Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Highlighted under: Taste the World Recipes

Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are a delightful blend of seafood and cheesy goodness, perfect for a party appetizer or a fun weeknight dinner.

Anna

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2025-12-05T17:50:21.232Z

These taquitos are a fusion of flavors that will impress your guests and leave them craving more. Combining the sweetness of crab and shrimp with creamy queso, they are deep-fried to perfection for a crispy finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy exterior that gives way to a flavorful filling
  • A perfect blend of crab and shrimp for seafood lovers
  • Quick to prepare and perfect for entertaining

Delicious Flavor Combination

Crispy Crab and Shrimp Queso Taquitos are a delightful fusion of the ocean's finest flavors. The combination of delicate crab meat and succulent shrimp creates a mouthwatering filling that seafood lovers will adore. When mixed with creamy queso cheese, the result is an indulgent treat that tantalizes the taste buds. Each bite provides a symphony of textures, from the crispy exterior to the soft, flavorful filling inside.

The addition of green onions, garlic powder, and chili powder enhances the overall flavor profile, making these taquitos not just a meal but a culinary experience. The use of spices adds a slight kick, while the creamy cheese balances it all out, ensuring that every taquito is bursting with flavor.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply looking for a fun weeknight dinner, these crispy taquitos are the ideal choice. They can be easily prepared in advance, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of your guests and less time in the kitchen. The finger-food format makes them perfect for casual gatherings, while their gourmet taste elevates any event.

Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, such as sour cream or salsa, and watch as they disappear within minutes. Their versatility means they can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even a late-night snack.

Cooking Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect crispy texture, ensure that your oil is hot enough before frying the taquitos. A temperature of about 350°F (175°C) is ideal for creating that golden-brown crust. Frying in batches helps prevent overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy taquitos.

If you're looking for a lighter version, consider baking the taquitos instead. Simply brush them with a little oil and place them in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) until they're crispy, usually around 15-20 minutes. This way, you can enjoy the deliciousness with a bit less guilt!

Ingredients

For the Taquitos

  • 1 cup crab meat, cooked and shredded
  • 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup queso cheese, shredded
  • 8 small corn tortillas
  • 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

For Serving

  • Sour cream
  • Salsa
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped

Make sure to have all your ingredients prepped before starting for a smoother cooking process.

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, shrimp, queso cheese, green onions, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Assemble the Taquitos

Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Fry the Taquitos

In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the taquitos in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Serve

Remove toothpicks if used. Serve the taquitos hot with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your deliciously crispy taquitos as a snack or a main dish!

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover taquitos, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep them crispy, it's best to reheat them in an oven rather than a microwave. Simply place them on a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.

For longer storage, you can freeze the taquitos before frying. Place the assembled taquitos on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When you're ready to enjoy them, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

Customizing Your Taquitos

Feel free to get creative with the filling! You can add other ingredients such as diced bell peppers, corn, or jalapeños for an extra kick. If you're not a fan of crab or shrimp, try substituting them with chicken or vegetables for a different flavor profile.

Experimenting with different cheeses can also change the taste dramatically. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack cheese can add their unique flair while still complementing the seafood. The possibilities are endless, making these taquitos a versatile dish for anyone's palate.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and drain them well before using.

→ What can I substitute for crab meat?

You can use imitation crab or skip it entirely for a shrimp-only version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can these be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the filling and assemble the taquitos in advance. Just fry them right before serving.

Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are a delightful blend of seafood and cheesy goodness, perfect for a party appetizer or a fun weeknight dinner.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Anna

Recipe Type: Taste the World Recipes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

For the Taquitos

  1. 1 cup crab meat, cooked and shredded
  2. 1 cup shrimp, peeled and deveined
  3. 1 cup queso cheese, shredded
  4. 8 small corn tortillas
  5. 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
  6. 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  7. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  8. Salt and pepper to taste
  9. Oil for frying

For Serving

  1. Sour cream
  2. Salsa
  3. Fresh cilantro, chopped

How-To Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine the crab meat, shrimp, queso cheese, green onions, garlic powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 02

Warm the corn tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in each tortilla. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick if necessary.

Step 03

In a deep skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Fry the taquitos in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

Step 04

Remove toothpicks if used. Serve the taquitos hot with sour cream, salsa, and fresh cilantro.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Total Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Dietary Fiber: 4g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 20g