Shrimp quesadillas are a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish. Combining the succulent flavors of shrimp with the creamy goodness of melted cheese, these quesadillas are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. The addition of bell peppers and onions adds a nice crunch and a burst of flavor, making each bite a delicious experience.
If you don't usually cook with shrimp, you might need to visit the seafood section of your supermarket to find peeled and deveined shrimp. Additionally, make sure to pick up a fresh bell pepper and onion from the produce section. The spices, such as cumin and chili powder, might already be in your pantry, but if not, they are easily found in the spice aisle.

Ingredients For Shrimp Quesadillas Recipe
Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, these will be the star protein of the dish.
Cheese: Shredded cheese that melts well, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
Flour tortillas: Soft tortillas that will hold the filling together.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the vegetables and shrimp.
Bell pepper: Diced for a crunchy texture and sweet flavor.
Onion: Diced to add a savory depth to the filling.
Cumin: A spice that adds a warm, earthy flavor.
Chili powder: Adds a bit of heat and a smoky flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and balances the flavors.
Technique Tip for Making Quesadillas
When cooking the shrimp, be sure not to overcook them. Shrimp cook very quickly, usually in just a few minutes. Once they turn pink and opaque, they are done. Overcooking can make them tough and rubbery. To ensure even cooking, spread the shrimp out in a single layer in the skillet. This allows for better heat distribution and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to steaming rather than searing.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast provides a similar protein content and can be seasoned similarly to shrimp for a comparable flavor profile.
shrimp - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative that absorbs flavors well and provides a similar texture when cooked.
shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a dairy-free option that melts similarly to regular cheese and can be used to accommodate dietary restrictions.
flour tortillas - Substitute with corn tortillas: Corn tortillas offer a gluten-free alternative and provide a slightly different but delicious flavor.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and health benefits, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.
bell pepper - Substitute with poblano pepper: Poblano peppers add a mild heat and a slightly different flavor, enhancing the dish's complexity.
onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots provide a milder and slightly sweeter flavor compared to onions, adding a subtle depth to the dish.
cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander offers a different but complementary flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the quesadillas.
chili powder - Substitute with paprika: Paprika provides a milder heat and a smoky flavor, which can be a good alternative to chili powder.
salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can be used to season the dish while reducing the need for additional salt.
pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper offers a slightly different heat and flavor profile, providing a unique twist to the seasoning.
Alternative Recipes Similar to Quesadillas
How to Store or Freeze Quesadillas
- Allow the shrimp quesadillas to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
- Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps maintain their shape and prevents them from sticking together.
- Place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or a zip-top freezer bag. If using a freezer bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.
- To reheat, unwrap the quesadilla and place it on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is melted.
- Alternatively, you can reheat in a skillet over medium heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until warmed through and crispy.
- For a quicker option, microwave the quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through.
- Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for added flavor.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadillas in the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are golden brown. You can cover the skillet with a lid to help the cheese melt more evenly.
Microwave Method: Place the quesadillas on a microwave-safe plate. Cover them with a damp paper towel to keep them from drying out. Microwave on high for about 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the quesadillas are heated through. Note that this method may not keep the tortillas as crispy as the other methods.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadillas in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy.
Essential Tools for Making Quesadillas
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the shrimp mixture and toasting the quesadillas.
Spatula: Used for stirring the vegetables and shrimp, and for flipping the quesadillas.
Cutting board: A surface for dicing the bell pepper and onion.
Chef's knife: A sharp knife for cutting the vegetables and shrimp.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper accurately.
Measuring cup: Used to measure the shredded cheese.
Tongs: Useful for handling the shrimp while cooking.
Paper towels: Used to wipe the skillet clean between batches.
Plate: For holding the cooked shrimp mixture temporarily.
Pizza cutter: Handy for cutting the quesadillas into wedges.
Serving platter: For presenting the quesadillas once they are cut into wedges.
Time-Saving Tips for Making Quesadillas
Prepare the filling in advance: Dice the onion and bell pepper ahead of time and store them in the fridge.
Use pre-cooked shrimp: Opt for pre-cooked shrimp to cut down on cooking time.
Shred cheese beforehand: Shred the cheese and keep it in a sealed container.
Assemble quesadillas quickly: Lay out all your ingredients before you start cooking.
Cook multiple quesadillas at once: Use a large skillet or griddle to cook several quesadillas simultaneously.

Shrimp Quesadillas Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup Shredded cheese
- 8 Flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 Bell pepper, diced
- 1 Onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Chili powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
- 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- 2. Add diced onion and bell pepper, cook until soft.
- 3. Add shrimp, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until shrimp is pink.
- 4. Remove shrimp mixture from skillet. Wipe skillet clean.
- 5. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, add shrimp mixture, and top with another tortilla.
- 6. Cook until golden brown on both sides and cheese is melted.
- 7. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- 8. Cut into wedges and serve warm.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
More Amazing Recipes to Try 🙂
- Mexican Cornbread Recipe45 Minutes
- Puff Pastry Recipe50 Minutes
- Broccoli Cheese Casserole Recipe45 Minutes
- Rhubarb Bread Recipe1 Hours 15 Minutes
- Fish Chowder Recipe45 Minutes
- Almond Flour Bread Recipe40 Minutes
- Walking Tacos Recipe25 Minutes
- Authentic Mexican Tortillas Recipe35 Minutes
Leave a Reply