Shrimp-Crab Fajita Roll Up Bombs Recipe

Introduction

Savor the vibrant flavors of the sea with these Shrimp-Crab Fajita Roll Up Bombs. Packed with seasoned shrimp, lump crabmeat, and colorful veggies, they bring a fresh twist to classic fajitas. Perfect for entertaining or a flavorful snack, these roll-ups are as delicious as they are visually stunning.

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled, deveined, and diced into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz fresh lump crabmeat, carefully picked over for shells (substitute: high-quality canned crab, drained)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 large flour tortillas (10-inch), room temperature
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and black pepper to create the fajita seasoning blend.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced shrimp and cook for 2 minutes until they start to turn pink. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the shrimp, then add bell peppers, red onion, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.
3. Step 3: Gently fold in the lump crabmeat during the last minute of cooking, being careful not to break the lumps. Remove from heat and stir in lime juice and chopped cilantro. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
4. Step 4: Lay each flour tortilla flat. Spread about 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese evenly over each tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to prevent sogginess.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer. Then evenly distribute about 1/2 cup of the cooled seafood mixture horizontally across the lower third of each tortilla.
6. Step 6: Roll each tortilla tightly from the filled edge, applying even pressure to form compact cylinders. The cream cheese will seal the seam. Wrap each roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set.
7. Step 7: Trim the ends of each roll to clean edges with a serrated knife, then slice into 1-inch thick rounds. Arrange cut-side up on a serving platter to display the colorful spiral filling.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter alternative, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt mixed with a little mayonnaise and use reduced-fat cheddar.
• Try lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas instead of flour tortillas for a lower-carb version.
• Use certified gluten-free or corn tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free while adding authentic flavor.
• For a dairy-free option, replace cream cheese with mashed avocado seasoned with lime juice and cumin, and omit the cheddar cheese.
• Add minced jalapeño for extra heat or omit for a milder taste.

Storage

Store the rolled and sliced bombs covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or cover with foil and warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes. For best texture, serve chilled or at room temperature as finger food.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare these roll-ups ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the roll-ups for several hours or overnight. This makes them perfect for entertaining or meal prep.

Can I use frozen shrimp and crab?

Frozen shrimp and crab can be used if fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Fresh seafood is preferred for the best flavor and texture.

Shrimp-Crab Fajita Roll Up Bombs Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 51 reviews

• Author: Zoe
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings (2 pieces per serving) 1x

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Description

These Shrimp-Crab Fajita Roll Up Bombs are a vibrant, flavor-packed appetizer combining succulent shrimp, delicate lump crabmeat, and colorful sautéed bell peppers and onions. Wrapped in creamy, cheesy tortillas and baked into perfect bite-sized rounds, they offer a refreshing twist on classic Tex-Mex fajitas with a seafood twist. Ideal for entertaining, these roll-ups balance smoky spices, fresh lime, and crisp veggies in a visually stunning and deliciously satisfying dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood Filling

• 1 lb large shrimp (21–25 count), peeled, deveined, and diced into bite-sized pieces
• 8 oz fresh lump crabmeat, carefully picked over for shells (or substitute with high-quality canned crab, drained)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 large yellow bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Signature Fajita Seasoning

• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Assembly and Binding

• 8 large flour tortillas (10-inch), room temperature
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 2 limes, juiced
• 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely minced (optional)

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Instructions

1. Create the Perfect Seasoning Foundation: In a small bowl, whisk together chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper until evenly blended to create a flavorful fajita seasoning mix that complements the seafood perfectly.
2. Master the Seafood Sauté Technique: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add diced shrimp and cook for about 2 minutes until they just start turning pink. Sprinkle the fajita seasoning over the shrimp, tossing to coat evenly. Then add diced bell peppers, thinly sliced red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté this mixture for 3-4 minutes or until vegetables are tender-crisp and fragrant.
3. Incorporate the Delicate Crab: Gently fold in the lump crabmeat during the last minute of cooking to preserve its texture. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in fresh lime juice and chopped cilantro. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, which helps prevent the cream cheese from melting during assembly.
4. Prepare the Tortilla Foundation: Lay each flour tortilla flat on a clean surface. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese evenly across the tortilla, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges to act as a moisture barrier and flavor enhancer.
5. Execute the Perfect Assembly Technique: Sprinkle a layer of shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the cream cheese on each tortilla. Distribute about 1/2 cup of the cooled seafood filling horizontally across the lower third of each tortilla, ensuring even distribution to avoid burst or sparse roll-ups.
6. Master the Professional Rolling Method: Starting at the filled edge, roll each tortilla tightly but gently, applying even pressure to form compact cylinders. The cream cheese will seal the seam. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to set firmly.
7. Create the “Bomb” Presentation: Using a sharp serrated knife, trim the ends for clean edges, then slice each roll into 1-inch thick rounds. Arrange these spiraled rounds cut side up on serving platters to reveal the colorful layered filling and create an eye-catching appetizer presentation.

Notes

• For a lower-calorie option, replace cream cheese with Greek yogurt mixed with a small amount of mayonnaise and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
• To lower carbohydrates, substitute large lettuce leaves or low-carb tortillas for the flour tortillas.
• Use certified gluten-free tortillas or corn tortillas to adapt the recipe for gluten-free diets.
• For a dairy-free variation, replace cream cheese with seasoned mashed avocado and omit cheddar cheese.
• These roll-up bombs can be prepared hours in advance and kept refrigerated for convenient entertaining.
• Serve with fresh guacamole, pico de gallo, or sour cream to complement the flavors.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Keywords: shrimp fajitas, crab appetizers, seafood roll-ups, Tex-Mex seafood, party appetizers, fajita roll-ups