Introduction
If you’re a fan of shrimp and cheese (and who isn’t?), these Shrimp Cheese Burritos will easily become one of your go-to comfort meals. Imagine tender shrimp, seasoned to perfection, wrapped in a warm flour tortilla and layered with melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Add a touch of salsa, creamy sour cream, and crisp green onions — and you’ve got a meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners with friends, or when you simply crave something rich and satisfying. It combines the freshness of seafood with the heartiness of Mexican-style burritos, creating a mouthwatering fusion that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients with Quantities
To make four delicious Shrimp Cheese Burritos, you’ll need the following:
- 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa (mild or medium, depending on your spice preference)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 large flour tortillas
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter, for cooking
Preparation and Cooking Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
Start by ensuring your shrimp are fully cooked, peeled, and deveined. If you’re using frozen shrimp, let them thaw completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a medium bowl, add your shrimp along with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Preheat a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil or butter and let it melt until it slightly sizzles. Once heated, add the shrimp mixture to the skillet. Cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, just until the shrimp are warmed through and slightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Tortillas
Lay out the flour tortillas on a clean, flat surface. If they’re a bit stiff, warm them briefly in the microwave (about 10–15 seconds) to make them more pliable and easier to fold.
Spread about 2 tablespoons of sour cream evenly across each tortilla, leaving about half an inch around the edges.
Step 4: Assemble the Burritos
Now comes the fun part — assembling your burritos! Divide the cooked shrimp mixture evenly among the tortillas.
Top each portion with a generous sprinkle of cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese.
Add a spoonful of salsa and a handful of chopped green onions for freshness and a pop of flavor.
Step 5: Roll the Burritos
To roll your burritos neatly:
- Fold the two sides of the tortilla inward.
- Then, starting from the bottom edge, roll the tortilla tightly toward the top, keeping the filling tucked in securely.
- Press gently to ensure it stays closed.
Step 6: Toast the Burritos
If needed, wipe out your skillet with a paper towel to remove any leftover bits from cooking the shrimp. Heat it again over medium heat.
Place each burrito seam-side down in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, pressing lightly with a spatula, until the outside is golden brown and crispy. The cheese inside will melt perfectly, binding everything together.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from the skillet and let the burritos rest for a minute before slicing them in half.
Serve with your favorite toppings — extra salsa, sour cream, or guacamole all make great accompaniments.
Prep and Cooking Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 420 per burrito
Servings: 4
Flavor Profile and Tips
This dish strikes the perfect balance between savory, cheesy, and slightly tangy. The shrimp provide a juicy, delicate bite that contrasts beautifully with the melted cheese and creamy sour cream.
To elevate the flavor:
- Use smoked paprika or chili flakes in the shrimp seasoning for a touch of heat.
- Add fresh cilantro or lime juice before serving for brightness.
- For a healthier twist, swap flour tortillas for whole wheat or low-carb wraps.
If you prefer an even crispier texture, brush the burritos lightly with butter and bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
Shrimp Cheese Burritos are hearty enough to be served on their own, but they pair beautifully with a few side dishes:
- Mexican Rice – A classic side to soak up the extra salsa.
- Black Bean Salad – Adds a fresh and earthy contrast.
- Corn on the Cob with Chili Butter – A deliciously smoky complement.
- Tortilla Chips and Guacamole – Perfect for a casual dinner night.
For drinks, consider pairing with sparkling lemonade, mango iced tea, or even a non-alcoholic margarita mocktail to complete the experience.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them properly to keep the burritos tasting great:
- Refrigerator: Wrap each burrito in foil or plastic wrap and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap in foil, place in a freezer bag, and store for up to 2 months.
To reheat:
- Microwave: Heat on medium for 1–2 minutes (unwrap first).
- Oven: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to regain crispiness.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Burrito)
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Sugar | 3g |
These burritos are a good source of protein thanks to the shrimp and cheese, making them both filling and satisfying.
FAQs
1. Can I use raw shrimp instead of cooked shrimp?
Yes! If you have raw shrimp, simply clean and devein them first, then cook in a skillet with a bit of olive oil for 4–5 minutes until pink and opaque. You can then follow the rest of the recipe as written.
2. What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar and Monterey Jack are perfect because they melt smoothly and add rich flavor. You can also experiment with pepper jack for a spicy kick or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
Try adding diced jalapeños, hot salsa, or a dash of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mix. You can even drizzle spicy chipotle mayo over the burritos before serving.
4. Can I make Shrimp Cheese Burritos ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can assemble the burritos up to a day in advance, wrap them tightly, and store in the fridge. When ready to eat, just toast them in a skillet or oven until golden and heated through.
5. What can I use instead of shrimp?
You can substitute chicken, crab, fish, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. The cheese and salsa blend well with almost any protein or plant-based alternative.
6. Can I bake these burritos instead of pan-frying them?
Yes. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes, turning once halfway through for even crisping.
7. What type of salsa should I use?
A chunky tomato-based salsa works best, but you can use verde (green) salsa or mango salsa for a tropical touch. Choose mild, medium, or hot depending on your preference.
8. Are Shrimp Cheese Burritos gluten-free?
Not by default, since flour tortillas contain gluten. However, you can make them gluten-free by using corn tortillas or certified gluten-free wraps.
9. Can I air-fry Shrimp Cheese Burritos?
Definitely! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get an even crispier exterior with less oil.
10. What toppings go well with these burritos?
Top them with guacamole, chopped cilantro, extra cheese, or a drizzle of lime crema for extra freshness and flavor.
Conclusion
These Shrimp Cheese Burritos are a celebration of bold flavors and creamy textures wrapped up in one satisfying bite. Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner or a quick solo meal, they deliver restaurant-quality taste without complicated steps.
The combination of succulent shrimp, gooey cheese, and tangy salsa makes this dish irresistible — and with just 25 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for both weeknight cooking and entertaining.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll find endless ways to customize it — adding extra spices, swapping in new cheeses, or even turning it into a burrito bowl. One thing’s for sure: this dish will have you falling in love with shrimp all over again.