Shrimp quesadillas are a delightful twist on a classic Mexican dish, combining the succulent flavors of shrimp with the gooey goodness of melted cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal, these quesadillas are sure to please everyone at the table. Serve them with a side of salsa for an extra burst of flavor.
While most of the ingredients for shrimp quesadillas are common, you might need to pay special attention to the shrimp. Ensure they are peeled and deveined before cooking. If you don't have olive oil at home, you can substitute it with another cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil. The flour tortillas and shredded cheese should be easy to find in the bread and dairy sections of your supermarket, respectively.

Ingredients for Shrimp Quesadillas Recipe
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined, these are the star of the dish, providing a tender and flavorful protein.
Olive oil: Used for cooking the shrimp, it adds a subtle richness and helps prevent sticking.
Shredded cheese: Melts beautifully to hold the quesadilla together and adds a creamy texture.
Flour tortillas: The base of the quesadilla, providing a soft and pliable wrap for the filling.
Salsa: A zesty condiment served on the side, enhancing the overall flavor with a bit of spice and acidity.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To ensure your shrimp are perfectly cooked and flavorful, consider marinating them for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. A simple marinade of lime juice, garlic, and a pinch of cumin can add a burst of flavor. Additionally, when placing the tortilla in the skillet, make sure the skillet is hot enough to create a nice, crispy texture without burning. This will give your quesadillas a delightful crunch.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
shrimp - Substitute with chicken breast: Chicken breast is a versatile protein that can be seasoned similarly to shrimp and provides a similar texture when cooked.
shrimp - Substitute with tofu: Tofu is a great vegetarian alternative that absorbs flavors well and provides a similar texture to shrimp when cooked.
olive oil - Substitute with canola oil: Canola oil has a neutral flavor and a similar smoke point, making it a good alternative for cooking.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a mild flavor, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in cooking.
shredded cheese - Substitute with vegan cheese: Vegan cheese is a dairy-free alternative that melts similarly to regular cheese and can be used for those who are lactose intolerant or vegan.
shredded cheese - Substitute with feta cheese: Feta cheese provides a tangy flavor and crumbly texture, offering a different but delicious twist to the quesadillas.
flour tortillas - Substitute with corn tortillas: Corn tortillas are a gluten-free alternative that provide a different texture and flavor, often used in traditional Mexican cuisine.
flour tortillas - Substitute with whole wheat tortillas: Whole wheat tortillas offer a healthier option with more fiber and nutrients compared to regular flour tortillas.
salsa - Substitute with pico de gallo: Pico de gallo is a fresh, chunky salsa that provides a similar flavor profile with a fresher taste and texture.
salsa - Substitute with guacamole: Guacamole offers a creamy and rich alternative to salsa, adding a different flavor and texture to the quesadillas.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze Quesadillas
Allow the shrimp quesadillas to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the tortillas soggy.
Wrap each quesadilla individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to maintain freshness and prevents them from sticking together.
Place the wrapped quesadillas in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Label the container with the date to keep track of their freshness.
Store the quesadillas in the refrigerator if you plan to eat them within 2-3 days. For longer storage, place them in the freezer where they can last up to 2 months.
When ready to reheat, remove the quesadillas from the wrapping. For refrigerated quesadillas, reheat in a skillet over medium heat until the cheese is melted and the tortillas are crispy. Alternatively, you can use a microwave for a quicker option, but the tortillas may not be as crispy.
For frozen quesadillas, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. If you're in a hurry, you can reheat them directly from the freezer by placing them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
Serve the reheated quesadillas with fresh salsa or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the delicious flavors as if they were freshly made!
How to Reheat Leftovers
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp quesadillas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover them with aluminum foil to prevent them from drying out. Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until they are heated through and the cheese is melted.
Stovetop Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the quesadilla in the skillet and cover it with a lid. Heat for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until the tortilla is crispy and the shrimp is warmed through.
Microwave Method: Place the shrimp quesadilla on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure it heats evenly.
Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the quesadilla in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Heat for about 3-5 minutes, or until the tortilla is crispy and the shrimp is hot.
Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the shrimp quesadilla on the toaster oven tray. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla is crispy.
Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium heat. Wrap the quesadilla in aluminum foil to prevent it from burning. Grill for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp is heated and the tortilla is crispy.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for cooking the shrimp and assembling the quesadillas.
Spatula: A tool used for flipping the quesadillas to ensure even cooking on both sides.
Tongs: Useful for handling the shrimp while cooking and removing them from the skillet.
Measuring spoon: Used to measure the olive oil accurately.
Cutting board: A surface for prepping the shrimp before cooking.
Knife: Essential for any additional prep work, like cutting the shrimp if needed.
Plate: For setting aside the cooked shrimp before assembling the quesadillas.
Cheese grater: If you're using a block of cheese, this will help you shred it.
Serving platter: To present the finished quesadillas with salsa.
Bowl: For holding the salsa to serve alongside the quesadillas.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Prepare ingredients in advance: Peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time to save cooking time.
Use pre-shredded cheese: Opt for pre-shredded cheese to cut down on prep work.
Preheat the skillet: Ensure the skillet is hot before starting to cook, which speeds up the process.
Cook in batches: Cook multiple tortillas and shrimp simultaneously if you have a large enough skillet.
Use store-bought salsa: Save time by using store-bought salsa instead of making your own.

Shrimp Quesadillas
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 cup Shredded cheese
- 4 Flour tortillas
- 1 cup Salsa
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
- Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle with cheese, add shrimp, and top with another tortilla.
- Cook until the bottom tortilla is golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and shrimp.
- Serve with salsa.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Desserts
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