Shrimp Quesadilla Melty Cheese (Printable Version)

Golden, crispy tortillas filled with shrimp, peppers, onions, and melty cheese for a simple, satisfying meal.

# Ingredients:

→ Produce

01 - 1 small onion, diced
02 - 1 medium bell pepper, chopped
03 - Juice of 1 fresh lime

→ Seafood

04 - 300 grams raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Dairy

05 - 120 grams shredded quesadilla or Monterey Jack cheese
06 - 15 grams unsalted butter

→ Pantry

07 - Neutral-flavored oil, as needed for sautéing
08 - 1 teaspoon taco seasoning (smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder blend)
09 - Pinch of salt
10 - 4 large flour tortillas, soft with no cracks

# Steps:

01 - Dice the onion and chop the bell pepper into bite-size pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add neutral oil, swirling to coat the bottom evenly.
02 - Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet. Let cook undisturbed for a few minutes for browning. Stir once or twice, continuing to cook for 5 to 6 minutes until the onion is translucent and the pepper softens.
03 - Sprinkle taco seasoning and a pinch of salt over the vegetables. Stir to coat evenly. Add shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until they turn pink and curl. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
04 - Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze fresh lime juice over the shrimp and vegetables. Mix gently to combine and set aside.
05 - In a clean skillet over medium heat, melt approximately 7 grams (half tablespoon) of butter, swirling to coat. Place one tortilla in the skillet. Spread one-third cup of shrimp mixture evenly over half of the tortilla, then top with a generous half cup of shredded cheese.
06 - Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Gently press with a spatula and cook for about 90 seconds until the underside is golden and crisp.
07 - Flip the folded quesadilla carefully and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until the second side is golden and the cheese has fully melted. Sprinkle lightly with salt immediately after removing from the skillet.
08 - Repeat the assembly and cooking process with the remaining tortillas and filling, adding butter as needed. Slice each quesadilla into wedges and serve hot with optional toppings like sour cream, cilantro, or pico de gallo.

# Notes:

01 - Use moderate heat and a small amount of butter to keep tortillas crisp without steaming. Squeeze fresh lime juice just before serving to brighten flavors.