Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs with Garlic Cream Sauce

Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs with Garlic Cream Sauce

Experience the symphony of flavors with Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs with Garlic Cream Sauce. This delightful recipe combines tender shrimp and crab meat enveloped in a creamy, cheesy filling, all wrapped lovingly in soft flour tortillas. The moment you take a bite, you’ll find the exciting crunch of the fried exterior giving way to the rich, indulgent interior, breathing life into your taste buds. Through this step-by-step recipe, you’ll be guided on how to create these scrumptious bites that are perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.

History / Fun Fact

Tortilla bombs take inspiration from various culinary traditions, blending the best of Mexican and seafood cuisines. Tortillas, a staple in many Latin American countries, have charmed their way into kitchens across the globe. While seafood has long held a cherished place in coastal communities, its combination with tortillas brings modern flair to timeless traditions. The exterior crunch against a creamy, savory filling is reminiscent of comforting street food. This dish is a beautiful metaphor for the unexpected yet harmonious fusion that can occur in the kitchen, capturing the essence of culinary creativity.

Ingredients

• 8 small flour tortillas: Soft and pliable, these tortillas provide the perfect canvas for flavor.
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped: Tender, juicy shrimp add a delectable seafood essence that enhances every bite.
• 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded: Rich and slightly sweet, crab meat infuses elegance into the mix, making every bite luxurious.
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melty and gooey, this cheese offers a comforting texture that binds all flavors together.
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened: Silky and smooth, cream cheese delivers richness, making the filling irresistibly creamy.
• 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped: Bright and aromatic, green onions bring a pop of freshness with every bite.
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: This aromatic spice deepens the flavor profile, eliciting savory notes.
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Smoky and slightly sweet, paprika adds warmth and color to the filling.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning, they enhance and balance all flavors.
• Vegetable oil for frying: Required to achieve that golden, crispy exterior.
• For the Garlic Cream Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream: Decadently smooth, heavy cream forms the base for a rich sauce.
  • 2 tablespoons butter: Adds a luxurious depth, creating a silky texture in the sauce.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced: Aromatic and robust, garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible flavors.
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a touch of spice for those who crave a kick.
  • Salt and pepper to taste: Further harmonizes the flavors in the sauce.
  • Fresh parsley for garnish: Vibrant and aromatic, parsley adds a touch of brightness to your dish.

Cooking Time & Tips For Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs

Crafting these delicious tortilla bombs takes approximately 45 minutes from start to finish, making it a delightful option for a weekday treat or a festive gathering. A quicker approach would involve pre-cooked seafood allowing for a convenient meal. Conversely, taking your time to prepare fresh seafood elevates this dish, providing that added touch of freshness and flavor.

To ensure success, remember to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, allowing each tortilla bomb to crisp evenly. Maintain a steady heat while frying to achieve that perfect golden-brown exterior. Additionally, you can refrigerate the filled tortillas before frying; this helps them hold their shape better during cooking.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, crab meat, mozzarella cheese, cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated. The mixture should feel creamy, and the fragrant aromas created by the combined ingredients should begin to waft through your kitchen.

2. Lay a flour tortilla flat on a clean surface, feeling its soft texture. Use a spoon to place about 2-3 tablespoons of the seafood mixture in the center of each tortilla.

3. Fold the sides of the tortilla over the filling, gently hugging the mix inside. Roll it up tightly, ensuring the filling stays snug within its warm blanket. Repeat this process, observing how the once plain tortillas transform into taco masterpieces ready for frying.

4. In a large skillet, heat about a 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium heat until it’s shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place each rolled tortilla seam-side down in the hot oil. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels, marveling at how they’ve turned into beautifully crisp creations.

5. For the garlic cream sauce, in a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant, letting the rich aroma fill your kitchen.

6. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring well as it envelops the garlic. If you enjoy a little heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes, and season the mixture with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to gently simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly, resulting in a mean creamy sauce.

