Shrimp Quesadilla Recipe (Easy Mexican Dinner)

Steven

5 years ago

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