Shrimp Quesadilla are a quick and tasty option for a weeknight meal, wrapped in a crispy, buttery tortilla. This recipe includes shrimp, bell peppers, onions, and melted Monterey Jack cheese for a delicious combination. You can easily customize it by using chicken, beef, or skipping the meat altogether. For a vegetarian version, try adding grilled vegetables like zucchini or some drained black beans instead.

For quesadillas, any cheese that melts well will work, like Mexican blend, cheddar, or mozzarella. Skipping the cheese isn’t really an option since “quesadilla” means “little cheese thing” in Spanish! To make your meal even better, try serving it with some classic pico de gallo, a flavorful salsa verde, pickled jalapeños, and a bit of sour cream. If you’d like, you can chop the shrimp before cooking and putting the quesadilla together. This way, you’ll get shrimp in every bite. Just be sure to cook them for a little less time to avoid overcooking.

This is a meal you’ll want to make fresh. If you try to prepare it ahead of time, the quesadilla might turn soggy, and reheating the shrimp in the microwave can make it rubbery. For a perfect side dish, serve it with black beans sprinkled with cotija cheese and a helping of Spanish rice. Want to make it fun for kids? Use cookie cutters to shape the quesadillas into stars, lightning bolts, hearts for Valentine’s Day, or snowmen during winter. It’s a great way to make lunch more exciting, and you get to enjoy all the crispy edges yourself as a treat.

Ingredients

Steps to Make Shrimp Quesadilla

01

Make sure you have all the ingredients ready before you start.

02

In a big, strong skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until it looks shiny. Then, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook them, stirring every once in a while, until they are soft, which will take about 6 minutes.

03

Put the shrimp into the skillet and sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, and some salt to your taste. Cook the shrimp, stirring every now and then, until they turn pink and are no longer see-through. This will take about 4 minutes. When they’re done, move the shrimp and vegetables to a bowl and set them aside for now.

04

Use a paper towel to clean the skillet and put it back on the heat, or use another skillet if you prefer. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the pan and let it melt slowly. Make sure the butter melts but doesn’t turn brown.

05

Put one tortilla into the skillet. Sprinkle about half of the cheese evenly over the tortilla so it covers the surface. Then, add the shrimp mixture on top of the cheese, spreading it out evenly. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top of the shrimp mixture.

06

Place the second tortilla on top of the shrimp and cheese mixture to cover it. Take the last tablespoon of butter and spread it over the top of the tortilla so it’s evenly coated. Let the quesadilla cook for about 3 minutes, or until the bottom tortilla turns golden brown and gets crispy.

07

Carefully turn the quesadilla over to cook the other side. Let it cook for about 3 more minutes, or until the tortilla turns golden brown and crispy, and the cheese inside is fully melted. If the tortilla starts to get too dark before the cheese has melted, turn the heat down to avoid burning it.

08

When the quesadilla is ready, place it on a cutting board. Use a large knife or a pizza cutter to cut it into wedges. Serve it hot with any toppings or dipping sauces you like.

Nutrition Information (per serving):

FAQs:

1. What kind of shrimp should I use for a shrimp quesadilla?

You should use large, uncooked Shrimp Quesadilla that are peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor.

2. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp work well, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking to avoid excess water in the quesadilla.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Monterey Jack?

Absolutely! You can use any melty cheese like cheddar, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend.

4. Is this recipe spicy?

Shrimp Quesadilla is not very spicy by default, but you can adjust the heat by adding more spices like chili powder or jalapeños if you prefer it spicier.

5. How can I make Shrimp Quesadilla vegetarian?

You can replace the shrimp with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even black beans for a delicious vegetarian version.

6. Can I add more vegetables to the quesadilla?

Yes! Feel free to add more vegetables like tomatoes, corn, or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.

7. How do I prevent my quesadilla from getting soggy?

Make sure to cook the shrimp mixture until it’s not watery before adding it to the tortilla. Also, use a crispy, well-heated skillet to cook the quesadilla.

8. Can I make this recipe in advance?

While it’s best to make shrimp quesadillas fresh to maintain their crispiness, you can prepare the shrimp mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

9. How do I keep my Shrimp Quesadilla crispy?

Cook the quesadilla on medium heat, allowing enough time for the tortilla to crisp without burning. Also, don’t overcrowd the pan.

10. What can I serve with shrimp quesadillas?

Shrimp quesadillas pair well with sides like black beans, Spanish rice, guacamole, pico de gallo, or a fresh salad.

11. How do I flip a quesadilla without it falling apart?

Use a large spatula to carefully flip the quesadilla. If it’s too big, try flipping it in halves, then joining them back together in the skillet.

12. Can I use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas?

Yes, you can substitute corn tortillas for flour tortillas, but they may not be as soft and pliable as flour tortillas.

13. What if I don’t have a large skillet?

If you don’t have a large skillet, you can use a smaller one or make the quesadilla in batches. Just make sure the heat is even.

14. How do I store leftover shrimp quesadillas?

Store leftover Shrimp Quesadilla in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them on a skillet for a crispy texture.

15. Can I use shrimp that’s already cooked?

Yes, you can use cooked shrimp, but be careful not to overcook them when reheating. Simply warm them through with the seasonings.

16. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free tortillas.

17. What can I use instead of butter?

If you want to avoid butter, you can use olive oil or another cooking oil to cook the quesadilla.

18. How do I know when the shrimp are cooked?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and opaque. They should also curl into a “C” shape.

19. Can I freeze shrimp quesadillas?

Yes, you can freeze the quesadillas before cooking them. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then cook them directly from frozen.

20. Can I use a different type of protein instead of shrimp?

Definitely! You can swap the shrimp for chicken, beef, or even fish, depending on your preference. Make sure to cook the protein properly before adding it to the quesadilla.