There’s something irresistibly satisfying about crispy taquitos, especially when they’re filled with the delicious combination of crab and shrimp. Just the thought of biting into a warm, golden shell reveals a creamy, cheesy center is enough to make my mouth water. I first discovered this gem while experimenting with seafood leftovers after a fun beach day, and it quickly became a favorite in my household.
Whether you’re hosting friends for a casual get-together or simply craving something beyond the usual fast food routine, these Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are sure to impress. They’re easy to whip up, packed with flavor, and offer a delightful crunch in every bite. Plus, they’re a fantastic way to elevate your snacking game! Join me in making these delectable taquitos that are perfect for any occasion, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “delicious.”
Why You'll Love This Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos
- These Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade snacks without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The unique combination of crab and shrimp provides an unforgettable flavor that will have everyone coming back for more.
- Their crispy texture and creamy filling create a delightful contrast that will impress your taste buds and your guests alike.
- These taquitos are incredibly versatile and can be paired with your favorite salsas or guacamole for a truly customizable experience that suits any palate.
- The visual appeal of golden-brown taquitos on a platter makes them an eye-catching appetizer, perfect for gatherings or casual family meals.
Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make these delicious taquitos that are packed with flavor!
For the Taquitos
- Corn tortillas – a must for that classic crispy texture.
- Crab meat – brings a touch of ocean-fresh flavor to your taquitos.
- Shrimp – peeled and deveined for convenience and quick prep.
- Queso cheese – perfect for that melty, gooey goodness.
- Cream cheese – adds richness and creaminess to the filling.
- Fresh cilantro – chopped for a burst of freshness and color.
For the Seasoning
- Garlic powder – enhances the savory elements of your filling.
- Onion powder – offers depth and a hint of sweetness.
- Cayenne pepper – just a pinch for a little kick that elevates the flavors!
For Frying
- Oil for frying – choose a neutral oil like canola or vegetable for best results.
With these ingredients ready, you’re just moments away from savoring the flavorful experience of Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos!
How to Make Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos
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Combine the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, shrimp, queso cheese, cream cheese, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
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Heat the Oil: In a frying pan, pour enough oil to cover the bottom, heating it over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. You’ll know it’s ready when a small drop of filling sizzles upon contact.
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Prepare the Taquitos: Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the crab and shrimp mixture onto each corn tortilla. Roll tightly, tucking the filling in as you go. Secure with a toothpick if needed to keep them from unrolling.
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Fry Until Golden: Carefully place the taquitos in the hot oil, frying them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and are crispy.
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Drain Excess Oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the taquitos and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will keep them crispy and delicious.
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Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the taquitos to a serving platter and pair them with your favorite salsa or guacamole for dipping.
Optional: Garnish with additional chopped cilantro for a fresh touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos
Fridge: Store leftover taquitos in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: Freeze un-fried taquitos by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag, where they’ll keep for up to 2 months.
Reheating: For best results, reheat frozen taquitos directly in the oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy. Fried leftovers can also be reheated in a skillet to restore their crunch.
Serving Tip: Pair reheated taquitos with fresh salsa or guacamole for a delightful snack or meal!
What to Serve with Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos?
Looking to create a mouthwatering spread alongside your crispy taquitos? Let’s make it memorable!
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Fresh Guacamole: This creamy dip adds a rich, buttery touch that complements the crunchy texture of the taquitos. It’s a classic pairing that enhances every bite!
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Zesty Salsa Verde: The vibrant flavors and slight tang of salsa verde brighten the palate, enhancing the seafood taste while balancing the richness of the filling.
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Crisp Mexican Street Corn Salad: The sweetness and crunch of corn mixed with lime and cilantro add a fresh burst, perfectly offsetting the savory taquitos.
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Savory Mexican Rice: A side of fluffy, seasoned rice brings another layer of texture and flavor, making your meal both satisfying and delicious.
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Fragrant Cilantro Lime Quinoa: Nutty quinoa with a hint of citrus provides a healthy option that pairs beautifully, offering a lighter contrast to the fried taquitos.
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Cooling Cucumber Salad: This refreshing salad cuts through the richness of the cheese and seafood, adding a crisp texture that’s wonderfully hydrating.
