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Shrimp Quesadillas

Featured in Delicious Main Dish Recipes for Every Occasion.

Give shrimp a good seasoning with fresh garlic and zesty lime. Dice them small for easy bites. Get your pan preheated to medium heat while you assemble. Only cheese one half of the wrap—use soft, melty cheese like freshly grated types. Toss that shrimp onto the cheese, maybe sprinkle on fresh chopped parsley. Fold it over gently. Press it down just a little, then fry both sides until golden, about 3 minutes per side. Don’t forget: patience so your cheese’s melted and gooey, but not burned! Cut into wedges while still warm. Perfect for quick meals, snacks, or even topping with extras like creamy avocado, tangy salsa, or a dollop of sour cream. You’ll wrap these up in around 20 minutes.

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Updated on Tue, 18 Mar 2025 05:33:01 GMT
A pair of seared shrimp quesadillas on a plate, topped with cilantro for garnish. Pin it
A pair of seared shrimp quesadillas on a plate, topped with cilantro for garnish. | chefmelt.com

Whip up these yummy Shrimp Quesadillas for a quick and enjoyable meal. Combine zesty shrimp with tender onions, peppers, garlic, and gooey cheese inside crunchy tortillas. They're super fast to prepare and a hit with everyone.

Reasons To Try These 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 stretchy cheese creates an incredible flavor. Pair them with salsa or guacamole, and keep extras for later since they warm up beautifully. Perfect for busy weeknights or when company drops by.

What You Need

  • Shrimp: Mid-sized, shells and tails removed
  • Olive Oil: For sautéing
  • Onion: Finely diced
  • Bell Pepper: Pick whatever color you like
  • Garlic: Go with fresh minced
  • Taco Seasoning: For that kick
  • Cheese: Something with great melt factor
  • Tortillas: Standard flour variety

How to Make Them

Start With Veggies:
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium flame. Add your diced onions, peppers, and garlic. Sauté them for roughly a minute until they soften.
Add Shrimp:
Mix in shrimp and taco seasoning. Keep stirring until shrimp become pink - usually takes around two minutes.
Clean Pan:
Transfer shrimp mixture to a separate dish. Wipe skillet clean and return to heat. Drizzle in a bit of oil to prevent sticking.
Build Quesadillas:
Lay a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle cheese on one half, spoon some shrimp mix on top, then add another layer of cheese. Fold the tortilla in half.
Make Them Crispy:
Cook approximately two minutes per side until they turn golden and the cheese gets all melty.
Serve Hot:
Slice into triangles and enjoy with sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.

Why They're So Good

These aren't your average quesadillas. The zingy shrimp and stretchy cheese create magic in every mouthful. The veggies maintain a slight crunch, while the tortillas get perfectly crisp. Even seafood-skeptical kids can't resist these tasty treats.

Quick to Make

Dinner can be on your table in just 20 minutes. The shrimp doesn't take long to cook, and using a single pan means less washing up afterward. They're ideal when you're exhausted but still want something tasty for dinner. Just prep, cook, and dig in.

What to Serve With Them

Set out containers of sour cream, salsa, and guacamole so folks can choose their favorites. Try mixing sour cream with fresh cilantro for something unique. Store any extras in your fridge and warm them in a skillet later - they'll crisp up nicely and the cheese will melt perfectly again.

Make Them Your Way

These work for any mealtime - lunch, dinner, or cut into small pieces for appetizers. Toss in some jalapeños for extra heat, or add corn for sweetness. Switch up the cheese type or throw in different vegetables. They turn out delicious no matter what 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. | chefmelt.com

Handy Tips

Don't cook the shrimp too long or they'll get rubbery. Watch that your pan isn't too hot or the tortillas will burn before the cheese melts. Pop finished quesadillas in the oven to stay warm while making more. A pizza cutter works better than a knife for slicing them.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can you prep earlier?

Make the filling ahead, pack it up cool. When it's time, put wraps together fresh and warm 'em right before serving. They’re best eaten straight off the heat.

→ Which cheese is better?

