Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos: Mouthwatering Mexican Bites

Ever found yourself craving something crunchy, cheesy, and packed with seafood flavors but didn’t know what to make? I’ve been there too! These Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos are the answer to your mealtime dilemmas golden-brown, perfectly crisp shells wrapped around a luxurious blend of succulent crab, tender shrimp, and gooey cheese.

Hi, I’m Michael, the heart behind FoodyDish! As someone who’s spent countless hours perfecting Mexican-inspired appetizers, I can promise you these taquitos deliver an explosion of flavors that will transport you straight to coastal Mexico. The combination of sweet crab meat, juicy shrimp, and melted queso creates a harmony that’s simply irresistible.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the freshest seafood, the perfect cheese blend for that stretchy pull, and the technique for achieving that signature crispy exterior. We’ll cover everything from prep to presentation, plus creative variations to suit any occasion.

Why These Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos Work

These Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos have become a fan favorite in my home kitchen for good reason:

• Uses accessible seafood options that won’t break the bank
• Can be prepped ahead and fried just before serving
• Perfect for everything from casual gatherings to upscale appetizers
• Balances rich seafood flavors with creamy cheese and crispy texture
• Takes just 30 minutes from start to finish

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Best Seafood Options for Taquitos

For the crab meat, lump crab offers chunks of sweet meat that stand out in every bite, though claw meat works well for a more budget-friendly option. When selecting shrimp, medium-sized (41-50 count) work perfectly they’re small enough to dice evenly but large enough to provide substantial texture.

Buying Tips

Look for shrimp that smells fresh and briny, never fishy or ammonia-like. For convenience, quality frozen shrimp works great. With crab, pasteurized canned lump crab is a practical option, but fresh is always superior if available. Ensure packages feel cold and have no excess liquid.

Substitutions

If you’re in a pinch, imitation crab (surimi) can substitute for real crab meat. For a different twist, cooked lobster meat makes an excellent luxury replacement. Not a seafood fan? Shredded rotisserie chicken creates a completely different but equally delicious taquito.

Ingredients & Prep for Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Seafood Prep Essentials

Before diving into assembly, properly prepare your seafood:

• Thaw shrimp completely if frozen, then peel, devein, and pat dry
• Drain canned crab thoroughly and pick through for shell fragments
• Chop shrimp into small, even pieces for consistent filling

Flavorful Fillings

Your taquito filling needs these key components:

• 8 oz lump crab meat, drained well
• 8 oz medium shrimp, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup Mexican cheese blend (or equal parts Monterey Jack and cheddar)
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1 jalapeño, seeds removed and finely diced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp ground cumin

Pantry Staples

Complete your taquito-making station with:

• 12-16 corn tortillas (6-inch size works best)
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Kosher salt for seasoning
• Toothpicks for securing taquitos

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Pre-Cooking Prep for Shrimp Taquitos

1. In a non-stick skillet over medium heat, cook chopped shrimp for 2-3 minutes until just pink
2. Transfer cooked shrimp to a mixing bowl and let cool for 5 minutes
3. Combine with crab meat, cheeses, and all seasonings, mixing gently to avoid breaking up the crab too much
4. Warm tortillas by wrapping stacks of 4-5 in damp paper towels and microwaving for 30 seconds, or heating individually on a dry skillet

Cooking Method for Seafood Taquitos

1. Place 2-3 tablespoons of filling on the lower third of each warm tortilla
2. Roll tightly and secure with a toothpick
3. Heat ½ inch of oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F
4. Working in batches of 3-4, fry taquitos seam-side down first for 2-3 minutes
5. Use tongs to carefully rotate until all sides are golden brown and crispy (about 4-5 minutes total)

Doneness Check for Perfect Taquitos

The ideal taquito should be uniformly golden brown with a satisfying crunch when tapped with tongs. The filling should be hot throughout, with cheese fully melted and gooey.

