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Quick Crispy Shrimp Quesadillas

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A fast and easy 20-minute recipe for crispy shrimp quesadillas with gooey cheese and a fresh lime-cilantro finish, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz raw shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium size)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 large flour tortillas (10-inch)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend (Monterey Jack and cheddar)
  • 1 fresh lime, juiced
  • A handful fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
  • Optional add-ins: diced jalapeños, sliced green onions, sour cream for serving

Instructions

  1. In a mixing bowl, toss shrimp with minced garlic, chili powder, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook shrimp in a single layer for about 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove shrimp and set aside.
  3. Wipe skillet clean if needed and reduce heat to medium. Place one tortilla flat in the pan.
  4. Sprinkle about 1/3 cup shredded cheese evenly over half the tortilla. Arrange cooked shrimp on top, then sprinkle another layer of cheese.
  5. Fold the tortilla over to cover the filling. Press gently with a spatula and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cheese is melted. Flip carefully.
  6. Repeat with remaining tortillas, adding oil as needed.
  7. Slice each quesadilla into wedges. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with optional sour cream or jalapeños.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking shrimp to ensure even searing. Use medium to medium-high heat to avoid burning tortillas. Cover pan briefly after flipping quesadilla to help cheese melt. Fresh lime juice added before serving brightens the dish. For gluten-free, use corn or gluten-free tortillas; for dairy-free, use plant-based cheese alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp quesadillas, quick dinner, easy recipe, crispy quesadillas, shrimp recipe, weeknight meal