Soft cheeses that melt are perfect. Try mixing your favorites for more flavor. Pre-shredded cheese works, but fresh grated melts best. A French cheese blend might be great too.

→ Want it spicier?

Simple—chop in chili peppers, splash on hot sauce, or use spiced cheese. Even a pinch of red chili flakes will heat things up. Go easy though, till you find your level.

→ Got dietary needs?

Use rice-based wraps or even corn tortillas. Make sure your cheese works for your diet. Corn’s great but needs gentle handling so it stays crisp but doesn’t break apart.

→ What pairs well with wraps?

Add a dollop of rich sour cream or spoon on fresh salsa. You'll love mashed avocado or lime juice for a bright tang. Hot sauce lovers—grab your favorite bottle!

→ Wraps getting soggy?

Dry your shrimp really well, and blot any watery cheese before using. Don’t overload the fillings and keep an eye on your heat. Flip carefully to avoid spills.

→ Can you take them on-the-go?

Wrap ’em tightly after cooking and store any toppings on the side, chilled if needed. Quick warm-up when you’re there, and bring extras just in case!

→ Need to save time?

Start with pre-cooked shrimp and grate your cheese beforehand. Skip extra garnishes for a faster finish—still delicious and ready in a snap.

→ Making a big batch?

Fry in smaller groups so they all cook evenly. Keep finished ones warm in the oven. Have extra wraps nearby. Don’t rush, and adjust the heat on your pan as you go.

→ How to amp up flavor?

Squeeze in fresh lime, mince extra garlic, or go wild with chopped herbs. Season your shrimp generously. You could add caramelized onions for a sweet twist.

→ Not crispy enough?

Turn the heat up slightly and use less filling. Press down lightly when cooking. Keep an eye so they don’t over-fry, moving them gently until golden brown.

→ Tortillas tearing?

Warm them first—they’ll fold more easily. Don’t overstuff, and work carefully. Fresh wraps bend without cracking, but don’t forget to keep the edges neat.

Conclusion

Love this? You might like shrimp tacos—same great flavors, but a little twist.

Shrimp Quesadillas

Quick, crunchy shrimp wraps.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
15 Minutes

Category: Main Dish Recipes

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican

Yield: 8 Servings (6-8 quesadillas)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 6-8 medium flour tortillas.
02 1 pound raw shrimp, cleaned and without shells.
03 1/2 cup diced onion.
04 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper.
05 1 tablespoon olive oil.
06 2 minced garlic cloves.
07 1-2 cups of melty cheese (Emmental, Comté, or a French cheese mix).
08 2 tablespoons taco spices, or mix 1 tablespoon of chili powder with 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, ground cumin, plus a pinch of salt and pepper.

Instructions

Step 01

Warm up 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat in a large pan. Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Stir-fry them for roughly one minute until they’re soft and smell great.

Step 02

Add the shrimp along with the taco seasonings to the pan. Mix occasionally while cooking for about 1-2 minutes. Stop once the shrimp turn pink and are cooked through.

Step 03

Move the shrimp and veggie mix into a bowl. Quickly wipe out the pan using a paper towel, then heat it again. Spray on a little cooking oil or use about a teaspoon of vegetable oil to coat the surface.

Step 04

Place one tortilla in the pan. Sprinkle a layer of cheese on half of it, then spread around 5-6 shrimp (or enough to cover the cheese) on top. Finish it off with more cheese before folding the tortilla.

Step 05

Cook each side of the folded tortilla for about 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy, and the cheese inside has melted completely. Do this with the rest of the tortillas.

Step 06

Serve the hot quesadillas with dips like guacamole, sour cream, or salsa.

Notes

  1. Crank up the heat by adding some spicy sauce or sliced chili peppers to the shrimp mix.
  2. Swap out regular tortillas with whole-grain ones if you want a healthier option.
  3. You can prep these quesadillas ahead of time and reheat them in the oven when you’re ready to eat.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pan or skillet.
  • A spatula for flipping.
  • A mixing bowl.
  • A couple of paper towels.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish.
  • Dairy.
  • Gluten.

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: ~