Creole Steak & Shrimp Quesadillas Recipe

Savory, spicy, and downright irresistible—these Creole Steak & Shrimp Quesadillas are about to become your go-to weeknight indulgence. Juicy slices of steak and tender shrimp are tossed in bold Creole spices, nestled in a golden, crispy tortilla with melted cheese, sautéed peppers, and onions. Each bite delivers a perfect mix of smoky heat, creamy cheese, and meaty satisfaction. It’s quick to whip up, ultra-flavorful, and loaded with Southern flair—just the kind of meal that turns a regular dinner into something to remember.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast and Flavor-Packed: You’ll have these on the table in under 30 minutes, but they taste like you spent all day building layers of flavor.
• Bold and Spicy: The Creole seasoning gives a smoky, zesty kick that’s just the right amount of heat without overpowering the dish.
• Restaurant-Worthy at Home: These quesadillas are just as satisfying as anything you’d get at a trendy grill or seafood spot.
• Customizable: Whether you’re going low-carb, swapping proteins, or adding veggies, this recipe plays nice with your pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what brings these Creole Steak & Shrimp Quesadillas to life:

• Flank steak or skirt steak: These cuts stay juicy and flavorful when seared quickly—just slice thinly against the grain.
• Shrimp (peeled and deveined): Medium or large shrimp work best; they soak up all that Creole flavor and cook in minutes.
• Creole seasoning: The heart of this dish—spicy, smoky, and full of Southern charm. Use store-bought or make your own blend.
• Bell peppers (red and green): Adds a bit of sweetness and crunch to balance the spice.
• Onion: Sautéed with the peppers for depth and that irresistible fajita-style aroma.
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend): Go for bold, melty cheeses that tie everything together.
• Flour tortillas: Choose medium or large tortillas that crisp up nicely on the skillet but hold all that cheesy, meaty goodness.
• Olive oil or butter: For sautéing and crisping the quesadillas to golden perfection.
• Lime: Just a squeeze at the end brightens up the rich flavors.

Variations

Want to mix it up? You’ve got options:

• Add Heat: A dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños in the filling will crank things up.
• Seafood Swap: Use crawfish tails or scallops instead of shrimp for a Gulf Coast twist.
• Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, corn, or black beans to stretch the filling and add even more texture.
• Low-Carb Option: Skip the tortillas and turn it into a cheesy steak and shrimp skillet served over cauliflower rice or wrapped in lettuce.

How to Make Creole Steak & Shrimp Quesadillas

Step 1: Season and Cook the Steak

Slice the steak thinly against the grain. Toss with half the Creole seasoning. Heat a skillet over high heat with a bit of oil and sear the steak quickly until browned and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Shrimp

In the same skillet, add a touch more oil if needed. Toss the shrimp with the remaining Creole seasoning and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and curled. Set aside with the steak.

Step 3: Cook the Veggies

Add sliced bell peppers and onions to the skillet. Sauté until soft and slightly charred, about 5–6 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 4: Build the Quesadillas

Place a tortilla on a clean skillet or griddle over medium heat. Layer on cheese, a mix of steak and shrimp, some sautéed veggies, and more cheese. Top with another tortilla.

Step 5: Cook Until Crispy

Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing gently with a spatula, until the tortilla is golden brown and crispy and the cheese is melted. Repeat with remaining ingredients.

Step 6: Slice and Serve

Let the quesadillas rest for a minute, then slice into wedges. Serve hot with lime wedges and your favorite dipping sauces.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcrowd the Filling: Less is more—overstuffed quesadillas are harder to flip and can get soggy.
• Use Two Cheeses: A combo of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack gives the perfect melt and flavor contrast.
• Cook the Proteins Separately: Shrimp and steak cook at different rates, so it’s best to sear them in separate batches for perfect doneness.
• Let Them Rest: A minute of cooling before slicing keeps everything from oozing out too soon.

How to Serve

These quesadillas are fantastic on their own, but here’s how to take them to the next level:

Dipping Sauces:

• Cool things down with sour cream, guacamole, or a smoky chipotle mayo.
• Salsa verde or mango salsa adds a fresh, tangy element.

Side Ideas:

• Serve with a simple side salad with lime vinaigrette.
• Black beans and rice round out the meal with hearty goodness.

Party Option:

• Cut into smaller wedges and serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day snack.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover quesadilla slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They reheat beautifully and make a killer next-day lunch.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked quesadillas! Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat on a skillet over medium heat to bring back the crispiness, or pop in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving unless you don’t mind a softer texture.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp or steak?
Yes, just slice them thin and toss with the Creole seasoning before adding to the quesadilla. Be sure not to overcook when reheating in the skillet.

What kind of cheese melts best for quesadillas?
A blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack is ideal. If you want something spicier, try pepper jack. Avoid hard cheeses that don’t melt easily.

Can I make these in the oven instead of a skillet?
Absolutely! Assemble the quesadillas on a baking sheet, then bake at 425°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for an evenly crispy finish.

Is there a dairy-free version?
Yes! Use your favorite plant-based cheese and a touch of oil instead of butter. Make sure your tortillas are dairy-free as well.

Final Thoughts

These Creole Steak & Shrimp Quesadillas are a game-changer for anyone craving something bold, cheesy, and packed with personality. They come together quickly, taste phenomenal, and feel like a restaurant meal without the price tag. Don’t wait—grab your skillet, turn up the heat, and treat yourself to this mouthwatering Southern twist on a classic quesadilla.

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