These shrimp quesadillas are a delicious twist on a classic dish! They’re packed with juicy shrimp, gooey cheese, and fresh veggies all tucked inside a crispy tortilla.
Making these is so easy that I often whip them up on busy weeknights. Just grill the shrimp, fill the tortillas, and cook until golden. Perfect for a tasty dinner!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Use medium-sized shrimp for a good balance of flavor and texture. If you’re allergic to shrimp, consider substituting with grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms for a tasty twist.
Cheese: Monterey Jack cheese is great for melting, but feel free to mix it up! Cheddar or pepper Jack can add extra flavor, while a dairy-free cheese is perfect for those avoiding dairy.
Tortillas: Flour tortillas work best for this recipe, but corn tortillas can be used for a gluten-free option. Just be gentle when folding as they can break more easily.
Veggies: Green onions and cilantro add freshness. You can swap these with scallions or parsley if you prefer. Bell peppers and onions are optional but can enhance the flavor of the filling.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Shrimp for Quesadillas?
Cooking shrimp perfectly is key to delicious quesadillas. Here’s how to ensure they’re juicy and flavorful:
- First, season the shrimp in a bowl with olive oil and spices. This not only flavors them but also helps with cooking.
- Heat the skillet to medium-high; it should be hot before adding shrimp. This sears them quickly.
- Cook for just 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn pink. Overcooking can make shrimp rubbery, so keep an eye on them!
After cooking the shrimp, remove them from heat immediately to prevent further cooking. That’s it! You’ll have perfectly cooked shrimp ready to fill your quesadillas.
Shrimp Quesadillas
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (or a blend of Monterey Jack and cheddar)
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup diced onions (optional)
- Sour cream, for serving
- Salsa or hot sauce, for serving
- Lime wedges, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to cook. In total, you’ll need around 25 minutes to create these delightful shrimp quesadillas—perfect for a quick and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until they are evenly coated. This seasoning brings out the flavors of the shrimp nicely!
2. Cook the Shrimp:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned shrimp and cook them for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove the cooked shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Optional Vegetables:
If you’re using bell peppers and onions, add them to the same skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly softened. This adds a nice texture and flavor to your quesadillas.
4. Build the Quesadilla:
Lower the heat to medium. Place one tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla. On top of the cheese, layer the cooked shrimp, sautéed vegetables (if you used them), green onions, and cilantro.
5. Add More Cheese and Another Tortilla:
Top this filling with the remaining cheese and carefully place a second tortilla on top of everything. This helps hold all the ingredients in place.
6. Cook the Quesadilla:
Cook for 2-3 minutes until the bottom tortilla is golden brown and the cheese starts to melt. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side until it’s golden and the cheese is fully melted.
7. Slice and Serve:
Remove the quesadilla from the skillet and let it cool for a minute before cutting it into wedges. This makes them easier to handle! Drizzle with sour cream and hot sauce or salsa as you like. Garnish with extra cilantro and serve with lime wedges on the side for a zesty finish.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy shrimp quesadillas with fresh herbs and zesty lime!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The best way to thaw shrimp is by placing them in the refrigerator overnight or running them under cold water in a sealed bag until thawed.
What Can I Substitute for Monterey Jack Cheese?
If you don’t have Monterey Jack, feel free to use other cheeses like cheddar, pepper Jack for some heat, or a dairy-free cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free option. Just ensure it melts well!
Can I Make These Quesadillas Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the shrimp with a variety of vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or even black beans for added protein. Sauté them with the same spices for extra flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Quesadillas?
Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side until heated through and crispy again.
