Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Stack of shrimp quesadillas with sour cream and salsa.

Easy Shrimp Quesadillas Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 2 reviews

Description

These irresistibly delicious shrimp quesadillas are packed with spiced shrimp and layers of cheese. Quick and easy for weeknights.


Ingredients

Units Scale

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

  1. 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.
    Shrimp filling in pan for quesadilla with shrimp.
  2. 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.
    Shredded cheese on tortilla for shrimp quesadilla.
  3. 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.
  4. Cut into wedges and serve with toppings.
    Pulling quesadilla apart with cheese pulls.

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.