Crab Quesadillas

Crab Quesadillas

Crab quesadillas are a delightful twist on the classic Mexican dish. This seafood version combines the sweetness of fresh crab meat with melty cheese and a variety of flavorful ingredients, all tucked between two crisp tortillas.

The soft crab filling offers a delicious contrast to the crunchy exterior, creating a satisfying bite every time. These quesadillas are perfect as a light lunch, dinner, or appetizer. Whether you’re enjoying them with a side of guacamole, sour cream, or salsa, crab quesadillas are a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make yet full of flavor.

Ingredients:

For the Crab Filling:

1 lb fresh crab meat (or canned, drained and picked through)

1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped

1 tbsp lime juice

1 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembling the Quesadillas:

4 large flour tortillas

1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)

1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped (optional)

1/4 cup red bell pepper, finely diced (optional)

For Serving:

Sour cream

Guacamole

Salsa or pico de gallo

Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make:

Prepare the Crab Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the fresh crab meat with the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise. Stir well until the ingredients are fully incorporated and smooth. Add the shredded Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses, cilantro, lime juice, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a creamy and flavorful crab filling.

Assemble the Quesadillas: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat. Lightly brush one side of each tortilla with olive oil. Place one tortilla, oil side down, on the skillet. Spread a generous portion of the crab filling evenly over the tortilla, leaving a small border around the edges. Sprinkle a few green onions and red bell pepper, if using, over the filling for added flavor and crunch.

Cook the Quesadillas: Place another tortilla on top of the crab mixture, with the oil side facing up. Cook the quesadilla for 3-4 minutes, pressing down lightly with a spatula, until the bottom is golden brown and crispy. Carefully flip the quesadilla and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the other side, until it is golden brown and the cheese is melted. Repeat this process with the remaining tortillas and crab filling.

Serve: Remove the quesadillas from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing them into wedges. Serve the crab quesadillas with sides of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa. Garnish with additional chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

Chef’s Note:

For the best results, use fresh crab meat for the most flavorful and tender quesadillas. If fresh crab is not available, high-quality canned crab meat can also be used, but make sure to drain and pick through it to remove any bits of shell. The creamy crab filling can be spiced up by adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to suit your taste. Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations—queso blanco or pepper jack can add a unique twist.

These crab quesadillas are versatile and can be adapted to your preferences. You can add other ingredients like sautéed onions, spinach, or roasted corn to enhance the flavor further. Whether you’re serving them for a special occasion or a casual meal, they’re sure to impress.

Nutrition Information (per serving, 2 quesadilla wedges per serving, 4 servings total):

Calories: 480

Protein: 28g

Carbohydrates: 28g

Fat: 28g

Saturated Fat: 10g

Cholesterol: 90mg

Sodium: 820mg

Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 2g

Crab quesadillas offer a delicious and unique twist on a beloved dish. With a creamy, cheesy crab filling and crispy golden tortillas, they’re perfect for a family dinner, party appetizer, or a weekend treat. Enjoy them with your favorite dips for a complete, flavorful experience!