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Creole Steak and Shrimp Quesadillas

Flavor-packed quesadillas with tender steak, juicy shrimp, and crisp-tender vegetables, all seasoned with a vibrant Creole rub and served with a creamy Creole dipping sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Creole, Tex-Mex
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Quesadillas
  • 2 ribeye steaks ribeye steaks cut into ¼-inch cubes
  • 1.5 pounds shrimp peeled, deveined, and quartered
  • 1 poblano pepper chopped
  • 2 red bell peppers chopped
  • 1 yellow bell pepper chopped
  • 1 yellow onion sliced
  • 1-2 tablespoons avocado oil A high-heat oil perfect for searing.
  • 4 (14-inch) large tortillas You want these big enough to hold all that goodness!
  • Shredded Mexican cheese A blend of Monterey Jack and Cheddar is fantastic.
For the Creole Rub
  • 2 tablespoons garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon smoked paprika Gives a wonderful smoky depth.
  • 2 tablespoons Tony's Creole Seasoning This is your flavor powerhouse! If you can't find it, a good Cajun seasoning will work.
For the Creole Sauce
  • 1 cup mayonnaise The creamy base for our dipping sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce For that umami kick.
  • ½ lemon lemon A touch of brightness to cut through the richness.
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Tony’s Creole seasoning

Equipment

  • Large Griddle or Skillet
  • Small bowls

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Whip Up the Magic: In separate small bowls, mix together the ingredients for your Creole rub and your Creole sauce. Give the sauce a good stir to make sure everything is combined. Set both aside – they're ready when you are!
  2. Step 2: Season with Zest: Take your cubed steak and quartered shrimp and toss them generously with the Creole rub. Make sure every piece is coated for maximum flavor.
  3. Step 3: Sauté the Veggies: Heat your large griddle or skillet over medium heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. Toss in your chopped poblano and bell peppers, along with the sliced yellow onion. Sprinkle them with a little bit of your Creole rub. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re nice and tender-crisp. Once they’re done, scoop them out of the skillet and set them aside.
  4. Step 4: Sear the Steak: Using the same skillet, add the seasoned steak. Cook it over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes, giving it a good stir every so often, until it’s beautifully browned. Remove the steak from the skillet and set it aside with the vegetables.
  5. Step 5: Cook the Shrimp: Now for the shrimp! Add the seasoned shrimp to the hot skillet. They cook super fast! Toss them every minute for about 4-5 minutes, until they turn pink and opaque. You don't want to overcook them!
  6. Step 6: Bring It All Together: Gently combine the cooked steak, shrimp, and sautéed vegetables back into the skillet. Let them cook together for just a few minutes to let all those amazing Creole flavors meld together.
  7. Step 7: Toast the Tortillas: Place one of your large tortillas on the griddle or skillet and toast it for about 1 minute on one side until it’s lightly golden.
  8. Step 8: Assemble the Masterpiece: Flip the tortilla over. Now’s the fun part! Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded Mexican cheese over half of the tortilla. Then, add a good portion of your steak, shrimp, and vegetable mixture. Drizzle a little bit of that glorious Creole sauce over the filling.
  9. Step 9: Fold and Cook: Carefully fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling, creating a perfect half-moon shape.
  10. Step 10: Grill to Golden Perfection: Cook the quesadilla for about 2 minutes per side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and that wonderfully melted, gooey cheese.
  11. Step 11: Repeat and Enjoy: Repeat steps 7 through 10 with the remaining tortillas and filling.
  12. Step 12: Serve It Up: Once all your quesadillas are cooked, slice them into wedges. Serve them hot with plenty of extra Creole sauce for dipping. I love serving these alongside a fresh salad or some of my Cajun Jambalaya for a truly spectacular meal!

Notes

Substitutions & Additions
Feeling creative? I love making this recipe my own, and you can too!
  • Spice Level: If you like things extra spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to your Creole rub. For a milder version, reduce the amount of Creole seasoning or opt for a milder blend.
  • Veggies: Feel free to swap out the peppers or onions for other favorites like corn, black beans, or even some thinly sliced zucchini.
  • Cheese: Pepper Jack cheese would be a fantastic addition for a little extra kick!
  • Add-ins: Some cooked chorizo sausage or even some pulled pork would be delicious in these quesadillas, adding another layer of flavor.
  • Tortillas: While large flour tortillas are classic, whole wheat or even corn tortillas can be used for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful that corn tortillas might be a bit more delicate.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can make your quesadilla experience even better:
  • Don't Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the steak and shrimp in batches if necessary. This ensures they get a nice sear rather than steaming.
  • Prep Ahead: You can make the Creole rub and sauce a day in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
  • Even Cooking: Make sure your skillet is properly heated before adding ingredients. This helps ensure even cooking and browning.
  • Cheese Distribution: Spread the cheese evenly on the tortilla to help bind the filling and create that irresistible cheesy pull.
  • Medium Heat is Key: Cooking over medium heat prevents burning the tortillas and ensures the cheese melts thoroughly before the outside gets too dark.
How to Store Creole Steak and Shrimp Quesadillas
Leftovers are rare in my house, but if you happen to have any, here’s how to keep them tasting great:
  • Once cooled, wrap the quesadillas tightly in plastic wrap or place them in an airtight container.
  • They will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
  • To reheat, you can use a skillet over medium heat until warmed through and crispy, or use an oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes. Microwaving is an option, but they won't be as crispy.