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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