7. To serve your cheesy seafood tortilla bombs, elegantly place them on a platter. Drizzle with the luscious garlic cream sauce and garnish with fresh parsley, inviting everyone to dig in and discover the flavorful bites awaiting them.

Serving Suggestions & Occasions

These Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs shine as a delightful appetizer or a main dish at casual gatherings, game day parties, or even as a fun date-night meal at home. Pair them with a fresh green salad and a zesty vinaigrette to complement their richness. For additional flavor, consider a side of spicy salsa or fresh guacamole. Don’t forget to serve with chilled beverages – a crisp soda or a refreshing mocktail would be perfect companions!

Common Mistakes For Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs

1. Overstuffing the tortillas: It can lead to the filling spilling out while frying. Aim for the recommended 2-3 tablespoons of filling per tortilla for the best results.

2. Not heating the oil adequately: Oil that’s too cool will result in soggy tortillas. Ensure the oil is hot enough to create immediate sizzle upon contact.

3. Using cold filling: Cold filling can make it harder to roll the tortillas without tearing. Allow the mixture to come to room temperature before using.

4. Skipping the draining process: Leaving the tortilla bombs in the skillet too long can lead to excess oil soaking in, making them less enjoyable.

5. Neglecting the seasoning: Not seasoning the filling adequately will lead to bland flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning before rolling to ensure every bite delights.

Healthier Alternatives & Variations

For a lighter twist, consider using whole wheat tortillas instead of traditional flour. You can also opt for low-fat cream cheese and mozzarella to reduce calories while still retaining flavor. For a veggie-packed version, replace seafood with sautéed vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and corn, bringing a delightful crunch and color to the filling. The sauce can also be modified with Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, creating a healthier alternative that’s still creamy and flavorful.

FAQs

1. Can I make these Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs in advance?

   • Yes! Prepare the filling and wrap the tortilla bombs up to a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to fry.

2. Can I freeze the tortilla bombs?

   • Absolutely! Freeze uncooked tortilla bombs in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen whenever the craving hits.

3. What kinds of seafood can I use?

   • Feel free to experiment! Other seafood options include scallops, lobster, or even fish like tilapia, as long as they are cooked and flaked.

4. What can I substitute for cream cheese?

   • Neufchâtel cheese is a great option for a lighter alternative, or you can experiment with ricotta or a vegan cream cheese for dairy-free options.

5. Can I bake these instead of frying?

   • Yes, if you prefer a healthier option, brush the rolled bombs lightly with oil and place them on a baking tray. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

6. What should I serve with the Garlic Cream Sauce?

   • The sauce is perfect for drizzling over the tortilla bombs, but it also pairs wonderfully with grilled or roasted vegetables, seafood dishes, or even as a dip for fresh bread!

Conclusion

These Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs with Garlic Cream Sauce promise to transport you to a culinary paradise, bursting with flavors you won’t soon forget. Easy to prepare, they are perfect for any occasion and worthy of a spot on your dinner table. Indulge in the crispy perfection and let the rich, cheesy interior wrap you in a warm embrace. Don’t wait any longer; gather your ingredients and start cooking today! Enjoy each bite as they lead you to a delightful culinary adventure.

Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs with Garlic Cream Sauce

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: noah-reed
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Seafood

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Delight in the symphony of flavors with Cheesy Seafood Tortilla Bombs filled with shrimp, crab, and a creamy filling, served with a luscious garlic cream sauce.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup cooked shrimp, chopped
• 1 cup cooked crab meat, shredded
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup green onions, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying

• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, mix the shrimp, crab, mozzarella, cream cheese, green onions, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Lay a tortilla flat and add 2-3 tablespoons of the mixture in the center. Fold and roll it tightly, sealing in the filling.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the tortilla bombs for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
4. In a saucepan, melt butter, sauté minced garlic, and then add heavy cream, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, simmering until slightly thickened.
5. Serve the tortilla bombs drizzled with garlic cream sauce and garnish with fresh parsley.

Notes

Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, and it’s best to refrigerate filled tortillas before frying to hold their shape.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 500mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 55mg