Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos for Ultimate Crunch Recipe
These Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos deliver an irresistible crunch with a creamy, cheesy seafood filling. Featuring a blend of Monterey Jack and cream cheese mixed with succulent crab meat and shrimp, they’re perfectly seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and fresh cilantro. Fried to golden perfection and served with extra queso dip, these taquitos make an ultimate snack or appetizer for seafood lovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 10 taquitos 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood Filling
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, finely chopped
- 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
Cheese and Seasonings
- 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
Taquito Wrapping & Frying
- 10 small flour tortillas
- 1/4 cup butter or oil (for frying)
Instructions
- 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 thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated and form a creamy, flavorful filling.
- Assemble the Taquitos: Lay out a small flour tortilla and place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the seafood cheese filling in the center. Roll the tortilla tightly around the filling to form a taquito. Secure with a toothpick if necessary to prevent unrolling during cooking.
- Heat the Fat: In a skillet, heat butter or oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking. This will ensure the taquitos fry evenly to a crispy golden texture.
- Fry the Taquitos: Place the taquitos seam-side down in the hot skillet carefully. Fry each side for about 3 to 4 minutes until crisp and golden brown. Turn gently to cook evenly on all sides, achieving that perfect crunchy exterior.
- Remove and Serve: Once fried, remove taquitos from the skillet and discard the toothpicks. Place them on a serving plate, drizzle with warm queso dip for extra cheesiness, and sprinkle with fresh cilantro for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately to enjoy their ultimate crunch and flavor.
Notes
- For easier rolling, warm the tortillas slightly before assembling.
- Use fresh cooked seafood for the best flavor, or thaw thoroughly if using frozen.
- Adjust garlic powder and smoked paprika quantities to taste for milder or spicier flavors.
- Can be partially baked after frying for less oily taquitos—place on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
- Serve with additional queso dip or salsa for dipping.
Keywords: crab taquitos, shrimp taquitos, queso taquitos, crispy seafood appetizers, fried taquitos, Mexican seafood recipes
