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.
Make Ahead Options
These Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can prepare the filling by mixing the crab meat, shrimp, queso cheese, cream cheese, cilantro, and seasonings up to 24 hours in advance. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep everything fresh. You can also roll the taquitos and keep them assembled in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, just heat oil in a pan and fry for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden. With this prep-ahead approach, you’ll have a delightful homemade snack ready to impress without the last-minute rush!
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!
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
What type of crab meat is best for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using lump crab meat is ideal for these Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos as it offers the best flavor and texture. However, if lump crab is not available, you can use claw meat, which is a more affordable option with a slightly stronger flavor. Just make sure it’s fresh or canned in water, not brine, to avoid excess saltiness.
How should I store leftover taquitos?
To keep your taquitos fresh, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring they regain their delightful crispy texture.
Can I freeze my taquitos for later?
Definitely! To freeze your Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos, first arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing. This way, they can be stored for up to 2 months.
What if my taquitos are soggy after frying?
If your taquitos turn out soggy, it may be due to the oil not being hot enough during frying or overfilling them with filling. To troubleshoot, make sure to heat your oil to about 350°F (175°C) before frying and be cautious not to overpack the tortillas. If you prefer an extra crispy texture, consider double frying them to achieve that perfect crunch!
Are these taquitos suitable for anyone with seafood allergies?
Unfortunately, these Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are not suitable for individuals with seafood allergies. If you’re looking for an alternative that is allergy-friendly, consider substituting the seafood with a mixture of black beans, corn, and bell peppers. This variation maintains a delicious flavor while being safe for those with seafood sensitivities.
How do I make sure the tortillas don’t crack when rolling?
To prevent your corn tortillas from cracking while rolling, I recommend warming them slightly before filling. You can either briefly heat them in a dry skillet for about 15-30 seconds on each side or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave them for about 30 seconds. This softens the tortillas, making them more pliable and easier to roll without breaking.
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.
- Carefully place the taquitos in the hot oil, frying them for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until 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 for dipping.
