How to Make Delicious Shrimp Quesadillas From Scratch

Shrimp quesadillas are a delicious and easy meal that can be made in less than 30 minutes. With just a few simple ingredients like tortillas cheese shrimp, and veggies, you can have a flavorful Tex-Mex meal on the table in no time.

In this detailed guide I’ll walk you through the entire process of making shrimp quesadillas from start to finish. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a seasoned pro you’ll learn some helpful tips and tricks for making the perfect quesadillas every time. So let’s get cooking!

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you’ll need to make shrimp quesadillas

• Tortillas – Flour or corn tortillas work well. Go for soft taco-sized tortillas.

• Shrimp – Buy raw, peeled and deveined shrimp. Medium size shrimp are ideal.

• Cheese – Use a melting cheese like cheddar, Monterey jack, Mexican blend, etc.

• Onion & bell pepper – One onion and 1-2 bell peppers for flavor.

• Olive oil – For cooking the veggies.

• Seasonings – Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, etc.

• Extras – Salsa, guacamole, sour cream for serving.

Step 1 – Prepare the Veggies

Start by prepping your veggies – this will make the cooking process faster:

• Peel and dice 1 small onion into small pieces.

• Seed and dice 1-2 bell peppers. Go for a mix of red, green, yellow peppers.

• Mince 2-3 garlic cloves.

• Chop some cilantro for garnish.

Step 2 – Cook the Veggies

Next, we’ll cook the veggies in a skillet:

• Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

• Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Cook for 5-6 minutes until softened.

• Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.

• Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Remove veggies from skillet and set aside.

Step 3 – Season and Cook the Shrimp

Now it’s time to flavor and cook the shrimp:

• Pat the shrimp dry and season all over with chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.

• In the same skillet, heat 1 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat.

• When oil is hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through.

• Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate.

• Keep the skillet on heat for the next step.

Step 4 – Assemble the Quesadillas

Now for the fun part – assembling and cooking the quesadillas:

• Place a tortilla in the hot skillet.

• Sprinkle 2-3 Tbsp cheese evenly over half the tortilla.

• Top with cooked shrimp and veggies.

• Add more cheese on top.

• Fold the tortilla in half and press gently.

• Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.

• Transfer cooked quesadilla to a platter and cover with foil to keep warm.

• Repeat assembling and cooking remaining quesadillas.

Step 5 – Time to Enjoy!

Your shrimp quesadillas are ready to be devoured! Here are some serving suggestions:

• Slice quesadillas into wedges and top with salsa, guacamole, sour cream.

• Garnish with chopped cilantro for color.

• Serve with a side of Mexican rice and beans.

• Enjoy these quesadillas on their own or turn them into shrimp tacos.

• Stuff into warmed tortillas with shredded lettuce and pico de gallo.

Cooking Tips for Perfect Quesadillas

Follow these handy tips for making the best shrimp quesadillas every single time:

Choose the Right Tortillas

• Go for soft taco-sized flour or corn tortillas.

• Soft tortillas are easier to fold compared to crispy ones.

• Corn tortillas have great flavor while flour tortillas hold their shape better.

Load Up on Cheese

• Use 2-3 Tbsp shredded cheese per quesadilla. Monterey jack, cheddar, Mexican blends work well.

• Make sure to cover the entire surface so the cheese glues the tortilla shut.

Get the Skillet Hot

• Use a well-heated skillet greased with oil or cooking spray.

• This allows the tortilla to get crispy and golden brown without overcooking the fillings.

Don’t Overfill the Quesadillas

• Avoid overstuffing the quesadillas with too many fillings.

• This can make them harder to fold and cook evenly.

• Stick to a single layer of ingredients for best results.

Keep Quesadillas Warm

• As you cook each quesadilla, transfer to a platter and cover with aluminum foil.

• This keeps them warm and prevents the cheese from hardening.

FAQs

Got questions about making fabulous shrimp quesadillas? Here are some common queries:

What’s the best cheese for quesadillas?

Go for a melty cheese that doesn’t get rubbery when cooked. Great options include Monterey jack, cheddar, Mexican blend, mozzarella, and pepper jack.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely! Thaw frozen shrimp first and pat very dry before cooking. Cook just until pink as thawed shrimp overcooks quickly.

How do I stop the tortillas from ripping?

Use soft flour or corn tortillas and don’t overstuff them. Heat the skillet well and let the quesadilla brown before flipping. Use a wide metal spatula to gently flip the quesadillas.

Why are my quesadillas soggy and limp?

This happens if the skillet isn’t hot enough or if too many wet ingredients are added. Make sure to start with a hot skillet and blot any excess moisture from fillings. Don’t overcrowd the quesadillas.

Can I make them ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble uncooked quesadillas and stack them between parchment paper. Refrigerate for up to 1 day before cooking. You can also freeze baked quesadillas up to 1 month. Reheat in a hot skillet or oven.

Get Creative with Fillings

The wonderful thing about quesadillas is that you can fill them with almost anything! Here are some fun ideas:

• Grilled chicken or steak
• Barbecue pulled pork
• Black beans or refried beans
• Sauteed veggies like zucchini, corn, spinach
• Caramelized onions, mushrooms, peppers
• Avocado, tomatoes, fresh basil
• Jalapenos, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes

Mix and match different fillings to create tasty flavor combinations. The options are endless.

Shrimp Quesadillas Are an Easy Dinner Win

With a crispy tortilla exterior enveloping cheesy, shrimpy goodness, it’s no wonder shrimp quesadillas are so scrumptious. They come together with minimal prep and cook time. Feel free to customize them with your favorite fillings.

Whipping up a batch of shrimp quesadillas is one of the tastiest ways to get dinner on the table fast. Even picky eaters will devour these! With the simple steps in this guide, you can master the art of making fantastic quesadillas in your own kitchen.