Crab Shrimp Queso Recipe

Introduction

This Crab Shrimp Queso recipe brings together tender seafood and creamy cheese in a crispy tortilla wrap. It’s a perfect appetizer or snack for seafood lovers craving a flavorful, cheesy bite.

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, finely chopped
• 1/2 lb cooked crab meat, shredded
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup queso dip (mild or spicy)
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, queso dip, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until well blended into a creamy, cheesy seafood filling.
2. Step 2: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly and secure with a toothpick to hold the filling inside.
3. Step 3: Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the rolled tortillas until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning as needed.
4. Step 4: Remove toothpicks, place the fried quesos on a plate, and drizzle warm queso dip over the top for extra gooeyness.
5. Step 5: Garnish with additional fresh cilantro and serve immediately to enjoy the melty, irresistible flavors.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier kick, use a spicy queso dip or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Try swapping Monterey Jack for pepper jack cheese to add some heat.
• Serve with a side of fresh salsa or guacamole for dipping.
• If seafood is not preferred, substitute with cooked, shredded chicken for a different twist.

Storage

Store leftover quesos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat to keep the tortilla crispy or in a microwave for a quick warm-up, though it may soften the crunch.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and roll the tortillas in advance. Keep them refrigerated and fry just before serving to maintain crispiness.

What can I use if I don’t have queso dip?

You can substitute with melted cheese sauce or a combination of sour cream and shredded cheese to achieve a creamy texture.

Crab Shrimp Queso Recipe

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4.5 from 79 reviews

Crab Shrimp Queso is a creamy, cheesy seafood appetizer featuring a flavorful blend of cooked shrimp, crab meat, Monterey Jack cheese, and queso dip wrapped in crispy flour tortillas. Perfectly fried until golden and served warm with a drizzle of queso and fresh cilantro, this dish is a delightful fusion of textures and flavors that makes for an irresistible fiesta treat.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood and Cheese Filling

• 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, finely chopped
• 1/2 lb cooked crab meat, shredded
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup queso dip (mild or spicy)
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

For Wrapping and Frying

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked shrimp, shredded crab meat, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, queso dip, chopped fresh cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated, creating a rich and creamy seafood cheese mixture.
2. Assemble the Queso Rolls: Spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared filling onto each small flour tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and secure it with a toothpick to prevent unraveling during frying.
3. Heat the Pan: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the butter or oil. Allow it to melt and heat up until shimmering but not smoking, ensuring a perfect frying temperature.
4. Fry the Queso Rolls: Carefully place the stuffed tortillas seam-side down in the hot skillet. Fry them until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, turning as needed to evenly cook and crisp the tortillas. This should take about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
5. Serve and Garnish: Remove the toothpicks and transfer the fried quesos to a serving plate. Drizzle warm queso dip over the rolls, sprinkle with additional fresh cilantro, and serve immediately while the cheese is gooey and the exterior is crisp and warm.

Notes

• Ensure the shrimp and crab meat are fully cooked before mixing to prevent any food safety issues.
• Use mild or spicy queso dip depending on your heat preference.
• To keep the tortillas from breaking, warm them slightly before assembling.
• You can substitute butter with oil for frying to reduce saturated fat content.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the best texture; leftover quesos tend to lose their crispness.

Keywords: Crab Shrimp Queso, seafood appetizer, fried quesadillas, cheesy seafood dip, party snacks, Mexican fusion