This queso fundido is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick from the tequila and cayenne pepper. The shrimp adds a savory seafood touch that complements the rich, melted cheeses, creating a dish that is sure to please every palate.
The tequila not only adds depth to the sauce but also infuses the dip with a subtle warmth, making it a perfect appetizer for any gathering. Paired with crispy tortilla chips or warm tortillas, this queso fundido will quickly become a crowd favorite. Whether it’s game night or a dinner party, this dish promises to impress!
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon chili powder
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
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1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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1 cup tequila
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2 cups shredded Oaxaca cheese
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1 cup shredded Chihuahua cheese
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1/2 cup cream cheese
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1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
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1 tablespoon lime juice
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Tortilla chips or warm tortillas, for serving
Directions:
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the shrimp and season with chili powder, paprika, cumin, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until shrimp is pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is softened and fragrant.
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Carefully add the tequila to the skillet and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the tequila cook for 2 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
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Add the Oaxaca, Chihuahua, and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and formed a smooth sauce.
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Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to combine with the melted cheese sauce. Add lime juice and fresh cilantro, stirring gently.
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Serve the queso fundido hot with tortilla chips or warm tortillas for dipping.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Makes Queso Fundido So Special?
Queso Fundido is one of the ultimate comfort foods. It’s a dish that highlights the magic of cheese, offering an irresistibly rich and gooey texture that melts perfectly on the tongue. Traditionally, it’s made by melting a variety of cheeses together, often served with tortilla chips, warm tortillas, or vegetables for dipping. The simple combination of cheese, heat, and a touch of spice makes this a universally adored dish.
The key to Queso Fundido’s appeal lies in the way the cheese is melted—transforming it into a silky, smooth dip. There’s something undeniably satisfying about scooping up cheese with a crispy tortilla chip, and the combination of different cheeses adds layers of flavor, from tangy to creamy, salty to savory. With each bite, you’re treated to a beautiful balance of textures and a warm, comforting mouthfeel.
Adding Shrimp to the Mix: A Game Changer
Shrimp is an incredibly versatile ingredient. When it’s added to Queso Fundido, it brings a delightful burst of flavor, offering a satisfying contrast to the rich, gooey cheese. Shrimp’s natural sweetness complements the savory, spicy notes of the cheese, adding a bit of brightness to the overall dish. Whether you use fresh or pre-cooked shrimp, they bring a light yet filling element that makes Queso Fundido Alla Tequila stand out.
The shrimp doesn’t just add flavor but also a bit of elegance to the dish. While queso is often considered casual comfort food, shrimp brings a touch of sophistication, making this dish suitable for a range of occasions—from casual get-togethers to more formal dinner parties.
The Role of Tequila in Queso Fundido
What truly sets Queso Fundido Alla Tequila with Shrimp apart from traditional queso fundido is the addition of tequila. Tequila adds a unique depth of flavor that enhances the dish, imparting a slightly smoky, herbal quality. This is especially true when the tequila is briefly reduced in the pan, concentrating its flavor before it’s incorporated with the cheese.
Tequila pairs beautifully with both shrimp and cheese, creating a complex balance of flavors. The alcohol burns off during the cooking process, leaving behind only its subtle smokiness, which blends harmoniously with the spices and shrimp. It’s this addition that gives the dish a bold, spirited edge, transforming it from a simple cheese dip into a gourmet experience.
The Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Queso Fundido Alla Tequila
When it comes to pairing Queso Fundido Alla Tequila with Shrimp, it’s all about contrast. The richness of the cheese dip calls for something light and crisp to balance out the heaviness. Here are some of the best options to serve alongside this mouthwatering dish:
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Tortilla Chips: The classic pairing with queso fundido. Tortilla chips provide a crispy, salty contrast that complements the rich, melty cheese. Their crunchiness makes for the perfect bite when dipped into the creamy queso fundido.
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Warm Tortillas: For a more substantial pairing, warm flour tortillas are perfect for scooping up the cheese. You can use them to make little wraps or just tear them apart to dip into the queso.
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Vegetables: For a healthier, crunchy option, serve the queso with a variety of sliced vegetables like bell peppers, cucumbers, or celery. The fresh veggies provide a cooling contrast to the spicy, cheesy dip.
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Mexican Rice: If you want to turn this into a more complete meal, serve it alongside a bed of fragrant Mexican rice. The rice helps to soak up the queso and adds texture to the dish.
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Cocktails: Given the tequila element, pairing this dish with a cocktail made with tequila, like a margarita or a Paloma, can create a harmonious dining experience. The citrus and herbaceous notes of these drinks will tie in beautifully with the flavors of the queso fundido.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a game day, a fiesta, or a cozy night in, Queso Fundido Alla Tequila with Shrimp is the perfect appetizer or snack. Its gooey, cheesy texture and robust flavors make it a crowd-pleaser at parties, while the addition of tequila and shrimp gives it a unique twist that’ll have your guests asking for the recipe.
It’s a fun dish to prepare, and it’s even more fun to eat. The melted cheese creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, and the shrimp adds a touch of luxury that makes the dish feel special. You can easily customize this recipe to suit your guests’ tastes by adjusting the level of spice or experimenting with different types of cheese.
Why You Should Make This Dish
Queso Fundido Alla Tequila with Shrimp is a showstopper that combines everything we love about Mexican cuisine: rich flavors, savory ingredients, and a balance of textures. The creaminess of the melted cheese, the warmth of the tequila, and the tender shrimp come together to create a dip that is as comforting as it is exciting.
This dish also allows for plenty of flexibility. If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can substitute it with chorizo, chicken, or even vegetables. The tequila can also be adjusted to your taste. If you prefer a more subtle flavor, reduce the tequila longer to let it mellow out. If you love the bold, smoky notes of tequila, feel free to add a little extra. This recipe is highly adaptable and can be tailored to suit any preference.
Conclusion: A Dish Worth Sharing
In conclusion, Queso Fundido Alla Tequila with Shrimp is a dish that brings together bold flavors, a touch of elegance, and the ultimate comfort in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a delicious treat, this queso fundido will elevate any meal. The tequila adds a unique layer of flavor, while the shrimp offers a delightful contrast to the creamy cheese.
This recipe is the perfect addition to any gathering or casual dinner, and its easy-to-make nature ensures you can whip it up in no time. So, the next time you’re craving something indulgent and flavorful, give this dish a try—you won’t regret it!