Name: Shrimp and Andouille Quesadillas with Chipotle Guacamole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2 avocados; 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped; Juice of 1/2 a lime; 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped; 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped; 1 clove garlic, finely chopped; 1 tbsp sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce; Salt and pepper to taste; 5 to 6 andouille or chorizo sausage links, casings removed; 3/4 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into chunks; 1/2 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp chili powder; 1 bell pepper (1/2 red and 1/2 yellow), thinly sliced; 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced; 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced; 6-8 flour tortillas; 3-4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheese of choice; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for sautéing and cooking

Ingredients

2 avocados

1/2 small red onion

juice of 1/2 a lime

1 jalapeño pepper, seeds and ribs removed, finely chopped

1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 tablespoon sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce

salt and pepper to taste

5 to 6 andouille or chorizo sausage links, casings removed

3/4 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined, cut into chunks

1/2 teaspoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 bell pepper, thinly sliced (half red, half yellow recommended)

1 jalapeño, thinly sliced

1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

6 to 8 flour tortillas

3 to 4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or cheese of your choice

salt and pepper

olive oil

Instructions

Step 1: Make the chipotle guacamole by combining avocados, red onion, lime juice, chopped jalapeño, cilantro, garlic, and chipotle sauce in a medium bowl. Mash together until combined and season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust heat and smokiness by adding more or less chipotle sauce if desired.

Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the sausage, breaking it into small pieces, for about 5-6 minutes until browned. Remove the sausage and drain excess fat on paper towels.

Step 3: Drain excess fat from the skillet, add a small drizzle of olive oil, and sauté the sliced bell peppers, onion, and jalapeño for 5-6 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Add another drizzle of olive oil to the skillet and sauté the shrimp with cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper for 2-3 minutes until cooked through and opaque. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with a light drizzle of olive oil. Wipe the pan with a paper towel so only a thin coating remains.

Step 6: Assemble each quesadilla by layering a tortilla in the skillet, then cheese, peppers and onions, sausage, shrimp, and a final layer of cheese. Top with another tortilla and press down with a spatula.

Step 7: Cook each side for 2-3 minutes until the tortillas are golden and crispy and the cheese has melted. Avoid high heat to prevent burning the tortillas before the cheese melts.

Step 8: Repeat with remaining tortillas and fillings. Serve hot with the chipotle guacamole and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of shrimp and sausage for a different protein twist.

Adjust the chipotle sauce amount in the guacamole to control the heat and smokiness level.

Try adding fresh corn kernels or black beans to the filling for added texture and flavor.

Use whole wheat or corn tortillas as a healthier alternative to flour tortillas.

Storage

Store any leftover quesadillas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness or warm gently in a microwave. Guacamole is best enjoyed fresh but can be kept in an airtight container with plastic wrap pressed on the surface in the fridge for up to 1 day to minimize browning.

FAQs

Can I make the quesadillas ahead of time?

You can prepare the fillings and guacamole ahead, but it’s best to assemble and cook the quesadillas just before serving to keep them crispy and fresh.