How to Make the Best Shrimp Quesadillas From Scratch

Shrimp quesadillas are such a tasty and easy meal to throw together any night of the week. They’re packed with flavor from spicy shrimp, bell peppers, cheese and seasoning, all melted between crispy tortillas. I love making these shrimp quesadillas for my family because they’re ready in less than 30 minutes and everyone devours them!

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make the best shrimp quesadillas from start to finish using simple ingredients. Whether you’re a beginner cook or a quesadilla pro, these tips will help you make restaurant-quality shrimp quesadillas right at home Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 lb medium raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning or homemade mix (see below)
• 1-2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, cheddar, Mexican blend)
• 6-8 medium flour tortillas

Homemade Taco Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Step-By-Step Instructions

Cook the Filling

1. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until tender.

2. Add the raw shrimp and taco seasoning. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the shrimp start to turn opaque and pink.

3. Remove the skillet from heat and transfer the shrimp mixture to a bowl.

Assemble the Quesadillas

1. Wipe out the skillet and return to medium heat. Lightly brush with oil or spray with cooking spray.

2. Place a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle with shredded cheese, then top with a heaping spoonful of the shrimp mixture.

3. Add another sprinkle of cheese and top with another tortilla.

4. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

5. Carefully flip and cook the other side.

6. Transfer the quesadilla to a cutting board and repeat to make more quesadillas.

Serve and Enjoy

1. Let the quesadillas cool for 2-3 minutes before slicing into wedges.

2. Serve with your favorite sauces like guacamole, salsa, sour cream or my easy cilantro lime crema. Enjoy!

Tips for Making Perfect Shrimp Quesadillas

• Use raw shrimp instead of pre-cooked for the best flavor. The shrimp cooks quickly in the skillet.

• Cut the shrimp into smaller pieces if using extra large shrimp for easier bites.

• Try different cheeses like pepper jack,sharp cheddar or Oaxacan cheese for more flavor.

• Add extras like black beans, corn, chopped cilantro or hot sauce to the filling.

• Replace shrimp with chicken, steak or veggies for more quesadilla options.

• Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free version. Just reduce cooking time.

• Make sure to get the tortillas crispy and golden brown on both sides.

• If the skillet is smoking too much, reduce the heat and add a bit more oil.

• Let the quesadillas cool a few minutes before cutting so the filling sets up.

• Serve with guacamole, pico de gallo, salsa and lime wedges for a southwest flair.

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.

FAQs

What kind of shrimp should I buy?

I recommend buying raw medium shrimp that’s already peeled and deveined to save time on prep. Shrimp labeled 21/25 per pound means there’s 21-25 shrimp in a pound. Larger shrimp (16/20 per pound) also works great.

Do I need to thaw the shrimp before cooking?

If using frozen shrimp, thaw overnight in the fridge or place the frozen shrimp in a colander under cool running water for 5-10 minutes until thawed. Pat dry before adding to the skillet.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp instead?

Pre-cooked shrimp can work but the texture and flavor won’t be quite as good. Cook the pre-cooked shrimp just until heated through.

What cheese is best for quesadillas?

I like to use a Mexican blend or Monterey jack cheese for the best melting texture and flavor. Cheddar, mozzarella or pepper jack also work well.

What can I serve with shrimp quesadillas?

Quesadillas go great with guacamole, salsa, sour cream, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, lime wedges and Mexican rice or beans on the side.

Final Thoughts