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Crab Shrimp Queso Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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