Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 large red bell pepper, sliced into long thin strips about 1/2-inch wide
- 1 large orange bell pepper, sliced into long thin strips about 1/2-inch wide
- 1 large yellow bell pepper, sliced into long thin strips about 1/2-inch wide
- 1 large red onion, sliced into thick chunky sections about 1-inch wide
- 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil, or as desired
- 2 to 3 teaspoons chili powder
- 2 to 3 teaspoons cumin
- 2 teaspoons dried Mexican oregano or regular dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional and to taste
Shrimp
- 1 pound fresh raw shrimp, cleaned and deveined with tails (U16-20 count)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano or regular dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- Fresh cilantro, optional for garnishing
- Fresh limes, optional for garnishing
- Corn or flour tortillas, warmed, as needed for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425°F (use convection setting if available). Line half of a sheet pan with foil for easier cleanup if desired. Add the sliced red, orange, and yellow bell peppers along with the red onion onto the sheet pan. Drizzle evenly with 3 to 4 tablespoons olive oil. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, Mexican oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and optional cayenne pepper over the vegetables. Using your hands, toss everything thoroughly to coat the vegetables evenly with the oil and spices.
- Bake the vegetables: Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for about 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are soft and tender. Halfway through cooking, stir the vegetables and rotate the pan to ensure they cook evenly.
- Season the shrimp: While the vegetables are baking, place the shrimp in a small bowl. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil along with chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Toss lightly to coat the shrimp evenly with the spices.
- Add shrimp to the sheet pan: After the vegetables have baked for 20 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven and add the seasoned shrimp on top of the vegetables evenly. Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the shrimp are firm, opaque, and light pink. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness and rubbery texture.
- Serve and garnish: Optionally garnish the cooked fajita filling with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately by spooning the shrimp and vegetable mixture into warmed corn or flour tortillas.
Notes
- Use fresh, raw shrimp with shells removed and deveined for best results.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the cayenne pepper or add sliced jalapeños to the vegetables.
- Using convection in the oven helps achieve even cooking and slightly caramelized vegetables.
- Do not overbake the shrimp to avoid a rubbery texture; they cook quickly in the last 5 minutes.
- Serve with your choice of toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, or salsa for extra flavor.
- Leftover fajita filling can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican