Crab Shrimp Queso Recipe

Introduction

Crab Shrimp Queso is a delightful fusion of creamy cheese and fresh seafood wrapped in crispy tortillas. This dish offers a perfect balance of flavors, making it an irresistible appetizer or snack for any gathering.

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 well until you have a creamy, cheesy seafood filling.
2. Step 2: Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling onto each flour tortilla. Roll the tortillas tightly to encase the filling and secure each with a toothpick to keep them closed.
3. Step 3: Heat 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 the toothpicks carefully, then plate the crispy rolls. Drizzle warm queso dip over the top and sprinkle with extra fresh cilantro.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately while the cheese inside is warm and gooey for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat, use a spicy queso dip or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Swap out the shrimp for lobster or crab only if you prefer a different seafood flavor.
• Try baking the rolled tortillas at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes as a lighter alternative to frying.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lime juice or a side of pico de gallo for added brightness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain crispiness rather than using a microwave, which can make the tortillas soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

Yes, the seafood cheese filling can be made up to a day in advance and refrigerated. Just assemble and fry the tortillas when ready to serve.

What if I don’t have queso dip?

You can substitute with a mixture of melted cheese and a bit of salsa or cream cheese for a similar creamy texture and flavor.

Crab Shrimp Queso Recipe

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4.4 from 146 reviews

Crab Shrimp Queso is a creamy, cheesy seafood appetizer featuring a delicious blend of tender cooked shrimp, shredded crab meat, Monterey Jack cheese, and a smooth queso dip. Rolled inside warm flour tortillas and pan-fried to golden perfection, these irresistible bites are perfect for parties or a flavorful snack.

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

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

Tortillas 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 well incorporated into a creamy, cheesy seafood mixture.
2. Assemble the quesos: Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the seafood filling onto each flour tortilla. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a log shape and secure it with a toothpick to keep it closed during cooking.
3. Fry the rolled quesos: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, carefully place the rolled tortillas seam side down in the pan. Fry them until each side is golden brown and crispy, turning as needed to cook evenly on all sides.
4. Serve: Remove the toothpicks from the fried quesos, plate them, and drizzle warm queso dip over the top for an extra cheesy touch. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately while the cheese filling is gooey, warm, and irresistible.

Notes

• You can adjust the heat level of the queso dip by choosing mild or spicy varieties to suit your preference.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute the flour tortillas with gluten-free tortillas.
• Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure it blends well with other ingredients.
• These quesos are best enjoyed fresh and warm to experience the gooey cheese and crispy texture.

Keywords: Crab Shrimp Queso, seafood appetizer, cheesy quesadilla roll, fried quesos, seafood snacks, Monterey Jack cheese, creamy queso dip