Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Get ready to indulge in Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos—a sensational dish that combines the golden crispiness of perfectly fried tortillas with the rich, creamy seafood filling of crab, shrimp, and gooey melted cheese. Bursting with bold flavors and delightful textures, this recipe is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers and snack enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re planning a festive gathering or just want a delicious treat at home, these taquitos will steal the show every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Seafood flavor explosion: The combination of succulent crab and tender shrimp creates a rich, savory filling that shines with every bite.
• Crispy texture perfection: Golden, crunchy taquito shells provide an irresistible contrast to the creamy queso inside.
• Simple ingredients, big impact: Just a handful of fresh, quality ingredients come together effortlessly to deliver maximum flavor.
• Versatile for any occasion: These taquitos are perfect as appetizers, snacks, or even a main course at casual get-togethers.
• Make-ahead friendly: Prepare in advance, freeze, and easily reheat, making your life a lot easier when hosting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos recipe plays a vital role, contributing layers of flavor, richness, or crunchiness. From fresh seafood to tangy cheese and crisp tortillas, this simple list packs everything for a crave-worthy dish.

• Fresh crab meat: Choose lump or backfin crab for the best texture and sweet flavor.
• Cooked shrimp: Small, chopped shrimp add a nice balance of seafood taste and bite.
• Queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese: Melted cheese brings creamy richness and binds the filling perfectly.
• Corn tortillas: Use fresh, pliable tortillas that crisp beautifully when fried.
• Green chilies: Adds a mild heat and subtle smoky flavor to complement the seafood.
• Fresh cilantro: Brightens the filling with its zesty herbal notes.
• Lime juice: Adds a refreshing citrusy punch for balance and freshness.
• Spices (cumin, garlic powder, salt): Enhance the savoriness and depth of the filling.
• Vegetable oil: For frying to achieve the perfect crispy exterior.

Variations for Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Feel free to play with this recipe to suit your tastes, dietary needs, or what you have on hand. This flexibility makes Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos a fun dish to experiment with in the kitchen.

• Swap seafood: Substitute crab and shrimp with cooked lobster, scallops, or even a mix of smoked salmon and cream cheese for a gourmet twist.
• Use different cheeses: Try a blend of pepper jack for spice, or creamy goat cheese for a tangier profile.
• Add veggies: Incorporate finely diced bell peppers, corn kernels, or jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor.
• Make it spicy: Add chipotle powder or hot sauce to the filling to bring a bolder kick.
• Make it gluten-free: Use corn tortillas labelled gluten-free and fry in a dedicated oil to keep it safe.

How to Make Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood Filling

Start by finely chopping cooked shrimp and mixing it with lump crab meat in a bowl. Add diced green chilies, chopped cilantro, lime juice, spices, and shredded queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese. Mix gently until all ingredients are evenly combined, but keep the mixture slightly chunky for texture.

Step 2: Warm and Soften the Tortillas

Heat the corn tortillas briefly on a skillet or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel. This prevents cracking and makes them easier to roll tightly around the filling without breaking.

Step 3: Assemble the Taquitos

Place about 2 tablespoons of the seafood queso filling on each tortilla, then roll it up snugly. Secure with a toothpick if necessary to hold the shape during frying.

Step 4: Fry the Taquitos

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan to medium-high. Fry the taquitos in batches, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp all over, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Remove toothpicks, plate the taquitos, and top with your favorite garnishes like salsa, guacamole, or sour cream. Enjoy the perfect combination of crunchy shell and creamy, savory filling!

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

• Use fresh seafood: Fresh crab and shrimp make a noticeable difference in flavor and texture.
• Don’t overfill: Keep the filling portion controlled to avoid bursting or unrolling during frying.
• Warm tortillas well: Soft tortillas roll better and crisp evenly without cracking.
• Maintain oil temperature: Frying at the right temperature prevents soggy or greasy taquitos.
• Drain thoroughly: Use paper towels to soak up excess oil and keep taquitos crispy longer.
• Serve fresh: Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are best enjoyed right after frying to savor their crunchiness.

How to Serve Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Garnishes

Brighten your taquitos with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, crumbled queso fresco, lime wedges, or a drizzle of creamy avocado crema for an appealing burst of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair these taquitos with a tangy mango salsa, black bean salad, or a zesty cabbage slaw for a refreshing contrast that balances the rich seafood and cheese filling.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve taquitos upright in a decorative glass or jar for fun finger food at parties, or slice them into bite-sized pieces on a colorful platter with various dipping sauces for an enticing appetizer board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. For best results, re-crisp them in a skillet rather than the microwave.

Freezing

To freeze, assemble but do not fry the taquitos. Place them on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen by frying or baking for a quick seafood snack anytime.

Reheating

Reheat frozen or refrigerated taquitos in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy, avoiding sogginess and maintaining that perfect crunch.

FAQs

Can I use canned crab meat?

Yes, canned crab meat can be used in this recipe, but opt for lump crab or backfin for the best flavor and texture.

What type of cheese works best?

Queso fresco or Monterey Jack cheese melts well and complements the seafood, but feel free to experiment with mild cheeses you enjoy.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Absolutely! Baking at 425°F for 15-20 minutes can produce crispy taquitos with less oil, though frying yields the crispiest shells.

How spicy are these taquitos?

The recipe has mild heat from green chilies, but you can adjust spiciness by adding jalapeños, chipotle powder, or hot sauce based on your preference.

Can I make these vegetarian?

For a vegetarian option, substitute the crab and shrimp with seasoned beans, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted vegetables while keeping the cheesy filling intact.

Final Thoughts

Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are a delicious celebration of texture and flavor that seafood fans will adore. This recipe’s balance of creamy cheese, fresh herbs, mild heat, and golden crunch creates an unbeatable bite every time. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself to a tasty meal, these taquitos bring joy and simplicity to your table. Don’t wait—try making them today and enjoy a new favorite that’s sure to impress!

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