Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos are pure culinary magic! Imagine sinking your teeth into golden-brown taquitos filled with tender shrimp and succulent crab, all harmonizing beautifully with creamy cheese and zesty spices. These delightful bites not only thrill your taste buds but also grab your attention with their crispy exterior and cheesy goodness. Perfect for parties, game nights, or simply as a snack, they’ll make any occasion feel special.
As you savor each bite, you’ll enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors and textures, bringing a fiesta to your mouth! In this article, we’ll guide you through the easy preparation process, share tips for serving these taquitos, and provide variations so you can customize them to your liking. Let’s dive into the world of crispy, cheesy goodness that will make your next get-together unforgettable!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh ingredients combine for a great flavor.
- Easy to prepare, perfect for all skill levels.
- Nutrient-rich seafood adds essential proteins.
- Versatile—great for snacks, appetizers, or meals.
- Visually appealing and a crowd-pleaser!
You’re going to love making these taquitos!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup queso dip (mild or spicy)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup butter or oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, queso dip, cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until well blended.
Step 2: Lay a flour tortilla flat and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the seafood mixture onto one side.
Step 3: Roll the tortilla tightly from the filled side to the other end, sealing the edges.
Step 4: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Step 5: Fry the rolled taquitos, seam side down, until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Step 6: Remove from heat and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
How to Serve
- Serve the taquitos on a vibrant platter for an eye-catching display.
- Pair with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream for dipping.
- Cut them into bite-sized pieces for easy sharing during gatherings.
- Pair with refreshing drinks like iced tea or margaritas.
These taquitos will be a hit among family and friends!
Additional Tips
- Add a squeeze of lime juice to the filling for extra zest.
- Customize by mixing in different kinds of seafood or spices.
- Serve with fresh vegetables like carrot sticks or cucumber slices for a crunchy side.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Shrimp Taquitos: Use spicy queso dip and add jalapeños to the filling for a kick.
- Veggie Taquitos: Replace seafood with sautéed peppers, onions, and black beans for a vegetarian twist.
- Crunchy Tex-Mex Taquitos: Add crushed tortilla chips to the filling for extra crunch.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep cooked taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked taquitos on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Special Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Frying pan or skillet
- Spatula
- Sharp knife
- Paper towels
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen shrimp and crab meat?
Yes, frozen seafood works well. Just thaw it first and drain any excess water.
2. Are these taquitos healthy?
They offer good protein from shrimp and crab, but frying will add calories. Enjoy in moderation!
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and store it, then assemble and fry when ready to serve.
4. Can I customize the filling?
Definitely! Feel free to add your favorite spices or substitute with other proteins like chicken or beef.
5. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Brush with oil and bake at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden.
Conclusion
Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos are a fantastic way to bring bold flavors and excitement to your table! With their crunchy exterior and creamy seafood filling, they’re sure to impress family and friends at any gathering. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also fun to make. Enjoy every bite!
Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos
Ingredients
Filling
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped Use thawed if frozen.
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded Use thawed if frozen.
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup queso dip (mild or spicy) Choose according to your spice preference.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 8 small flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup butter or oil (for frying)
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, Monterey Jack cheese, cream cheese, queso dip, cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix until well blended.
- Lay a flour tortilla flat and spoon about 2-3 tablespoons of the seafood mixture onto one side.
- Roll the tortilla tightly from the filled side to the other end, sealing the edges.
Cooking
- Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Fry the rolled taquitos, seam side down, until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Remove from heat and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
