This post was sponsored by Fresh From Florida as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central, however all opinions expressed are my own.
Effortless Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas: A Fresh From Florida Delight for Any Night
Are you searching for a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly easy meal that brings a burst of freshness to your dinner table? Look no further than these spectacular Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas! This recipe is not just simple; it’s a celebration of convenience and taste, especially when crafted with the crisp, sweet bell peppers from Fresh From Florida. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a festive Cinco de Mayo gathering, or whenever you crave a healthy, satisfying meal, these fajitas promise minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
Serving suggestions are flexible to fit any dietary preference. Pile the sizzling shrimp and vegetable mixture into warm tortillas for a classic experience, or opt for a low-carb alternative by wrapping them in crisp lettuce cups. Dive in below for the full, easy-to-follow recipe that will quickly become a family favorite!
The Undeniable Appeal of Sheet Pan Meals
In our increasingly busy lives, sheet pan dinners have emerged as a culinary hero. The concept is wonderfully straightforward: toss all your ingredients onto a single sheet pan, slide it into the oven, and let the magic happen. The result? A perfectly cooked, cohesive meal with the added bonus of dramatically reduced cleanup. This Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajita recipe perfectly embodies this philosophy, transforming simple, fresh ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
Beyond the convenience, sheet pan cooking often allows for beautiful caramelization and even cooking, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. It’s an ideal method for home cooks looking to create healthy, balanced meals without spending hours in the kitchen.
Embracing Freshness: The Fresh From Florida Difference
Our approach to eating, while always evolving, has seen a significant shift towards incorporating more fresh, in-season produce over the past year. This focus on fresh ingredients, particularly those labeled Fresh From Florida, has profoundly influenced the recipes we create and share. Knowing where our food comes from and that it’s harvested at its peak makes all the difference in taste and nutritional value.
Living in Florida offers the incredible advantage of year-round access to an abundance of high-quality, seasonal produce. This means that vibrant bell peppers, sweet corn, delicious squash, and a myriad of other fruits and vegetables are readily available, bringing unparalleled freshness directly to our kitchens. When you choose Fresh From Florida, you’re not just picking up produce; you’re supporting local farmers and enjoying ingredients that are often picked closer to ripeness, translating to superior flavor and nutritional content.
The Star Ingredients: Shrimp and Bell Peppers
Bell Peppers: A Rainbow of Health and Flavor
Bell peppers are more than just pretty; they are a nutritional powerhouse! Loaded with vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, they are an incredibly healthy addition to any diet. What makes them particularly fantastic for fajitas is their ability to transform under heat, becoming wonderfully sweet and tender with a slight char that adds depth to the dish.
For this recipe, we embrace a spectrum of colors: red, green, orange, and yellow bell peppers. Each color offers a slightly different flavor profile – green peppers have a slightly more robust, less sweet taste, while red, orange, and yellow varieties are progressively sweeter and fruitier. Using a mix not only creates a visually stunning dish but also contributes a complex layering of flavors that truly elevates the fajitas. Look for bell peppers labeled Fresh From Florida to ensure you’re getting the freshest, most flavorful options available.
Beyond Fajitas: Versatile Ways to Enjoy Bell Peppers
The versatility of bell peppers extends far beyond fajitas. They are exceptional in a morning omelet, adding a crisp texture and sweet flavor. Toss them into a vibrant pasta salad for a refreshing crunch, or incorporate them into stir-fries for a healthy and colorful addition. They are also fantastic roasted alongside other vegetables, grilled, or simply enjoyed raw as a snack with hummus. With Fresh From Florida bell peppers, the culinary possibilities are endless!
Shrimp: The Quick-Cooking Protein
Shrimp is an ideal choice for a quick sheet pan meal. It cooks rapidly, making it perfect for busy weeknights, and its delicate flavor pairs beautifully with the bold fajita seasoning and sweet peppers. As a lean protein, shrimp is also a healthy option, packed with essential nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12.
When preparing shrimp for fajitas, ensure they are peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (and thawed) shrimp both work well. The key is not to overcook them, as they can become rubbery quickly. The high heat of the oven and a quick broil ensures they are perfectly cooked – tender, juicy, and lightly charred.
