Description
These irresistibly delicious shrimp quesadillas are packed with spiced shrimp and layers of cheese. Quick and easy for weeknights.
Ingredients
For spiced shrimp:
- 1 tsp. avocado oil
- 16 oz. raw shrimp, roughly chopped (shells and tails removed)
- 1/2 tsp. sea salt
- 1/2 tsp. cumin
- 1/4 tsp. oregano
- 1/8 tsp. smoked paprika
- pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 Tbsp. honey
For quesadillas:
- 4 flour tortillas (burrito size)
- 12 oz. shredded Mexican cheese (more if needed)
- fresh toppings (see a big list of topping ideas above in the post)
Instructions
- Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and season with sea salt, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and honey and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until shrimp is cooked through.

- Assemble quesadillas. In large skillet over medium heat, layer 1/3 cup shredded cheese on one half of the tortilla. Top with 1/2 cup shrimp and 1/3 cup shredded cheese.

- Fold over top and cook for about 2-3 minutes, and when cheese starts to melt, carefully flip over with large flipper and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Repeat with remaining 3 quesadillas.
- Cut into wedges and serve with toppings.

Notes
Storage: Quesadillas are best eaten immediately but leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat in a hot skillet until warmed through — avoid the microwave or they’ll go soggy.
Ingredients: Use raw shrimp rather than pre-cooked for the best flavor and texture. Since the shrimp gets chopped up, you can buy smaller shrimp and save a bit on your grocery bill. For cheese, queso asadero or queso Oaxaca melt beautifully and bring incredible flavor — Costco carries it in a large bag.
Prep ahead: Mix the spice blend up to a day or two in advance to shave a few minutes off dinner prep.
Tools: A large non-stick skillet is all you need. A large spatula makes flipping the quesadillas much easier.