Resting Your Taquitos

1. Transfer fried taquitos to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil
2. Remove toothpicks while still warm
3. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to allow filling to set slightly and prevent mouth burns

Pro Tips for Perfect Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Avoiding Soggy Taquitos

• Ensure all seafood is well-drained before mixing into filling
• Don’t overstuff your tortillas about 2-3 tablespoons of filling is perfect
• Maintain oil temperature between 350-375°F for optimal crispiness
• Fry in small batches to prevent oil temperature from dropping too much

Tool Recommendations

• Candy/deep fry thermometer for precise oil temperature
• Long metal tongs for safe turning
• Heavy-bottomed Dutch oven or cast iron skillet for even heat distribution
• Wire rack placed over a baking sheet for draining (superior to paper towels)

Storage & Reheating

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
• Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes until crispy again (avoid microwave reheating)
• Freeze uncooked filled and rolled taquitos for up to 1 month, then fry directly from frozen

Looking for more delicious recipe ideas? Check out my collection on Pinterest for endless inspiration that will make your mouth water!

Flavor Variations for Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Spicy Seafood Taquitos

Kick up the heat by adding:

• 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons of minced chipotles in adobo
• A dash of hot sauce in the filling mixture

Herb-Forward Taquitos

Create a fresh, aromatic profile with:

• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon fresh chives

Global Flavor Fusion

Serving Suggestions for Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

These taquitos shine when served with the right accompaniments:

• Classic pairings: guacamole, pico de gallo, Mexican crema, or salsa verde
• Fresh sides: cilantro-lime slaw or a simple mixed green salad with citrus vinaigrette
• For a complete meal: serve alongside cilantro-lime rice and black beans
• Garnish with thinly sliced radishes, jalapeños, or pickled red onions for color and crunch

FAQs About Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos

Can I bake these taquitos instead of frying?

Yes! While frying delivers the crispiest results, you can brush the rolled taquitos with oil and bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through. They won’t be quite as crunchy but still delicious.

Can I make these ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely. Prepare the filling and roll the taquitos up to 24 hours in advance, keeping them covered with a damp paper towel in the refrigerator. Fry just before serving for best results.

How do I keep the corn tortillas from cracking?

The key is properly warming the tortillas before rolling. If they’re still cracking, try dipping each tortilla very quickly in hot oil before filling (just 2-3 seconds), or use slightly thicker tortillas.

Can I air fry these taquitos?

Yes! Spray with cooking oil and air fry at 400°F for 7-9 minutes, turning halfway, for a healthier alternative with similar crispiness.

Conclusion

These Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos bring together the best of seafood and Mexican cuisine in one irresistible bite. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the rich, creamy seafood filling makes these taquitos a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, planning a festive dinner party, or simply treating yourself to something special, these taquitos deliver restaurant-quality flavor with home-cooked love. The combination of sweet crab, tender shrimp, and melty cheese creates something truly magical.

Now it’s your turn to bring these delightful appetizers to life in your kitchen! Tag @foodydish in your creations I’d love to see how your taquitos turn out!

Crispy Crab And Shrimp Queso Taquitos: Mouthwatering Mexican Bites

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Yield: 8 taquitos 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden taquitos filled with a creamy crab and shrimp queso a perfect fusion of seafood and Tex-Mex flavors, loaded with melty cheese, spices, and a satisfying crunch in every bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1/2 lb shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped

1/2 lb lump crabmeat

1 tbsp butter

1/4 cup finely diced onion

1 jalapeño, finely diced (optional)

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup heavy cream or milk

1 tsp chili powder

1/2 tsp cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

8 small flour or corn tortillas

Vegetable oil for frying

Fresh cilantro and lime wedges for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add onion, jalapeño, and garlic. Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

2. Add chopped shrimp and cook until pink, about 3 minutes.

3. Remove from heat and fold in crabmeat.

4. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, Monterey Jack, cheddar, heavy cream, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.

5. Stir in the seafood mixture until well combined.

6. Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling onto each tortilla and roll tightly.

7. Secure with a toothpick if needed.

8. Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat.

9. Fry taquitos in batches 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

10. Drain on paper towels.

11. Serve warm with queso dip, salsa, or lime crema, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

Notes

Bake instead of frying for a lighter version — 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes.

Add diced green chilies or roasted corn to the filling for extra flavor.

Perfect for game day, appetizers, or seafood taco night.

• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 15 mins
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Fried
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 taquitos
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 105mg

Keywords: crab taquitos, shrimp taquitos, seafood queso rolls, crispy taco bites, party appetizer