Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos for Ultimate Crunch Recipe

Introduction

These Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos deliver the ultimate crunch with a rich, cheesy seafood filling. Perfect as a snack or appetizer, they combine creamy queso and fresh cilantro for a burst of flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

• 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 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 10 small flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup butter or oil for frying

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix together the chopped shrimp, shredded crab meat, Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, and queso dip. Add the chopped cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, stirring until well combined.
2. Step 2: Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each flour tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if needed to hold the taquitos together.
3. Step 3: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. When hot, carefully place the taquitos seam-side down in the skillet.
4. Step 4: Fry the taquitos for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
5. Step 5: Remove the toothpicks and transfer the taquitos to a plate. Drizzle warm queso over the top and garnish with fresh cilantro before serving hot.

Tips & Variations

• Substitute the flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, but warm them first to prevent cracking.
• For extra heat, use a spicy queso dip or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Try baking the taquitos at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes for a lighter version with less oil.
• Swap the seafood for shredded chicken for a different protein twist.

Storage

Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in a skillet or oven to keep them crispy, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these taquitos ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble them and keep them covered in the fridge for a few hours before frying. For best texture, fry or bake them just before serving.

What dipping sauces go well with crab and shrimp taquitos?

Besides queso dip, creamy avocado sauce, chipotle mayo, or a fresh salsa are great options to complement the flavors.

Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos for Ultimate Crunch Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 107 reviews

These Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos offer the perfect combination of succulent seafood, creamy cheeses, and bold spices wrapped in a golden, crunchy tortilla. Filled with cooked shrimp, crab meat, Monterey Jack, cream cheese, and queso dip, these taquitos are pan-fried to perfection and topped with fresh cilantro and warm queso for the ultimate flavorful crunch. Ideal as an appetizer or a party snack, they deliver a delightful seafood twist on classic taquitos.

• Author: Joe
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Filling

• 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 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

Taquitos

• 10 small flour tortillas
• 1/4 cup butter or oil for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling: In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped cooked shrimp, shredded crab meat, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, softened cream cheese, and queso dip. Add the chopped fresh cilantro, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined, creating a flavorful seafood filling.
2. Assemble the Taquitos: Take a small flour tortilla and spoon 2 to 3 tablespoons of the prepared filling into the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form the taquito. Secure with a toothpick if necessary to hold the roll together during cooking.
3. Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium heat and add the butter or oil. Allow it to heat until hot and shimmering but not smoking, ensuring it’s ideal for frying the taquitos to achieve a crispy texture.
4. Fry the Taquitos: Carefully place the rolled taquitos seam-side down in the hot skillet to seal them. Fry each taquito for approximately 3 to 4 minutes on each side, turning gently to brown all sides evenly until golden and crispy.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the taquitos from the skillet and take out any toothpicks. Arrange the crispy taquitos on a serving plate, drizzle warm queso dip over them for added cheesiness, and garnish with additional fresh cilantro. Serve immediately while hot for the best crunch and flavor.

Notes

• Ensure the cream cheese is softened to blend easily with other filling ingredients.
• Use small flour tortillas to achieve the perfect taquito size for easy frying and serving.
• Frying time may vary slightly depending on stove heat and skillet type; adjust accordingly to avoid burning.
• For a spicier kick, choose a spicy queso dip or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling.
• Remove toothpicks before serving to prevent choking hazards.
• Leftover taquitos can be reheated in a skillet or air fryer to retain crispiness.

Keywords: crab taquitos, shrimp taquitos, seafood appetizers, crispy taquitos, queso taquitos, party snacks