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Easy Qdoba Shrimp Quesadilla Recipe

Qdoba Shrimp Quesadilla Recipe

Joe Williams
Before we dive into the mouthwatering experience of the QDOBA shrimp quesadilla, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it. Pairing can elevate any meal, and the shrimp quesadilla is no exception.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 731 kcal

Equipment

  • Skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 1 teaspoon avocado oil or as needed
  • 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 6 large whole wheat tortillas
  • 1 medium onion thinly sliced
  • 1 fresh jalapeño pepper finely chopped and seeds removed
  • 1 lime freshly squeezed for juice
  • 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes

Instructions
 

  • Let’s break this down into simple steps so we can easily get to the good part: eating!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  • Start by gathering everything you’ll need. Chop the bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño. Don’t forget to rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry. Keeping everything prepped makes the cooking process much smoother.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  • In a skillet, heat the avocado oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender. Toss in the jalapeño for an extra kick about halfway through.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

  • Next up, move those sautéed veggies to the side. In the same skillet, add the shrimp. Drizzle olive oil over them, and sprinkle with sea salt, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili flakes. Cook for approximately 3-4 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and curl up. Don’t forget to squeeze in some lime juice!

Step 4: Assemble the Quesadillas

  • Now comes the fun part. Take a tortilla and spread some of the shrimp and veggie mixture on one half. Top with a generous handful of Oaxaca cheese, then fold the tortilla over. Repeat with the remaining ingredients.

Step 5: Cook the Quesadillas

  • In the same skillet, add a little more oil if necessary. Place the folded quesadilla in the skillet. Cook on each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted. You can press down slightly for even cooking!

Step 6: Slice and Serve

  • Once golden, transfer the quesadillas to a cutting board and slice them into triangles. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

  • Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp make all the difference in flavor. If using frozen, make sure to thoroughly thaw them in advance.
  • Experiment with Cheeses: Oaxaca is excellent, but feel free to use a mixture of cheeses like cheddar or pepper jack for different flavors.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you’re making multiple quesadillas, work in batches. Overcrowding can cause them to steam rather than crisp up.
  • Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and chili flakes to suit your heat preference. Your taste buds will thank you!
  • Add Extra Fillings: Feel free to sneak in other ingredients such as black beans, diced tomatoes, or corn for added texture and taste.

Nutrition

Serving: 332gCalories: 731kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 47gFat: 45.3gCholesterol: 231mgSodium: 2142mgFiber: 7gSugar: 4g
Keyword Qdoba Shrimp Quesadilla Recipe
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