Pan-Seared Shrimp with Spiced Quesadilla Wraps

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent pan-seared shrimp nestled inside warm, spiced quesadilla wraps for a quick and satisfying meal. This mexican-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, ground cumin for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mexican cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, toss 12 large shrimp with 1 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until evenly coated.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: Lay 1 flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Evenly sprinkle 1/2 cup shredded cheddar, 1/4 cup diced green onions, and 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper over half the tortilla. Arrange half the cooked shrimp on top, then fold the tortilla in half.
  4. Step 4: Heat the same skillet over medium heat and place the folded quesadilla inside. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until the tortilla is golden brown and the cheese has melted.
  5. Step 5: Repeat step 3 and 4 for the second tortilla with remaining ingredients. Serve each quesadilla quartered with 1/4 cup sour cream and lime wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Shrimp with Spiced Quesadilla Wraps take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Shrimp with Spiced Quesadilla Wraps?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Shrimp with Spiced Quesadilla Wraps?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Shrimp with Spiced Quesadilla Wraps for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Shrimp with Spiced Quesadilla Wraps?

Mexican seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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