Description
Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos deliver a satisfying crunch and burst of seafood flavor, perfect for any gathering and ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup cooked shrimp (finely chopped)
- 1 cup cooked crab meat (shredded)
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened to room temperature)
- 1 cup queso dip (mild or spicy, your preference)
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped, plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 10 small flour tortillas (6-inch size)
- 1/4 cup butter or vegetable oil (for frying, may need more for batch cooking)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, and queso dip until evenly distributed and creamy.
- Add the chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, stirring thoroughly to ensure the seasonings are evenly incorporated throughout the filling.
- Warm tortillas in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to make them pliable. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling in the center of each tortilla, being careful not to overfill.
- Roll each tortilla tightly around the filling and secure with a toothpick through the seam to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat until it shimmers or the butter foams, indicating it’s ready for frying.
- Working in batches of 3-4 taquitos to avoid crowding, place them seam-side down in the hot skillet. Fry for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool for 2-3 minutes, then carefully remove toothpicks.
- Plate your crispy taquitos, drizzle with warm queso, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level of the queso dip to your liking.
- Fresh cilantro enhances the flavor; use more for garnish if desired.
- Ensure the oil or butter is hot enough for frying for the best crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taquito
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg
Keywords: Crispy Crab Shrimp Queso, Taquitos, Seafood Appetizer