Sign up with your email address to be the first to know about new products, VIP offers, blog features & more.

Spicy Shrimp Quesadillas

26 7.8K views

What’s better than shrimp quesadillas? I’ll tell you… Spicy shrimp; marinated in cayenne, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and of course A LOT of cheese for the perfect spicy shrimp quesadillas.

Spicy shrimp quesadillas marinated in cayenne, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and of course A LOT of cheese!

The first time I ever made these shrimp quesadillas, I have to admit I was a bit of a skeptic. Shrimp and cheese don’t really go together for me, but then I thought back when to when I traveled to Bucerias, Mexico and had THE BEST shrimp quesadillas I’ve ever had in my life. I think that day I may have had like 10! I couldn’t stop eating them; so I did my best to recreate these at home.

Creamy Cajun shrimp and grits, a classic Southern dish that's been elevated with flavors of sweet smoky shrimp and cream Parmesan grits. 
Spicy shrimp quesadillas marinated in cayenne, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and of course A LOT of cheese!

 Of course, I had to put my own little twist so I decided to make the shrimp spicy!! The spice combination is just like your standard taco seasoning; I just added more spice with smoked paprika and cayenne pepper. I love when seafood has some spice, and it’s the perfect addition the shrimp!All I did was cut up some bell peppers and onions and sauteed them with olive oil just until they started to soften up. Then I added the shrimp to the pan, and seasoned with my taco seasoning mixture. Once the shrimp is cooked you just add it to your quesadillas with some cheese! Super easy and made all in one pot! 

FIND MORE EVSEATS SHRIMP RECIPES HERE!

Spicy shrimp quesadillas marinated in cayenne, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and of course A LOT of cheese!

Spicy Shrimp Quesadillas

Yield: 6-8
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Spicy shrimp quesadillas marinated in cayenne, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and of course A LOT of cheese!

Ingredients

  • 1 pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ cup onion, chopped
  • ½ cup bell pepper, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons taco seasoning (or a 1 tsp each of cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and oregano)
  • 1-2 cups Mexican blend melting cheese
  • 6-8 Medium flour tortillas

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until soft.
  2. Add the shrimp and taco seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp begins to turn pink.
  3. Take the shrimp off the heat, set aside, and allow to rest.
  4. Add cooking spray to another large skillet and heat over medium heat.
  5. Place a tortilla in the pan and sprinkle cheese on one side of the tortilla. Spoon some shrimp on top of the cheese and another sprinkle of cheese on top.
  6. Fold the tortilla in half.
  7. Cook for 2 minutes on each side or until golden and crispy. Repeat for reaming tortillas.
  8. Cut in half and serve with a side of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa if desired!

Spicy shrimp quesadillas marinated in cayenne, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, and of course A LOT of cheese!

Share this article

Leave a Reply

26 Comments
  • Lauren Berger
    January 15, 2018

    This looks beyond amazing! Pinned to my dinner board since this is SO happening!

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      Thank you Lauren!

  • Heather
    January 15, 2018

    You just made me hungry! 🙂 And I have to head to the grocery store today so perfect timing. Yum.

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      thanks Heather! Enjoy!!

  • Jenny
    January 15, 2018

    These look SO good! I have shrimp I need to use up and this sounds perfect!

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      thanks Jenny!!

  • Tasia B
    January 15, 2018

    Oh man! I love a dish that has a nice spicy kick into it! What a great combo

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      Thanks Tasia! I keep things spicy around here! 🙂

  • Dr. Elise Ho
    January 15, 2018

    This looks fabulous. I am sure that shrimp would also be great on a salad. YUMMY

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      Thank you! This shrimp is good with almost anything! 🙂

  • Marlynn | UrbanBlissLife
    January 15, 2018

    Oh my gosh, these look so delicious! I’ll have to give them a try soon!

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      Thanks Marlynn! Hope you enjoy!!

  • Kate
    January 15, 2018

    This looks amazing! I think the hubs would love this!

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      Thanks Kate!

  • Autum
    January 15, 2018

    Omg this looks sooo yummy

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      Thanks Autum! 🙂

  • Andy
    January 15, 2018

    It has just become clear what I’m going to cook tonight. This looks super yummy. Thanks for posting this recipe!

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      Thanks Andy! Hope you love it!

  • Francesca
    January 15, 2018

    Such a great dinner idea!! These look delicious!

    • evseats
      January 16, 2018

      Thanks Francesca!

  • Holly Lasha
    January 16, 2018

    This looks so yummy. I’ll have to try it!

    • evseats
      January 17, 2018

      thanks Holly!

  • meagan
    January 16, 2018

    I’m going to have to add this to my dinner plans this week! Can’t wait to try this!

    • evseats
      January 17, 2018

      thanks Megan!

  • Andrew Bloom
    January 16, 2018

    Will mozeralla cheese be ok with this recipe?

    • evseats
      January 17, 2018

      Yes, you can use any cheese you like! Mozzarella melts perfectly!

Skip to Recipe