Onions: The Aromatic Foundation
Red onions, with their pungent aroma and slightly sweet flavor when cooked, are an essential component of traditional fajitas. As they roast alongside the peppers and shrimp, they soften and sweeten, contributing a foundational layer of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully. Sliced into strips, they integrate seamlessly into the fajita mixture.
Crafting the Perfect Fajita Seasoning Blend
The magic of fajitas lies not only in the fresh ingredients but also in the robust spice blend that coats them. Our homemade seasoning mix ensures a balanced, authentic flavor profile that you can customize to your liking. The combination of chili powder, cumin, and paprika creates a warm, smoky, and slightly earthy base, while onion powder enhances the savory notes. A pinch of salt and pepper ties all the flavors together.
For those who enjoy a little heat, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning blend. If you prefer a milder taste, adjust the chili powder accordingly. The beauty of making your own blend is the control you have over the intensity and nuances of the flavor.
Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas: Your Quick Weeknight Solution
This sheet pan shrimp fajita recipe is as straightforward as it gets, making it the quintessential quick weeknight dinner. It’s also an excellent choice for upcoming warm weather gatherings, offering a light yet satisfying meal, and will be a fantastic addition to your Cinco de Mayo festivities!
Recipe: Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 pounds raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (fresh or frozen, thawed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 large bell peppers (a mix of colors like red, green, orange, yellow), seeded and sliced into thin strips
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 fresh lime, cut into wedges, for serving
- Warm tortillas (corn or flour) or romaine lettuce leaves, for serving
- Optional toppings: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, shredded cheese
How to Make Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas:
- Prepare Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a large sheet pan with a non-stick cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for even easier cleanup.
- Chop the Vegetables: On a cutting board, carefully slice your bell peppers and red onion into thin, uniform strips. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender-crisp.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cleaned shrimp, sliced bell peppers, and sliced red onion. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Season Generously: Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the bowl. Toss everything thoroughly until the shrimp and vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning. Ensure every piece is well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
- Arrange on Sheet Pan: Spread the seasoned shrimp, peppers, and onion mixture in a single layer on your prepared sheet pan. Avoid overcrowding the pan; if necessary, use two sheet pans to ensure everything roasts rather than steams. A single layer promotes better caramelization and cooking.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C). After 10 minutes, carefully remove the pan from the oven, give the ingredients a good toss with a spatula, and then return it to the oven. For a delicious char, switch your oven to broiler mode and broil for another 3-5 minutes, or until the shrimp are thoroughly cooked through and opaque, and the vegetables are tender-crisp with slightly browned edges. Watch carefully during broiling to prevent burning!
- Serve Immediately: Remove from the oven. Squeeze fresh lime juice generously over the hot fajita mixture. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro.
- Enjoy! Serve piping hot with warm tortillas or crisp romaine lettuce wraps. Add your favorite fajita toppings like salsa, guacamole, or a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
Serving Suggestions and Customization Tips
While classic tortillas and lettuce wraps are fantastic, there are many ways to enjoy these sheet pan shrimp fajitas. Consider serving them over a bed of fluffy cilantro-lime rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a grain-free option. For extra texture and flavor, add some grilled pineapple chunks or corn kernels to the sheet pan during the last few minutes of cooking.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your toppings! A sprinkle of crumbled cotija cheese, a drizzle of creamy avocado crema, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce can elevate the experience even further. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, allowing you to tailor it to your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
Pin this recipe for later and enjoy the incredible flavors of Fresh From Florida!
Discover More Fresh From Florida Recipes
Embrace the vibrant tastes of Florida by exploring more recipes that highlight seasonal and local produce. Follow Fresh From Florida on social media to stay updated on their latest offerings and check out their delightful recipe videos for even more culinary inspiration. From crisp salads to hearty main courses, you’ll find countless ways to infuse your cooking with the unmatched freshness Florida has to offer.
Don’t forget to check out these other delicious Fresh From Florida recipes: