These Shrimp Quesadillas are a delicious and easy-to-make dish, combining succulent shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and gooey melted cheese, all wrapped in a crispy tortilla. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as an appetizer, these quesadillas are packed with flavor and come together in no time. Customize them with your favorite toppings for an extra kick!
📋 Ingredients
For the Shrimp Quesadillas:
- 2 tablespoons neutral-flavored oil (e.g., avocado oil, refined coconut oil, canola oil)
- 1 small onion , diced (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 medium bell pepper , chopped (approximately 1 cup)
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- Salt , to taste
- 1 pound raw medium shrimp , peeled and deveined
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (juice from approximately 1 medium lime)
- 4 tablespoons butter , plus more as needed
- 6 10-inch flour tortillas
- 3 cups shredded cheese (quesadilla cheese, Monterey Jack, or Mexican-style cheese blend, divided)
Suggested Toppings (All Optional):
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Hot sauce
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
- Heat one large skillet over medium-high heat . Add 2 tablespoons of neutral oil and swirl to coat the surface.
- When the oil is hot, add the diced onion and chopped bell pepper . Stir occasionally and cook for 5–6 minutes , until the onions are translucent and the peppers are softened. Avoid over-stirring to allow some browning for added flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
- Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the taco seasoning to coat the vegetables evenly.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3–5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the shrimp are opaque and slightly curled. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as they can become rubbery.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle lime juice over the shrimp and vegetable mixture, stir gently, and set aside.
Step 3: Assemble and Cook the Quesadillas
- Heat another skillet over medium heat . Add ½ tablespoon butter and swirl to coat the surface.
- Place one flour tortilla flat in the skillet. Spoon approximately ⅓ cup of the shrimp mixture onto one half of the tortilla. Top with ½ cup shredded cheese .
- Cook for about 90 seconds , or until the bottom of the tortilla is lightly browned.
- Carefully lift the opposite half of the tortilla and fold it over the filling. Press gently with a spatula to seal.
- Flip the quesadilla and cook for 1–2 minutes on the second side, until golden brown and crispy. Sprinkle with salt to taste, and transfer to a large plate.
Step 4: Repeat and Serve
- Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, shrimp mixture, and cheese until all quesadillas are cooked. Add more butter to the skillet as needed to prevent sticking.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings, such as fresh cilantro, sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole, or hot sauce.
Tips for Success
- Shrimp Prep: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess moisture into the filling.
- Cheese Options: Use a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack, cheddar, and queso fresco for added depth of flavor.
- Tortilla Choice: Warm the tortillas slightly before assembling to make them more pliable and easier to fold.
- Customize It: Add extras like black beans, corn, or diced jalapeños to the filling for a heartier quesadilla.
- Storage: Store leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days . Reheat in a skillet or oven for best results.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Shrimp Quesadillas are a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The combination of tender shrimp, sautéed vegetables, and melty cheese creates a delicious filling, while the crispy tortilla adds texture. With endless topping options and easy customization, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or cutting them into wedges for appetizers, these quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser. Dive into this cheesy, savory delight and let it become a staple in your kitchen!
⏱ Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
🍽 Servings:
3–4 servings (makes 6 quesadillas)
🔥 Calories (Approximate):
~450 kcal per serving (varies based on portion size and toppings)
