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Shrimp Quesadillas – Spicy Garlic Shrimp on Flour Tortillas

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails off)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice, plus extra wedges for serving
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • 4 large flour tortillas (8–10 inches)
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for extra crispness)
  • Optional for serving: sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, sliced jalapeños

Method
 

  1. Prep the shrimp: Pat shrimp dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp sear better and won’t steam.
  2. Season: In a bowl, toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon olive oil, garlic, chili powder, smoked paprika, cayenne, cumin, salt, black pepper, and lime juice. Let sit for 5 minutes while you heat the pan.
  3. Cook the shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook shrimp in a single layer for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and just opaque. Transfer to a plate; roughly chop into bite-size pieces. Stir in cilantro if using.
  4. Assemble quesadillas: Wipe the skillet lightly if needed. Reduce heat to medium. Add a small knob of butter or a drizzle of oil. Place one tortilla in the skillet.
  5. Layer the fillings: Sprinkle a mix of Monterey Jack and cheddar over half the tortilla. Add a generous layer of shrimp. Top with a little more cheese. Fold the tortilla over to close.
  6. Cook until crispy: Press gently with a spatula. Cook 2–3 minutes per side until golden and the cheese melts. Adjust heat to avoid burning.
  7. Repeat: Transfer to a cutting board. Cook remaining tortillas the same way.
  8. Serve: Cut into wedges. Finish with extra lime, hot sauce, or a dollop of sour cream.