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Steak & Shrimp Quesadilla

This easy and delicious Steak & Shrimp Quesadilla is perfect for weeknight dinners, combining tender steak, juicy shrimp, and melted cheese wrapped in crispy tortillas.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Snack
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 8 oz flank steak or skirt steak, thinly sliced against the grain
  • 8 oz shrimp, peeled and deveined (medium, tails removed)
  • 4 large flour tortillas (8–10-inch) can swap for whole wheat or gluten-free if needed
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (Mexican blend, cheddar, or Monterey Jack)
  • 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional — for a little heat)
  • to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for serving
Optional Additions
  • Sliced jalapeño for heat
  • Black beans or corn for extra bulk
  • Lime crema (mix sour cream with lime juice and a pinch of salt)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat steak and shrimp dry. Toss steak slices with 1 tbsp olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Let marinate 10–15 minutes while you prep veggies.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté sliced onion and bell pepper for 4–5 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more. Remove veggies to a plate.
Cooking
  1. In the same hot skillet, cook steak slices for 2–3 minutes per side (depending on thickness) for medium-rare to medium. Remove and let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinner if needed.
  2. Quickly cook shrimp in the skillet for 2–3 minutes, turning once, until pink and opaque. Squeeze lime over shrimp and season with a little salt. Remove shrimp. (Do not overcook — shrimp cook very fast.)
  3. Combine steak, shrimp, and sautéed veggies in a bowl. Stir in chopped cilantro and adjust seasoning. Taste and add more lime, salt, or spice if needed.
Assembly
  1. Wipe skillet clean and lower heat to medium. Place one tortilla in skillet. Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese over half the tortilla, add a generous portion of the steak & shrimp mixture, then top with more cheese. Fold the tortilla over to close.
  2. Cook quesadilla 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until golden brown and cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
  3. Let each quesadilla rest 1–2 minutes after cooking, then slice into wedges. Serve warm with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole.

Notes

For healthy swaps, use low-carb tortillas or large grilled romaine leaves as wraps. For gluten-free, swap for certified gluten-free tortillas.