Crab Shrimp Queso: The Ultimate Party Snack Recipe
Introduction
Crab Shrimp Queso is the ultimate party snack that combines creamy cheese and succulent seafood in a crispy tortilla wrap. Perfect for sharing, this dish brings a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will keep guests coming back for more.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup queso dip (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a bowl, combine shrimp, crab, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, queso dip, cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until well mixed to create a creamy, cheesy seafood filling.
- Step 2: Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling in each tortilla, roll tightly, and secure with a toothpick to hold the shape.
- Step 3: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the rolled tortillas until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Step 4: Remove the toothpicks, plate the quesos, and drizzle warm queso dip over the top.
- Step 5: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately while the cheese is warm and gooey.
Tips & Variations
- For extra heat, use a spicy queso dip or add diced jalapeños to the filling.
- Try substituting crab or shrimp with cooked lobster or scallops for a different seafood twist.
- Use whole wheat or corn tortillas for a healthier alternative.
- To make ahead, assemble the rolls and refrigerate them before frying to save time.
Storage
Store leftover quesos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispiness, or warm in the oven. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use raw seafood for this recipe?
This recipe calls for cooked shrimp and crab meat to ensure safety and quick preparation. If using raw seafood, fully cook it before combining with other ingredients.
What can I serve with Crab Shrimp Queso?
These quesos pair well with fresh salsa, guacamole, or a light green salad to balance the richness of the seafood and cheese filling.
PrintCrab Shrimp Queso: The Ultimate Party Snack Recipe
Crab Shrimp Queso is the ultimate party snack featuring a creamy, cheesy seafood filling made with finely chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, and queso dip. Wrapped in small flour tortillas and pan-fried until golden and crunchy, these bite-sized delights are perfect for serving at gatherings. Topped with warm queso dip and fresh cilantro, they offer a gooey, irresistible flavor that’s sure to impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 stuffed tortillas 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
Seafood Filling
- 1/2 lb cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1/2 lb cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup queso dip (mild or spicy)
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
Assembly and Cooking
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 2 tbsp butter or oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked shrimp, shredded crab meat, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, queso dip, chopped fresh cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a creamy and flavorful seafood mixture.
- Fill and roll tortillas: Lay out the small flour tortillas and spoon about 2 to 3 tablespoons of the seafood filling onto each tortilla. Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling to form a compact shape and secure it with a toothpick to prevent it from unrolling during cooking.
- Fry the stuffed tortillas: Heat the butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Carefully place the rolled tortillas seam side down in the skillet. Fry them until they turn golden brown and become crispy on all sides, turning as needed to cook evenly. This process should take approximately 3 to 5 minutes per batch.
- Serve with toppings: Once fried, remove the toothpicks and place the crispy stuffed tortillas onto a serving plate. Drizzle warm queso dip generously over the top and sprinkle with additional fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while the cheese is warm, gooey, and irresistibly delicious.
Notes
- Use cooked seafood to ensure the filling is ready to eat and avoid overcooking during frying.
- You can adjust the spice level of the queso dip to your preference, choosing mild or spicy varieties.
- For a crispier texture, use butter over oil for frying.
- To make ahead, prepare the filling and assemble the rolls, then refrigerate before frying.
- Serve with extra queso dip or a side of salsa for added flavor.
Keywords: Crab shrimp queso, seafood appetizer, party snacks, queso dip, fried tortillas, cheesy seafood rolls
