Go Back

Crab Shrimp Queso Tubes

Crispy pan-fried flour tortillas stuffed with a savory mix of lump crab meat and shrimp, generously smothered in a rich, creamy white queso sauce.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood, Tex-Mex
Calories: 620

Ingredients
  

Seafood Tubes
  • 8 small flour tortillas fajita size
  • 1 cup cooked shrimp chopped
  • 1 cup lump crab meat
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.5 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil for frying
Queso Sauce
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1.5 cups Monterey Jack cheese freshly grated
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Medium skillet
  • Large non-stick skillet
  • Medium saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. In a skillet over medium-low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Sauté minced garlic for 1 minute. Stir in smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  2. Remove from heat and gently fold in the chopped shrimp and crab meat until coated. Let cool slightly.
  3. Divide the seafood mixture evenly among the 8 tortillas. Roll them up tightly into tubes.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a clean skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortillas seam-side down first, turning until golden and crispy on all sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove and drain on paper towels.
  5. For the queso: In a saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in heavy cream and cream cheese until smooth and simmering.
  6. Reduce heat to low. Gradually whisk in the grated Monterey Jack cheese until completely melted and glossy. Stir in garlic powder.
  7. Place crispy seafood tubes on plates, pour the hot queso sauce generously over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
  8. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Always grate your own cheese from a block for the queso sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains starches that will make the sauce grainy.