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Tasty Crispy Seafood Tortillas

Featured in: Fresh and Flavorful Seafood Recipes

Give your seafood a nice flavor with some minced garlic and a squeeze of lime, then cut it into smaller chunks. Warm up your skillet while getting your tortillas ready. Sprinkle cheese across one side - go for something that melts well, freshly shredded is always better. Add your flavored seafood on top, maybe toss in some chopped herbs if you want. Carefully fold the tortilla over, pressing down slightly. Cook it on medium until it turns golden and crunchy, about 3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't get too dark - you want all that cheese melted inside. Slice them into wedges while still warm. They make a great dinner when you're rushed or awesome finger food for gatherings, and you can add whatever toppings you like - a dollop of sour cream, homemade salsa, or smashed avocado. The whole thing takes around 20 minutes if you move quickly.

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Updated on Wed, 16 Apr 2025 16:23:41 GMT
Two shrimp-filled quesadillas are stacked on a plate, garnished with a sprig of cilantro. Pin it
Two shrimp-filled quesadillas are stacked on a plate, garnished with a sprig of cilantro. | cookingkitchn.com

Whip up these delicious Shrimp Quesadillas for a speedy, enjoyable meal. Combine zesty shrimp with tender onions, bell peppers, garlic, and gooey cheese all wrapped in crunchy tortillas. They're super quick to throw together and always a crowd-pleaser.

Benefits of These Tasty Quesadillas

Shrimp fans will go crazy for these. They come together in under 20 minutes using just one skillet. The blend of sautéed veggies, juicy shrimp, and gooey cheese creates an incredible flavor. Pair them with some salsa or guacamole, and keep extras for later since they warm up wonderfully. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining friends.

Ingredients List

  • Shrimp: Mid-sized ones, already peeled and deveined
  • Olive Oil: To sauté everything
  • Onion: Diced into tiny bits
  • Bell Pepper: Pick whatever color you fancy
  • Garlic: Nothing beats minced fresh cloves
  • Taco Seasoning: For that kick of flavor
  • Cheese: Something that gets nice and stringy
  • Tortillas: Standard flour variety works best

Cooking Instructions

Start With Vegetables:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Add your diced onions, peppers, and garlic. Sauté them briefly until they're just softened.
Cook The Seafood:
Mix in shrimp and sprinkle with taco seasoning. Keep stirring until shrimp becomes pink and opaque, roughly two minutes total.
Prepare The Pan:
Transfer the shrimp mixture to a separate dish. Give your pan a quick wipe and return to heat. Drizzle in a bit more oil to prevent sticking.
Assemble Your Quesadillas:
Lay a tortilla flat in the pan. Sprinkle cheese on one side, spoon some shrimp mixture on top, then add another layer of cheese. Fold the empty half over.
Brown Them Perfectly:
Let each side cook about two minutes until they turn golden and the cheese inside starts bubbling.
Ready To Eat:
Slice into triangles and serve alongside sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.

What Makes Them Special

These aren't your average quesadillas. The combination of seasoned shrimp and stretchy cheese makes every mouthful amazing. The vegetables retain a slight crunch, while the tortillas develop a perfect crisp edge. Even seafood-skeptical kids can't resist these tasty treats.

Fast Meal Solution

Dinner can be on your table in just 20 minutes. The shrimp needs minimal cooking time, and using one pan means you'll spend less time washing dishes. They're ideal when you're exhausted but still want something tasty. Simply prep, cook, and enjoy.

Perfect Pairings

Set up little bowls of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole so folks can customize their bites. Try mixing some chopped cilantro into sour cream for a twist. Leftover quesadillas store well in your fridge and taste great warmed up in a skillet later - they'll crisp right back up with perfectly melty cheese.

Customize As You Like

These fit any mealtime - grab them for lunch, dinner, or cut smaller for appetizers. Toss in some jalapeños for extra heat, or add corn for sweetness. Switch up your cheese variety or try different vegetables. They turn out fantastic no matter what goodies you stuff inside.

A close-up of three shrimp quesadillas filled with melted cheese and diced tomatoes, served on a dark plate. Pin it
A close-up of three shrimp quesadillas filled with melted cheese and diced tomatoes, served on a dark plate. | cookingkitchn.com

Handy Suggestions

Watch your cooking time so shrimp stays tender. Don't let your pan get too hot or the tortillas will burn before cheese melts fully. Pop finished quesadillas in a warm oven while making the rest. Try using a pizza cutter for smooth, easy slicing instead of a knife.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Making em early?

