swirl Cheesecake Bars, her refreshing Asian Slaw with Peanut Sesame Ginger Sauce, and her fluffy Blueberry Pancakes. However, with Cinco de Mayo festivities in the air, the vibrant and zesty shrimp dish ultimately won out. It was the perfect fit to celebrate the occasion with bold, fresh flavors.
Essential Ingredients for Zesty Cilantro Lime Shrimp Fajitas
While the ingredient list for this recipe might seem extensive at first glance, you’ll find that many items are common pantry staples, especially within the homemade spice blend and marinade. The fresh components are simple and easy to source, ensuring a truly vibrant and delicious outcome. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this fantastic meal. (For the complete printable recipe card with exact measurements, please scroll to the bottom of this page.)
For the incredibly flavorful fajita seasoning blend, you will combine ground cumin, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, sea salt, and black pepper, with just a pinch of ground cloves to add a subtle, warming note. This blend is so versatile, you’ll want to sprinkle it on everything! If you desire a touch more heat, consider adding 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to tailor the spice level to your preference.
To create the zesty and tenderizing shrimp fajita marinade, you’ll need good quality olive oil, a splash of orange juice for a hint of sweetness and acidity, a touch of soy sauce to deepen the savory notes, some of your freshly mixed spice blend, and crucially, the vibrant zest and juice of one small lime. This combination ensures the shrimp absorbs maximum flavor before hitting the hot sheet pan.
For the essential vegetables, you’ll need beautifully sliced onions and colorful bell peppers. Any color combination works wonderfully; I personally love using one of each – red, yellow, green, and orange – to create a visually stunning and nutritionally diverse dish. Remember to slice your vegetables uniformly to ensure even cooking. If you happen to have extra peppers, slice them up and store them in a plastic bag in the freezer. They’ll be perfectly prepped for future meals like my stuffed pepper skillet or a hearty pepper steak recipe!
And finally, the star of the show: shrimp! I often opt for large, frozen shrimp that are already cleaned, deveined, and have their tails removed for ultimate convenience. If using pre-cooked frozen shrimp, as I did, your cooking time will be slightly shorter, primarily needing to heat them through. If you choose raw shrimp, ensure they turn pink and opaque throughout to indicate they are fully cooked. Proper thawing of frozen shrimp is key – either overnight in the refrigerator or quickly under cold running water.
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas in the Oven
Creating these delicious shrimp fajitas is remarkably simple, thanks to the efficiency of sheet pan cooking. Follow these straightforward steps for a flavorful meal with minimal effort.
1. Marinate the Shrimp: Begin by placing your peeled and deveined shrimp into a sturdy plastic bag. Add all the ingredients for the marinade (olive oil, lime juice and zest, orange juice, soy sauce, and a tablespoon of your homemade spice blend). Seal the bag and gently toss to ensure every shrimp is thoroughly coated. Allow the shrimp to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, for maximum flavor infusion. This step is crucial for tender, zesty shrimp.
2. Prepare Your Pan and Veggies: While the shrimp marinates, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup – a true game-changer! Arrange your sliced bell peppers and onions evenly across the prepared sheet pan. Drizzle them generously with olive oil and give them a quick toss right on the pan to ensure they’re all lightly coated. Spread them out into a single layer, ensuring they have enough space to roast, not steam. Lightly dust the vegetables with an additional sprinkle of your fajita seasoning mix.
3. Roast the Vegetables: Place the sheet pan with the seasoned peppers and onions into the preheated oven. Roast them for approximately 15 minutes. This initial roasting time gives the vegetables a head start, allowing them to soften and develop a beautiful caramelized edge before the quick-cooking shrimp is added.
4. Add the Shrimp: Carefully remove the sheet pan from the oven. Using a spatula, stir the roasted peppers and onions, then push them to one side of the pan, creating space. Drain any excess liquid from your marinated shrimp and arrange them in a single layer on the empty side of the baking sheet. It’s important to drain the marinade to prevent the dish from becoming watery. Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for another 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp are perfectly pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery quickly. The vegetables should be tender-crisp, not overly soft.
The Secret Weapon: Zesty Cilantro Lime Butter for Fajitas
The final touch that truly elevates these fajitas from great to absolutely extraordinary is the simple yet powerful fajita butter sauce recipe. This homemade cilantro lime butter is pure magic, infusing the entire dish with an irresistible depth of flavor and aromatic freshness. To prepare it, simply melt three tablespoons of butter and stir in a tablespoon of freshly chopped cilantro, the bright juice and zest of one small lime, and a couple of cloves of finely minced garlic. The warmth of the melted butter helps to release the vibrant oils from the cilantro and lime, creating a sauce that is both rich and tangy. Once the shrimp and vegetables are cooked through, generously drizzle this incredible butter over the entire sheet pan. It perfectly marries all the flavors, leaving your tastebuds dancing!
While these fajitas are famously served in warm tortillas, I confess, sometimes I just grab a fork and enjoy them as is. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender-crisp vegetables, and that glorious cilantro lime butter is so satisfying and delicious, it needs no accompaniment!
Don’t Lose This Recipe! Pin It for Later!
Loved this easy and flavorful meal idea? Make sure to save it for later! Pin this recipe to your favorite Pinterest recipe board so you can easily find it whenever you’re craving a quick and delicious dinner. Happy cooking!
Versatile Serving Suggestions and Topping Ideas
One of the best aspects of these sheet pan shrimp fajitas is their incredible versatility. Once they emerge from the oven, fragrant and sizzling, you have endless options for how to serve and enjoy them. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or simply making a quick meal for yourself, these fajitas adapt beautifully to various preferences and dietary needs. Here are some fantastic ways to serve your delicious creation:
- Classic Fajita Style: The most traditional way to enjoy fajitas! Warm up some soft flour or corn tortillas (Mission’s carb-balance tortillas are a great low-carb choice) and let everyone build their own.
- Healthy Fajita Bowls: For a gluten-free or low-carb option, serve the shrimp and veggie mixture over a bed of cilantro lime rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
- Fresh Fajita Salad: Transform your fajitas into a vibrant salad by serving the warm mixture over crisp lettuce greens. Add a squeeze of extra lime juice and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing meal.
- Lettuce Wraps: For an ultra-low-carb alternative, use large lettuce leaves (like butter lettuce or romaine hearts) as fresh, crisp wraps.
- Tacos: Smaller tortillas can turn these fajitas into delectable shrimp tacos, perfect for a casual bite.
And now, for the exciting part – the toppings! A variety of fresh and flavorful toppings can elevate your fajitas even further. Encourage guests to customize their plates with these delicious additions:
- Fresh Tomatoes: Diced ripe tomatoes add a burst of freshness.
- Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Essential for that authentic Mexican flavor. Choose your favorite mild or spicy salsa, or make a fresh pico de gallo.
- Creamy Avocado: Sliced or diced avocado provides a rich, creamy texture and healthy fats.
- Homemade Guacamole: A classic pairing that adds incredible flavor and creaminess.
- Shredded Cheese: Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend for a gooey, savory touch.
- Crisp Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
- Fresh Jalapeño: Thinly sliced fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Cool Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the spice and add tanginess.
- Lime Wedges: Always have extra lime wedges on hand for a final squeeze of bright citrus.
- Pickled Red Onions: For a tangy, slightly sweet contrast.
- Hot Sauce: A dash of your favorite hot sauce for those who crave extra heat.
No matter how you choose to serve them, these sheet pan shrimp fajitas are guaranteed to be a hit!
For more inspiring recipes and culinary insights, I highly recommend exploring Lemon Blossoms. Kathy’s expertise and passion for food are evident in every dish she shares, and you’ll undoubtedly find many new favorites there!
Explore More from Freaky Friday Spring Edition 2021:
- 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 gather your ingredients and whip up some of these incredibly easy and flavorful shrimp fajitas! You’re going to love them. 
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Print Recipe
Sheet Pan Cilantro Lime Shrimp Fajitas
Equipment
- Citrus Zester
- Manual Juicer Citrus / Lemon Squeezer
- Rubber Spatulas
- 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
- In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients for your spice blend. This will yield about 2 Tablespoons. Set aside for later use.
- Place the shrimp into a resealable plastic bag. Add the marinade ingredients to the bag: olive oil, lime juice and zest, orange juice, soy sauce, and 1 Tablespoon of the prepared spice blend. Toss the shrimp gently within the bag until they are thoroughly coated. Place the sealed bag in the refrigerator to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours. For best results, gently turn the bag a couple of times during marination to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange the sliced onions and bell peppers on the lined sheet pan. Drizzle them with the 2 Tablespoons of olive oil. Give the vegetables a quick toss directly on the pan to ensure an even coating of oil, then spread them out into a single, even layer. Sprinkle the vegetables with additional seasoning mix from your blend. Roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
- While the vegetables are roasting, prepare the cilantro lime butter. In a small bowl, melt the butter, then stir in the chopped fresh cilantro, the juice and zest of the small lime, and the minced garlic. Set this aromatic butter aside.
- Remove the sheet pan from the oven. Stir the roasted vegetables, then push them to one side of the sheet pan, creating an empty space.
- Carefully drain any excess marinade liquid from the shrimp. Arrange the marinated shrimp in a single layer on the empty side of the baking sheet. Return the sheet pan to the oven and roast for another 6-8 minutes, or until the shrimp are fully cooked through (pink and opaque). It’s crucial not to overcook the shrimp, as this can make them chewy. Adjust cooking time if using pre-cooked shrimp (approx. 5 minutes) versus raw shrimp.
- Once the sheet pan is removed from the oven, mix the cooked shrimp and vegetables together. Generously drizzle the entire mixture with the prepared cilantro lime butter.
- Serve immediately with warm tortillas and your desired toppings. Enjoy your vibrant and flavorful fajitas!
Notes
Store any leftover fajita mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 2 days for best quality.