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Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla Recipe


4.8 from 70 reviews

  • Author: Chef
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings (about 2 quesadillas each)
  • Diet: Pescatarian

Description

Gooey Shrimp Melted Cheese Quesadilla with golden crispy edges and savory filling. A quick, irresistible meal perfect for lunch or game-day cravings!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Shrimp Filling

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cumin
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Quesadillas

  • 4 medium flour tortillas
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 1/2 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)

For Serving

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Guacamole


Instructions

  1. Cook the Shrimp: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, turning shrimp once, until they’re pink and cooked through. Remove shrimp from heat and roughly chop them into bite-size pieces.
  2. Assemble the Quesadillas: Place a flour tortilla in a clean skillet over medium heat. On one half of the tortilla, evenly sprinkle some of the shredded cheese. Top with a portion of the chopped shrimp, sliced red onion, chopped cilantro, and jalapeño if desired. Sprinkle a little more cheese on top, then fold the tortilla over to enclose the filling.
  3. Cook the Quesadilla: Cook the folded quesadilla for 2-3 minutes per side, pressing it gently with a spatula, until both sides are golden brown and the cheese inside is melted and gooey.
  4. Repeat and Serve: Repeat the assembly and cooking steps with the remaining tortillas and filling. Slice each quesadilla into wedges. Serve hot, alongside sour cream, salsa, or guacamole for dipping.

Notes

  • Use Monterey Jack for extra melt and mild flavor, or pepper jack for a spicy kick.
  • For easier serving, keep cooked quesadillas warm in a low oven while you finish the batch.
  • Swap flour tortillas for corn to make it gluten-free—just handle gently as corn tortillas are more delicate.
  • Extra veggies like bell peppers or corn can be added for color and crunch.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main-course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mexican-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 2 wedges)
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 820mg
  • Fat: 18g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 33g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 23g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg