Crawfish & Shrimp Quesadillas from Pappasito's Cantina feature tender crawfish and succulent shrimp blended with melted cheese and spices, all grilled inside a golden, crispy tortilla for a flavorful and satisfying Tex-Mex delight.
Equipments
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs
- Large plate or platter
- Griddle or large flat pan
- Spoon or ladle
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) crawfish tails
- 8 oz (225g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 large flour tortillas
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges, for garnish
Fresh crawfish tails and medium shrimp must be peeled, deveined, and measured to ensure the right balance of seafood flavor in your quesadillas. Use a combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses for the perfect melt and authentic Tex-Mex taste. Incorporating Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat that complements the seafood without overpowering it. Flour tortillas should be large and sturdy enough to hold the filling while crisping up evenly when grilled. Your copycat Crawfish & Shrimp Quesadillas from Pappasito's Cantina will deliver a satisfying and flavorful bite when these key ingredients are prepared and combined properly.
Instructions
- Preheat skillet or sauté pan over medium heat.
- Add olive oil to the pan.
- Sauté diced onion and red bell pepper until softened.
- Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in crawfish tails and shrimp; cook until shrimp are pink and opaque.
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper; mix well.
- Remove seafood mixture from heat and set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.
- Preheat griddle or large flat pan over medium heat.
- Butter one side of each flour tortilla.
- Place one tortilla, butter-side down, on the griddle.
- Sprinkle a layer of cheese mixture over half the tortilla.
- Spoon seafood mixture evenly over cheese.
- Add chopped cilantro on top.
- Sprinkle additional cheese on seafood mixture.
- Fold tortilla over to form a half-moon shape.
- Cook until tortilla is golden and cheese is melted, flipping as needed.
- Remove quesadilla and place on a large plate or platter.
- Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
- Use chef’s knife to slice quesadillas into wedges.
- Serve warm, garnished with lime wedges.
Substitution
Crawfish & Shrimp Quesadillas from Pappasito's Cantina copycat menu can be customized by substituting crawfish with crab meat or extra shrimp if crawfish is unavailable. You can replace Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses with a blend of mozzarella and pepper jack for a milder or spicier flavor. Using corn tortillas instead of flour will offer a gluten-free alternative but may require careful handling as they are less flexible. When cooking, adjust the heat to ensure the cheese melts completely without burning the tortilla. Your choice of seasoning can be tailored with smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a different spice profile.
Tips
Make sure to saute the onions and red bell peppers until they are softened but not browned to maintain their sweetness and texture. When cooking the shrimp and crawfish, watch closely as seafood cooks quickly; overcooking will result in a rubbery texture. Buttering the tortilla evenly ensures a golden, crispy finish, so don't skip this step. Use your spatula to flip the quesadilla gently to prevent filling from spilling out, making it easier to cut and serve.
Nutritions
Crawfish & Shrimp Quesadillas provide a rich source of high-quality protein from both crawfish and shrimp, supporting muscle maintenance and repair. The combination of Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses boosts calcium and vitamin D intake, essential for bone health. Olive oil and butter contribute healthy fats that aid in nutrient absorption, while vegetables like onion and red bell pepper add antioxidants and vitamins. When you enjoy these quesadillas, you're getting a balanced blend of macronutrients and micronutrients that energize and satisfy.
Storage
Store leftover Crawfish & Shrimp Quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess. When reheating, use a skillet or griddle over medium heat to crisp the tortillas and evenly melt the cheese, preserving the original texture and flavor. Avoid microwaving directly as it may result in a chewy or soggy quesadilla.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute the crawfish with cooked lobster or crab meat for a richer seafood flavor. Swap Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses with a blend of pepper jack and mozzarella to add a spicy, creamy twist. Instead of flour tortillas, try using whole wheat or corn tortillas for a different texture and a gluten-free option. For extra flavor, brush the tortillas with garlic butter before grilling to enhance the savory aroma.
Allergies
Crawfish & Shrimp Quesadillas contain shellfish, specifically crawfish and shrimp, which are common allergens known to cause severe allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The presence of dairy from Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses can also trigger allergies or intolerances related to milk proteins or lactose. You should consult ingredient labels carefully and avoid this dish if you have shellfish or dairy allergies to prevent adverse health effects.
Why this recipe?
Pappasito's Cantina's Crawfish & Shrimp Quesadillas deliver a perfect balance of tender seafood and melted cheese, creating a rich and flavorful bite. The combination of fresh crawfish and shrimp with authentic Tex-Mex spices offers a unique taste experience that seafood lovers crave. Your homemade copycat version lets you customize the ingredients and spice level to match your personal flavor preferences. This dish stands out for its satisfying texture and bold flavors, making it a must-try for anyone wanting an elevated quesadilla experience.