Old Bay Shrimp Burritos

Old Bay Shrimp Burritos are a flavorful fusion of zesty shrimp seasoned with the iconic Old Bay spice blend, wrapped in a soft tortilla and loaded with vibrant, fresh toppings. This dish offers a delightful mix of textures and tastes, from the smoky, spiced shrimp to the creamy avocado and crisp veggies. The burst of flavor from the shrimp, combined with tangy lime sauce and fresh cilantro, creates a burrito that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining, these burritos deliver a satisfying meal with a touch of coastal flair. They’re easy to customize, allowing you to include your favorite toppings, from shredded cheese to spicy jalapeños. The balance of tender shrimp, soft tortillas, and crunchy veggies ensures every bite is a delight. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking to try something new, Old Bay Shrimp Burritos are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Combines the bold, zesty flavor of Old Bay seasoning with tender shrimp and fresh, vibrant ingredients for an irresistible taste.
• Easy to customize with your favorite toppings, such as jalapeños, guacamole, or a drizzle of hot sauce, offering endless flavor variations.
• Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or serving a crowd at gatherings or casual events.
• Provides a balanced dish with protein-packed shrimp, nutrient-rich veggies, and satisfying carbs all wrapped in a warm tortilla.
• A flavorful and unique twist on traditional burritos, inspired by coastal cuisine, that brings something new and exciting to your table.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 burritos
• Serving Size: 1 burrito

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 400
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 6g
• Sugar: 3g

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Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1½ teaspoons Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice

For the Burrito Filling:

• 4 large flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• ½ cup shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 avocado, sliced
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

For the Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• ½ teaspoon hot sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

1. Season the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), and lemon juice.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from heat and set aside.

Cook the Rice

3. Prepare the Rice: If not already cooked, prepare 1 cup of rice according to package instructions. Fluff with a fork and keep warm.

Make the Sauce

4. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lime juice, Old Bay seasoning, and hot sauce. Adjust the seasoning to taste and set aside.

Assemble the Burritos

5. Warm the Tortillas: Heat each tortilla in a dry skillet or microwave for 10–15 seconds to make them pliable.
6. Layer the Filling:
   • Spread a spoonful of the Old Bay sauce in the center of each tortilla.
   • Add a layer of rice, followed by black beans, shredded lettuce, and diced tomatoes.
   • Place the cooked shrimp on top and sprinkle with shredded cheese.
   • Add avocado slices and a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
   • Sprinkle with chopped cilantro for freshness.
7. Wrap the Burritos: Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, then roll tightly from the bottom to the top, securing the burrito.

Serve

8. Plate and Serve: Slice the burritos in half if desired and serve with extra Old Bay sauce or your favorite salsa on the side.

Ingredient Background

• Old Bay Seasoning: A classic spice blend featuring celery salt, paprika, mustard, and a touch of heat, it’s a staple in coastal seafood dishes.
• Shrimp: Large shrimp are ideal for burritos, offering a tender texture and mild flavor that absorbs the seasoning beautifully.
• Tortillas: Large, pliable flour tortillas make wrapping burritos easier and hold the fillings securely.
• Sauce: The Old Bay sauce adds creaminess and enhances the bold flavors of the shrimp.

Technique Tips

• Even Cooking: Cook shrimp in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the skillet, ensuring even searing.
• Warm Tortillas: Warming the tortillas prevents them from cracking when wrapping the burritos.
• Secure Burritos: Use parchment paper or foil to wrap the burritos tightly if serving on the go.
• Fresh Ingredients: Chop and prep veggies just before assembling to maintain their crispness and flavor.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

• Burrito Bowls: Skip the tortilla and serve the shrimp and toppings over a bed of rice or quinoa.
• Tacos: Use smaller tortillas to turn this recipe into Old Bay shrimp tacos.
• Lettuce Wraps: Replace the tortilla with large lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

Additional Tips for Success

• Marinate the Shrimp: Let the shrimp sit in the seasoning for 10–15 minutes before cooking for more intense flavor.
• Meal Prep: Cook the shrimp and rice ahead of time, then assemble burritos when ready to eat.
• Control Spice: Adjust the cayenne pepper and hot sauce to suit your preferred heat level.

Recipe Variations

• Cajun Shrimp Burritos: Replace Old Bay seasoning with Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute shrimp with roasted sweet potatoes, tofu, or grilled veggies.
• Seafood Mix: Add scallops or crab meat for a luxurious twist.
• Creamy Avocado Sauce: Blend avocado, lime juice, and Greek yogurt for a creamy, tangy alternative to the Old Bay sauce.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store assembled burritos in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before serving.
• Freezing: Wrap burritos tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat before eating.

Healthier Twist Ideas

• Whole-Grain Tortillas: Use whole-grain or low-carb tortillas for added fiber and fewer calories.
• Less Oil: Use a nonstick skillet to cook the shrimp with less olive oil.
• Add More Veggies: Include sautéed spinach, zucchini, or roasted red peppers for added nutrients.

Serving Suggestions for Events

• Casual Gatherings: Wrap burritos in parchment paper for easy serving at picnics or game-day parties.
• Buffet-Style: Set up a burrito bar with shrimp, toppings, and sauces, allowing guests to build their own.
• Family Dinners: Pair with a side of tortilla chips, guacamole, and a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Special Equipment

• Large Skillet: For cooking shrimp evenly without overcrowding.
• Mixing Bowls: For prepping shrimp, sauce, and toppings.
• Sharp Knife: For slicing vegetables and cutting burritos cleanly.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, thaw frozen shrimp completely before seasoning and cooking.

2. What’s a good substitute for Old Bay seasoning?
A mix of paprika, celery salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper can mimic Old Bay.

3. Can I grill the shrimp instead of sautéing?
Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor that complements the Old Bay seasoning.

4. Can I use corn tortillas?
While corn tortillas work, they may be less pliable and harder to wrap. Flour tortillas are recommended.

5. How do I make these burritos spicier?
Increase cayenne pepper in the shrimp seasoning or add jalapeños to the filling.

6. Can I skip the sauce?
The sauce enhances the flavor, but you can replace it with plain sour cream or your favorite salsa if preferred.

7. Are these burritos gluten-free?
Use gluten-free tortillas and check that your Old Bay seasoning is gluten-free.

8. Can I make a dairy-free version?
Substitute cheese and sour cream with dairy-free alternatives or omit them altogether.

Conclusion