South (Holly) Beach Quick Quesadillas

1 servings Prep: 5 m Cook: 10 m Total: 15 m Beginner
This South Beach friendly quesadilla recipe is low carb and quick to make using fresh Delcambre shrimp, brown rice, and cheese in a crispy tortilla. This is a Nouveau Cajun dish. All the locations, names and references are real however.

Ingredients

  • 20 fresh Delcambre shrimp
  • 2 handfuls cooked Kaplan Liberty Mill brown rice
  • red and black pepper to taste
  • garlic salt to taste
  • 3 handfuls cheddar cheese
  • 1 low carb wheat tortilla
  • 2 tbsp refried beans

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Place tortilla in toaster oven for 2 minutes.
  2. Coat the shrimp with a layer of garlic salt, black and red pepper. Pan fry in non-stick skillet until cooked one and one half minutes on each side. Pam, butter or oil may be used.
  3. While the shrimp are cooking, spread a thin layer of refried beans on the tortilla using a spoon. This helps the cheese and rice stick.
  4. Next, evenly spread the cheese and rice around the tortilla. Once the shrimp are done (they’ll be pink), throw them on the tortilla, bean, and cheese concoction. Fold the tortilla in half and place in the pan. Warm on each side for about 1.5 minutes – until cheese is melted on the inside.
  5. Cut into slices like a pizza and enjoy.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp instead of fresh?

A: Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning. Fresh Delcambre shrimp have the best flavor, but frozen Gulf shrimp work fine in a pinch.

Q: Why is my tortilla getting soggy?

A: Don't use too much refried beans - just a thin layer. Also, make sure your shrimp aren't releasing too much liquid by cooking them fully until pink and slightly firm.

Tips and Techniques

Cook the shrimp over medium-high heat to get a nice sear without overcooking - they should be pink and just cooked through at 1.5 minutes per side. The toasted tortilla step is key for preventing sogginess and adding texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • fresh Delcambre shrimp: frozen Gulf shrimp or medium-sized peeled shrimp
  • low carb wheat tortilla: regular flour tortilla or corn tortilla
  • cheddar cheese: Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Mexican blend
  • refried beans: black beans (mashed slightly)

Equipment Needed

  • toaster oven or regular oven
  • non-stick skillet
  • spatula
  • spoon for spreading

Historical Context

This recipe represents the ‘Nouveau Cajun’ movement where traditional Cajun ingredients meet modern cooking trends. While quesadillas aren’t traditional Louisiana fare, using Gulf shrimp and local rice makes it distinctly South Louisiana.