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DifficultyUnder 30 MinutesSeafoodDairyGlutenShellfishMealUnder 1 HourUnder 45 MinutesMashupStove TopFusionSnacksLunchDinnerAppetizersSeafoodMexican

Harissa Shrimp Quesadillas

These quesadillas are a flavor-packed twist on a classic, combining smoky, spicy harissa-marinated shrimp with gooey melted cheese and crisp tortillas. The shrimp are sautéed to perfection with a blend of harissa paste, garlic, and a touch of citrus for brightness. Layered with a mix of melty cheeses like mozzarella and sharp cheddar inside a golden, crispy tortilla, each bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. Check out Brandon on Instagram @brandongouveia for more recipe inspo!

Brandon Gouveia
Tasty Team
Total Time

25 minutes

25 min

Prep Time

5 minutes

5 min

Cook Time

20 minutes

20 min

Harissa Shrimp Quesadillas
Total Time

25 minutes

25 min

Prep Time

5 minutes

5 min

Cook Time

20 minutes

20 min

Ingredients

for 2 servings

  • 1 lb peeled, deveined shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon plus 4 teaspoons olive oil, divided
  • ½ lemon, lemon
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 2 large flour tortillas
  • 1 cup shredded cheese (mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
  • ¼ cup fresh baby spinach

Nutrition Info

  • Calories 548
  • Fat 23g
  • Carbs 22g
  • Fiber 3g
  • Sugar 5g
  • Protein 62g

Estimated values based on one serving size.

Preparation

  1. In a bowl, toss together the shrimp, harissa paste, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, garlic, and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and slightly charred, squeezing lemon juice over them at the very end of cook time. Remove the shrimp from the skillet.
  3. Add the bell pepper and onion to the skillet. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.
  4. On 1 half of 1 tortilla, layer some of the cheese, shrimp, sautéed veggies, spinach, and more cheese. Fold over. Repeat with the remaining tortilla, cheese, shrimp, veggies, and spinach.
  5. Heat 2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add 1 quesadilla, and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Cut into wedges. Repeat the cooking process with the remaining olive oil and quesadilla.
  6. Enjoy!
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Harissa Shrimp Quesadillas