The Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe is a delightful twist on classic taquitos that brings together the rich flavors of fresh crab meat, tender shrimp, and creamy queso cheese wrapped in a crispy tortilla. This dish is a fantastic way to impress friends or family with something both flavorful and fun to eat. With its perfectly balanced seasoning and irresistible texture, these taquitos quickly become a go-to snack or appetizer that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is both simple and essential for making the Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe stand out. Each element plays a crucial role, from the succulent seafood to the melty queso cheese, ensuring the final bites are bursting with flavor, the perfect creaminess, and that golden crisp you crave.
- 1 cup crab meat: Fresh or canned, this adds a sweet, delicate seafood flavor that’s the star of the dish.
- 1 cup shrimp, cooked and chopped: Provides a tender texture and slightly briny taste that complements the crab beautifully.
- 1 cup queso cheese: Melts into a smooth, creamy filling that binds everything together with its signature tang.
- 8 small tortillas: These are your crispy, golden wraps that hold all those delicious fillings inside.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Brushing the taquitos helps achieve that irresistible golden brown crust when baked.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth and a gentle kick to the seafood mixture.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances overall flavor with a subtle sweetness and warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that bring out the best in every ingredient.
How to Make Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Filling
First things first, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). While it warms up, combine the crab meat, chopped cooked shrimp, queso cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. This mixture is the heart of your Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe, so make sure the flavors are evenly blended to achieve that perfect seafood-cheese harmony.
Step 2: Fill and Roll the Taquitos
Now comes the fun part. Take each small tortilla and spoon a generous amount of the filling onto it. Roll the tortilla tightly around the mixture to ensure it stays intact during baking. This tight roll is key to a crisp exterior with a melty, delicious inside.
Step 3: Prepare for Baking
Lay the rolled taquitos on a baking sheet, seam side down. Brush each one lightly with olive oil—this little step guarantees that beautiful golden color and crisp texture everyone loves about taquitos in the Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake the taquitos in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they turn a perfect golden brown without burning. When done, the exterior should be crispy and the cheese inside delightfully gooey.
How to Serve Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes elevates the dish instantly. Try a sprinkle of chopped cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, or a dusting of smoked paprika to brighten flavors and add a pop of color. A dollop of sour cream or guacamole alongside pairs perfectly for dipping and layering texture.
Side Dishes
Serve these taquitos with a simple side salad of mixed greens tossed with a tangy vinaigrette or a refreshing pico de gallo. For a heartier meal, black beans or Mexican street corn bring great contrast and complement the seafood richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to wow your guests? Arrange the taquitos on a wooden platter lined with banana leaf or parchment paper for an authentic touch. For a party, serve mini taquitos as finger foods with individual dipping cups. You can even slice a few and layer them like a dip in a shallow dish for an interactive appetizer experience!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers from your Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe feast, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They will keep well for up to 3 days, maintaining that crispy exterior if reheated properly.
Freezing
Want to prep in advance? You can freeze the rolled taquitos before baking. Lay them on a tray, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 2 months and make a quick seafood snack straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To retain maximum crispness, reheat leftover or frozen taquitos in an oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. About 10 minutes at 375 degrees Fahrenheit should warm them through and bring back that golden crunch that makes the Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe so delicious.
FAQs
Can I use fresh seafood instead of canned or pre-cooked?
Absolutely! Fresh crab meat and shrimp will make your taquitos even more flavorful, but make sure the shrimp is cooked before adding it to the mixture to ensure food safety and delicious texture.
What kind of queso cheese works best?
A good-quality, melting queso blanco or even Monterey Jack works wonderfully. The key is a cheese that melts smoothly to bind the filling without overpowering the delicate seafood flavors.
Can I fry the taquitos instead of baking?
Yes, frying is a classic method for taquitos and will give a slightly different texture—extra crispy and delicious. Just heat oil in a pan and fry the rolled taquitos until golden brown, then drain on paper towels.
Are these taquitos spicy?
This Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe is mild by default but feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños into the filling for a little heat twist.
How do I prevent the tortillas from cracking when rolling?
Warm your tortillas slightly before filling them. You can heat them in a dry skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp towel. This step makes them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
Final Thoughts
I truly believe that once you whip up this Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe, it will become a fast favorite in your culinary repertoire. It’s approachable, packed with flavor, and perfect for sharing on casual nights or special occasions. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and dive into this seafood-inspired treat that’s guaranteed to brighten any meal and bring lots of smiles to the table.
Print
Flaky Honey Biscuits Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 taquitos per serving)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
These Crab Shrimp Queso Taquitos are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack featuring a savory blend of crab meat, chopped shrimp, and creamy queso cheese wrapped in crispy baked tortillas. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these taquitos deliver a delightful combination of seafood flavors and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
Seafood Filling
- 1 cup crab meat
- 1 cup shrimp, cooked and chopped
- 1 cup queso cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Taquitos
- 8 small tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the taquitos to a crispy golden brown.
- Prepare the filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the crab meat, cooked and chopped shrimp, queso cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fill the tortillas: Spoon a small amount of the seafood and cheese mixture onto each tortilla, distributing evenly to ensure each taquito has a balanced filling.
- Roll the taquitos: Carefully roll each tortilla tightly around the filling to prevent the mixture from spilling out during baking.
- Brush with olive oil: Lightly brush each rolled taquito with olive oil to help them crisp up nicely in the oven and develop a golden color.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Place the prepared taquitos seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased to avoid sticking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the taquitos are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.
Notes
- Make sure to use small tortillas for easy rolling and baking.
- For extra crispiness, you can flip the taquitos halfway through baking.
- If desired, substitute queso cheese with shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best results.
