Description
A delicious and crispy appetizer combining lump crab meat, chopped shrimp, and a creamy queso blend inside a golden tortilla shell. Perfect for entertaining or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup lump crab meat, picked over for shells
- 1 cup medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 to 10 small flour tortillas (6-inch diameter)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
- Avocado oil or vegetable oil for frying or brushing
- Optional: Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, sour cream, or chipotle mayo for serving
Instructions
- Pat the chopped shrimp and lump crab meat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, Monterey Jack, and Pepper Jack cheeses. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; mix until evenly distributed.
- Gently fold the dried crab meat and chopped shrimp into the cheese mixture until thick and cohesive.
- Warm tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for 15-20 seconds per side until pliable. Keep covered with a towel to maintain softness.
- Place a warm tortilla on a clean surface. Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of filling onto the center, leaving a 1-inch border. Roll tightly from the bottom up.
- Brush the top and sides of each rolled taquito with the egg wash to seal the edges.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place taquitos seam-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brush lightly with oil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Alternatively, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, or deep fry in oil at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauces like chipotle mayo or avocado crema.
Notes
Ensure seafood is completely dry to prevent soggy taquitos. Warm tortillas thoroughly to prevent cracking. Can be frozen before cooking; add 2-3 minutes to cooking time if baking from frozen.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2-3 taquitos per ser
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 450
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 25
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 20
Keywords: crab shrimp taquitos, queso taquitos, seafood appetizer, crispy taquitos, party food, easy appetizer, crab recipe, shrimp recipe