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The Ultimate Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp Quesadilla (Ready in 20 Minutes)

Close-up of a perfectly grilled shrimp quesadilla, cut in half, showing melted cheese, plump shrimp, and red onion filling.
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Make restaurant-style shrimp quesadillas at home faster than takeout. This recipe delivers tender, zesty shrimp and perfectly melty cheese sealed inside unbelievably crispy, golden tortillas. It is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (any color)
  • 8 large flour tortillas
  • 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack or Mexican blend cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for crisping tortillas)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the shrimp with this seasoning mix.
  2. Sauté the vegetables: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes until slightly softened. Remove the vegetables and set them aside.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Add the minced garlic and butter to the same skillet. Once the butter melts, add the seasoned shrimp. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side until pink and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
  4. Assemble the quesadillas: Lay out four tortillas. Sprinkle an even layer of cheese over half of each tortilla. Top the cheese with cooked shrimp, followed by the sautéed peppers and onions. Fold the empty half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Repeat for the remaining tortillas.
  5. Crisp the tortillas: Brush the outside of each quesadilla lightly with the melted butter. Place the quesadillas in a clean, dry skillet over medium heat. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side, pressing down gently with a spatula, until the tortillas are golden brown and the cheese is completely melted.
  6. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings like salsa or guacamole.

Notes

  • For the crispiest texture, use a dry skillet (no extra oil) for the final crisping step, relying only on the melted butter brushed on the outside of the tortilla.
  • Use a medium heat when crisping the tortillas to allow the cheese to melt fully before the tortilla burns.
  • If you prefer a spicy shrimp quesadilla, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/shrimp-quesadilla-ultimate-crispy-garlic-butter/