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Ultimate Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp Quesadillas (Under 30 Minutes)

A hand holds a perfectly grilled shrimp quesadilla cut in half, showing abundant melted cheese and plump shrimp filling.
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Create restaurant-style shrimp quesadillas right in your kitchen. This recipe uses zesty, seasoned shrimp and melty cheese sealed inside unbelievably crispy tortillas. It is a quick, flavorful seafood dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (or a mix of chili powder, cumin, and oregano)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp: Toss the raw shrimp with taco seasoning and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Do not overcook.
  4. Combine the filling: Return the cooked vegetables to the skillet with the shrimp. Stir in the lime juice. Remove the skillet from the heat.
  5. Assemble the quesadillas: Lay out four tortillas on a clean surface. Sprinkle one-fourth of the cheese mixture over one half of each tortilla. Top the cheese with an even layer of the shrimp and vegetable mixture. Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  6. Pan fry for crispiness: Wipe out the skillet if necessary, or use a clean one. Heat the skillet over medium heat. Place one or two quesadillas in the dry skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is fully melted.
  7. Serve immediately: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet, slice into wedges, and serve hot with your favorite toppings like salsa or sour cream.

Notes

  • For the crispiest tortilla, use a dry skillet over medium heat. If the heat is too high, the tortilla will burn before the cheese melts.
  • If you prefer a spicier filling, add 1/2 teaspoon of chipotle powder to the shrimp seasoning mix.
  • You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with Pepper Jack for an extra layer of flavor.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/shrimp-quesadilla-recipe-quick-easy-crispy/