Cook the filling ahead. Store it wrapped in fridge. Assemble when ready to eat. Heat up quickly. They taste best freshly made.

→ What cheese works?

Anything that gets gooey works. Try combining different types. Shred your own for best results. The Mexican blend tastes great. Avoid super watery options.

→ Need more heat?

Throw in some jalapeños. A dash of hot sauce works wonders. Try pepper jack cheese. Even a pinch of chili flakes. Just start with less.

→ Got special diet?

Try some gluten-free wraps. Double-check your cheese ingredients. Corn tortillas add nice flavor. Be gentle when folding them. They'll still get nice and crisp.

→ What goes with em?

A dollop of sour cream. Chunky homemade salsa. Mashed avocado dip. A squeeze of fresh lime. Even your favorite hot sauce.

→ Getting too wet?

Make sure to drain seafood thoroughly. Blot ingredients dry. Don't overstuff your tortillas. Watch your cooking temperature. Flip them carefully.

→ Taking em places?

Wrap them in foil tightly. Warm them up when you arrive. Keep your sides refrigerated. Bring extra toppings. Maybe pack some backups.

→ Need em fast?

Go with pre-cooked seafood. Get your cheese ready beforehand. Heat your pan right away. Skip the fancy additions. They'll still be delicious.

→ Making big batch?

Cook them in small groups. Keep finished ones in warm oven. Have plenty of tortillas ready. Be careful with pan temperature. Take your time.

→ Want more taste?

Crush in some fresh garlic. Squirt in some lime. Sprinkle in fresh herbs. Season your seafood well. Sautéed onions add great flavor.

→ Not getting crispy?

Try a hotter pan. Use fewer fillings. Push down gently while cooking. Don't leave them sitting still. Keep checking underneath.

→ Breaking when fold?

Warm your tortillas first. Go easy on the fillings. Fold them very gently. Buy fresh tortillas when possible. Be careful with the edges.

Conclusion

Enjoyed these? Seafood tacos are worth trying next. Same tasty ingredients, different way to enjoy them.

Crispy Seafood Tortillas

Quick cheesy seafood pockets.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes
By: Sophia

Category: Seafood Dishes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (6-8 folded wraps)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound cleaned medium shrimp with shells removed.
02 1 tablespoon extra virgin oil.
03 1/2 cup diced onion.
04 1/2 cup chopped sweet pepper.
05 2 cloves crushed garlic.
06 2 tablespoons premixed taco blend or 1 tablespoon chili spice plus 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic granules, onion flakes, oregano leaves, sweet paprika, ground cumin, table salt, cracked pepper.
07 1-2 cups gooey cheese (yellow cheddar, white mozzarella, taco mix, or Jack variety).
08 6-8 soft flour wraps.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up your extra virgin oil in a wide frying pan on medium flame. Toss in your diced onion, sweet pepper, and crushed garlic. Cook them about a minute until they're soft and smell good.

Step 02

Drop in your shrimp with the taco blend. Let them sizzle for 1-2 minutes, giving them a stir now and then, until they turn pinkish and are fully done.

Step 03

Move your shrimp and veggie mix to a side dish. Wipe down your pan with a kitchen towel and put it back on the heat. Give it a light coat of cooking spray or a tiny bit of veggie oil.

Step 04

Lay a soft wrap flat in your pan. Put a good handful of cheese on one side, then add about 5-6 shrimp on top. Finish with more cheese and fold the wrap over.

Step 05

Let it cook for 2-3 minutes per side until your wrap gets crispy and golden, and all the cheese melts inside. Do the same with all your wraps.

Step 06

Enjoy them hot with some cool sour cream, chunky salsa, or fresh guacamole on the side.

Notes

  1. Want more kick? Throw in some fiery sauce or sliced hot peppers with your shrimp mixture.
  2. Whole grain wraps work great if you're watching what you eat.
  3. Make these ahead and warm them up later in your oven when you need a quick dinner.

Tools You'll Need

  • Wide frying pan.
  • Flipping tool.
  • Side dish.
  • Kitchen towel.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Sea creatures.
  • Milk products.
  • Wheat protein.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: ~
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~