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Ultimate Crispy Garlic Butter Shrimp Quesadillas (Under 25 Minutes)

A stack of four golden-brown, crispy shrimp quesadilla wedges overflowing with cheesy shrimp filling.
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Make restaurant-style shrimp quesadillas at home fast. This recipe delivers tender, seasoned shrimp and perfectly melted cheese sealed inside unbelievably crispy tortillas, ready in under 25 minutes. It is a quick, flavorful weeknight shrimp meal.

Ingredients

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  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup water or chicken broth
  • 8 medium flour tortillas (8-inch size)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the shrimp seasoning: In a small bowl, mix the garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
  2. Heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the seasoned shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side until pink. Do not overcook.
  4. Pour the water or broth over the shrimp and let it simmer for 30 seconds, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
  5. Wipe the skillet clean if necessary. Reduce heat to medium.
  6. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle one-fourth of the cheese mixture over the entire surface of the tortilla.
  7. Distribute one-fourth of the cooked shrimp evenly over the cheese. Top with a light sprinkle of cilantro, if using.
  8. Place a second tortilla directly on top of the filling. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the bottom is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt.
  9. Carefully flip the quesadilla using a large spatula. Cook the second side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
  10. Remove from the skillet and repeat with the remaining ingredients to make three more quesadillas.
  11. Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve immediately with your favorite salsa or guacamole.

Notes

  • For extra crispy tortillas, brush the outside lightly with melted butter before placing them in the pan.
  • Use a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even browning and crispness.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the shrimp seasoning mix.

Nutrition

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