Shrimp Quesadillas

If you’re looking for a fun and easy Mexican recipe, these shrimp quesadillas are a must-try! They’re loaded with sautéed shrimp, baby spinach, onions, garlic, and plenty of melted cheese — all tucked inside a golden, crispy flour tortilla. Served with homemade guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips, this recipe makes the perfect weeknight dinner or party appetizer.

What Is a Quesadilla?

Think of a quesadilla as the Mexican version of a grilled cheese sandwich. Traditionally made with flour or corn tortillas, quesadillas are served hot and filled with cheese and other tasty ingredients like chicken, beef, or vegetables.

For this shrimp version, I use large flour tortillas — the kind you’d use for burritos or wraps. They’re sturdy enough to hold plenty of filling and crisp up beautifully in the skillet.

📌 Fun fact: Quesadilla is pronounced kase-a-de-ya (technically /ˌkāsəˈdēyə/).

Why You’ll Love These Shrimp Quesadillas

Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes
Packed with protein, veggies, and melted cheese
Perfect for using fresh or frozen shrimp
A delicious way to enjoy Mexican flavors at home

Shrimp Quesadilla Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

Shrimp – Any size works, but I recommend large shrimp cut into ½-inch pieces for the best bite.
Spices – Season the shrimp just like you would for shrimp fajitas: chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Onions, Garlic & Spinach – These sautéed veggies soak up all the leftover seasoning from the shrimp, adding flavor and nutrition.
Cilantro – Fresh cilantro brightens the dish, but you can skip it if you’re cooking for someone who doesn’t like it.
Cheese – Use a melty cheese like cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for that gooey quesadilla texture.
Tortillas – Large flour tortillas make assembly easy, but corn tortillas also work if you prefer smaller quesadillas.

👉 Serve with homemade guacamole, salsa, and tortilla chips for the ultimate Mexican dinner!

How to Make Shrimp Quesadillas

Marinate and Cook Shrimp – Toss shrimp with spices and sauté until just cooked. Remove from pan.
Cook the Veggies – In the same skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and spinach until tender.
Assemble Quesadilla – Place shrimp, veggies, and shredded cheese between two tortillas (or fold one tortilla in half).
Toast Until Golden – Cook on a skillet over medium heat until tortillas are golden brown and cheese is melted.
Slice and Serve – Cut into wedges and serve hot with guacamole and salsa.

Perfect Pairings

Nothing goes better with shrimp quesadillas than a cold drink. Try serving them with my Top Shelf Margarita or a refreshing Mexican beer.

Here is my Shrimp Quesadilla recipe

Print Recipe

4.86 from 7 votes

Shrimp quesadilla

My shrimp quesadilla includes the delicious marinated shrimp, sautéed spinach, and onions. I use either shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese in the quesadilla. Something that melts and is nice and gooey.

Prep Time5

Cook Time20

Total Time25

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Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: Mexican

Keyword: Shrimp, Shrimp Quesadillas

Servings:

Calories: 382kcal

Ingredients

1/2 Pound Shrimp 16 shrimp, sized 21/26. Cut into thirds
2 Large Flour Tortillas
1/2 Cup Onion Sliced
1 Teaspoon Garlic Crushed and chopped
5 Ounces Baby Spinach Fresh, not frozen
1/4 Cup Water To steam the veggies
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
1 Teaspoon Mustard German or Dijon-style
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cumin
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Paprika
1/2 Teaspoon Ground Cayenne
1/2 Teaspoon Salt
8 Ounces Cheddar Cheese Shredded. Can substitute Monterey or Pepperjack

Garnish

1/4 Cup Cilantro Rough chopped

Instructions

Remove shells and tails from the shrimp and cut them into equal size thirds.
Preheat a non-stick skillet with a tight-fitting lid, over medium-high heat.
Combine the mustard and all the spices except salt. Place the shrimp and spice mixture together and give it a good mix. Place the olive oil in the skillet and add the shrimp. Saute for 4-minutes, remove from the pan, and set aside.
Add the sliced onions and water to the skillet, cover, and let them steam. Use a spatial to loosen all the spices from the bottom of the pan. Steam for 5 minutes until the onions are translucent, add the garlic and spinach, cover, and let steam until wilted. Remove from the heat and set aside.
Clean the skillet and preheat it, dry, over medium heat.
Add one tortilla and let it warm for about 20-seconds. Turn it over and add a thin layer of cheese
Spread half of the spinach mixture over half of the tortilla
Add half of the shrimp on top of the spinach mixture
Sprinkle another layer of cheese on top of the shrimp
Fold the tortilla in half, then cook until nicely toasted, cut the tortilla into 4-wedges. Serve with guacamole, salsa, chips, and sprinkled with chopped fresh cilantro.
Repeat this process with the second tortilla

Nutrition Facts

Shrimp quesadilla

Amount Per Serving

Calories 382 Calories from Fat 216

% Daily Value*

Fat 24g37%

Saturated Fat 13g81%

Cholesterol 202mg67%

Sodium 1231mg54%

Potassium 371mg11%

Carbohydrates 12g4%

Fiber 2g8%

Sugar 2g2%

Protein 28g56%

Vitamin A 4123IU82%

Vitamin C 14mg17%

Calcium 553mg55%

Iron 3mg17%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Final Thoughts

This easy shrimp quesadilla recipe is one of my favorite go-to Mexican dinners. It’s fast, customizable, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making them for a quick family meal or a party snack, these quesadillas will definitely disappear fast!

🌮 Cheers and happy cooking!