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Easy Sheet Pan Shrimp Fajitas with Zesty Cilantro Lime Rice

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A quick and easy sheet pan shrimp fajitas recipe served with bright and fresh cilantro lime rice, perfect for busy weeknights and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined (wild-caught if possible)
  • 2 bell peppers (any color), thinly sliced
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh lime wedges, for serving
  • 1 cup (190g) long grain white rice
  • 2 cups (475ml) water or low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or unsalted butter
  • 1 lime, zested and juiced
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Optional toppings: warm flour or corn tortillas, avocado slices or guacamole, sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  2. In a large bowl, combine shrimp, sliced bell peppers, and red onion. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss gently until evenly coated. Pat shrimp dry before seasoning for better sear.
  3. Spread shrimp and veggies in a single layer on the sheet pan to avoid steaming.
  4. Bake for 10-12 minutes until shrimp turn pink and opaque and vegetables are tender with slight char. Watch closely after 10 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  5. Meanwhile, rinse rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add rice and toast for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.
  6. Add 2 cups water or chicken broth and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.
  7. Remove from heat and keep covered for 5 minutes. Fluff rice with a fork and stir in lime zest, lime juice, and chopped cilantro. Adjust salt to taste.
  8. Serve shrimp fajitas alongside or over cilantro lime rice. Offer warm tortillas and optional toppings like avocado, sour cream, or shredded cheese.

Notes

Pat shrimp dry before seasoning to help them sear better. Avoid overcrowding the sheet pan to prevent steaming. Toast rice before cooking for a nutty flavor. Rest rice covered after cooking for fluffiness. Broil fajitas for 1-2 minutes if peppers need more char, watching closely. Use low-sodium broth to control sodium levels. Leftovers store well separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp fajitas, sheet pan dinner, cilantro lime rice, quick dinner, easy weeknight meal, healthy shrimp recipe, Mexican-inspired

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-sheet-pan-shrimp-fajitas-with-zesty-cilantro-lime-rice-recipe/