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Chilled Horchata: A sweet, cinnamon-spiced drink balances the savory flavors, making it a delightful accompaniment that guests won’t forget.
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Chocolate Dipped Churros: For dessert, these warm, crispy treats dusted in cinnamon sugar are the ultimate sweet finish to your taquito feast!
Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos Variations
Feel free to personalize your taquitos with these exciting twists that will tantalize your taste buds and elevate your dish!
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Dairy-Free: Substitute queso and cream cheese with cashew cream or dairy-free cheese for a creamy texture without the lactose.
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Spicy Kick: Add chopped jalapeños or serrano peppers into the filling for an added layer of heat and flavor! Spice lovers will rejoice with each crispy bite.
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Veggie-Packed: Include finely diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for a burst of color and flavor while making it more filling and nutritious.
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Baked Option: Instead of frying, brush the taquitos with olive oil and bake them at 400°F for about 20 minutes until crispy. A healthier choice without sacrificing taste!
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Herb Escape: Swap cilantro for fresh dill or parsley for a different flavor profile that still brings freshness to your filling.
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Seafood Twist: Challenge the norm by mixing in some lobster or scallops along with the crab and shrimp for a luxurious seafood experience.
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Flavor Explosion: Try adding a tablespoon of taco seasoning or smoked paprika to the filling for an even deeper, smoky flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with the seafood.
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Sweet Delight: For an unexpected twist, add a touch of honey or agave to the filling for sweet-spicy harmony that will surprise and delight your palate!
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are a fantastic choice for meal prep, making your busy weeknights a breeze! You can prepare the filling up to 24 hours in advance by combining the crab meat, shrimp, queso cheese, cream cheese, and seasonings, then refrigerating it in an airtight container. Just before serving, fill your corn tortillas and fry them as directed for that delightful crispiness. Alternatively, you can assemble the taquitos and freeze them for up to 3 months; just fry them from frozen, adding a minute to the cooking time. This way, you can have homemade comfort food ready to enjoy whenever cravings strike!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- When making Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos, ensure your filling is well combined for even distribution of flavors.
- To avoid soggy tortillas, make sure to heat them slightly before adding the filling to make them more pliable.
- When frying, maintain the oil temperature around 350°F for optimal crispiness without burning the taquitos.
- Always drain the taquitos on paper towels immediately after frying to keep them crunchy and remove excess oil.
Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe ingredients for my taquitos?
Absolutely! For the best flavor, select fresh crab meat that smells mildly of the sea, not fishy. When it comes to shrimp, look for firm, moist, and translucent pieces. If you’re using cilantro, pick bright green leaves without yellowing; the fresher, the better!
What’s the best way to store leftover taquitos?
Very! Store any leftover Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure they’re completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture from making them soggy.
Can I freeze taquitos, and how?
Yes, indeed! To freeze un-fried taquitos, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze for about 1 hour until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, you can fry them straight from the freezer without defrosting, just adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.
What should I do if my taquitos aren’t crispy?
Oh no! If your taquitos turn out soggy, make sure the oil temperature stays around 350°F during frying. Cool them on paper towels immediately after frying. If they still lack crunch, try frying them a little longer or reheating them in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to restore that lovely crispiness.
Are these taquitos safe for children and people with allergies?
Of course! However, be mindful of seafood allergies. Always check with your guests about seafood preferences before serving. For children, feel free to omit the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor. You can also make a vegetarian version by using a variety of cheeses and veggies instead of crab and shrimp!
How can I reheat leftover taquitos properly?
Absolutely! To reheat leftover taquitos while keeping them crispy, place them in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, you can pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes. Enjoy the crunch!
Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the crab meat, shrimp, queso cheese, cream cheese, chopped cilantro, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Stir until everything is well mixed and creamy.
- In a frying pan, pour enough oil to cover the bottom, heating it over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F.
- Spoon approximately 2 tablespoons of the crab and shrimp mixture onto each corn tortilla. Roll tightly, tucking the filling in as you go. Secure with a toothpick if needed.
- Carefully place the taquitos in the hot oil, frying them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Using a slotted spoon, remove the taquitos and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Transfer the taquitos to a serving platter and pair them with your favorite salsa or guacamole.
