The bold, zesty flavor of Old Bay shrimp wrapped up in a burrito? Yes, please. These spicy shrimp burritos are the perfect quick dinner that feels like a coastal escape. Combined with creamy slaw, avocado, and cheese, it’s a harmony of textures and tastes.
This dish is quick to make yet delivers maximum flavor. Whether you’re craving something spicy, creamy, or satisfying, these shrimp burritos deliver it all in one bite. Ideal for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers, they’re sure to be a hit with seafood lovers.
Full Recipe:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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2 tablespoons Old Bay seasoning
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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4 large flour tortillas
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1 cup cooked white rice
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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1/2 cup diced tomatoes
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1/2 avocado, sliced
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1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup sour cream
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1/4 cup mayonnaise
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 teaspoon hot sauce (optional)
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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In a medium bowl, toss shrimp with Old Bay seasoning and a drizzle of olive oil.
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Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sauté for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through. Remove from heat.
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In a separate small bowl, mix sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, hot sauce, salt, and pepper to create a creamy slaw dressing.
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In another bowl, toss the shredded lettuce and tomatoes with the dressing until well coated.
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Warm tortillas slightly on a skillet or in the microwave until pliable.
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Assemble each burrito: layer rice, dressed slaw, shrimp, avocado slices, and cheddar cheese in the center of each tortilla.
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Fold the burritos: tuck in the sides, roll from the bottom up tightly, and slice in half.
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Serve warm with additional hot sauce or a lime wedge if desired.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 460 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Burst of Flavor: The Inspiration Behind Old Bay Shrimp Burritos
Old Bay Shrimp Burritos are a bold, flavor-packed meal inspired by the East Coast’s love affair with seafood and spice. At the heart of this recipe is Old Bay seasoning—a storied spice blend that’s practically synonymous with shellfish. Combining this legendary mix with shrimp, creamy slaw, avocado, and rice wrapped in a soft tortilla creates a fusion that’s as satisfying as it is simple.
Born from a craving for something indulgent yet easy, this recipe was developed to offer a coastal twist on the classic burrito. Think of it as Chipotle with a Maryland accent—where the spice blend does the talking and every bite delivers creamy, crunchy, zesty perfection.
Why Old Bay Makes It Special
Old Bay seasoning is more than just a spice blend—it’s a culinary icon. Created in the 1940s, it was originally marketed to enhance seafood flavors without overpowering them. With its unique combination of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, and other warming spices, Old Bay adds a signature kick that pairs beautifully with shrimp.
In these burritos, Old Bay works magic by transforming a simple sauté of shrimp into the main attraction. It gives the dish character, depth, and a nostalgic nod to coastal cuisine. Unlike taco seasoning or Cajun blends, Old Bay is complex but balanced—spicy but not hot, savory but not heavy.
The Balance of Textures
One of the standout features of this burrito is the interplay of textures. Shrimp offers a tender, juicy bite with a seared edge when cooked properly. Then there’s the creamy slaw—cool, tangy, and just a little crunchy—that offsets the heat and richness of the shrimp.
Add in fluffy white rice, slices of buttery avocado, and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese, and you’ve got every layer of a good burrito covered: softness, creaminess, crunch, and heat. Each bite gives you a little bit of everything, making the meal feel complete and indulgent without being heavy.
Quick, Easy, and Crowd-Pleasing
These burritos come together in under 30 minutes, making them a dream for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner guests. They’re simple enough for beginner cooks, yet packed with enough flavor and flair to impress even the most skeptical seafood lover.
Everything in this recipe can be prepped ahead of time—shrimp can be seasoned and stored, slaw can sit chilled, and even the burritos can be rolled and kept in foil for reheating. That’s what makes it a go-to recipe for families, college students, and meal-preppers alike.
Customizing the Burrito to Your Taste
One of the joys of a burrito is its flexibility. While the classic version includes shrimp, Old Bay, creamy slaw, and avocado, you can tweak it to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
Want a low-carb version? Swap out the rice or use a low-carb wrap. Looking to go dairy-free? Omit the cheese or use a vegan version. Need more heat? A few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños do the trick. You could even grill the burrito for a crispy exterior and added smokiness.
This versatility means you can make it your own—add mango salsa for a tropical twist, or black beans for a heartier version. The foundation is solid, but the possibilities are endless.
A Nutritional Take on the Dish
Old Bay Shrimp Burritos strike a surprisingly good balance between indulgence and nutrition. Shrimp are an excellent source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vital nutrients like selenium and B12. Avocados contribute healthy fats, while the slaw brings fiber and crunch with minimal calories.
Even with the addition of rice and tortillas, this dish is relatively light compared to many restaurant-style burritos, especially if you control the portions and use whole-grain options. It’s a flavorful way to incorporate seafood into your weekly meal plan without sacrificing comfort or taste.
What Pairs Well with It
While the burritos are filling on their own, pairing them with a few simple sides can elevate the entire meal. Consider:
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A side of tortilla chips and homemade guacamole
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Corn on the cob with chili-lime butter
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A fresh tomato and cucumber salad with a citrus vinaigrette
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Spicy black beans or refried beans with a sprinkle of queso fresco
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A tangy limeade or a cold Mexican beer to round out the experience
Even a light soup, such as a chilled gazpacho, can serve as a refreshing counterpoint to the burrito’s warmth and spice.
Perfect for Gatherings and Meal Prep
Old Bay Shrimp Burritos are the kind of dish you can scale up easily. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family of six or prepping lunches for the week, these burritos are as practical as they are tasty. Roll up a batch, wrap them in foil, and store them in the fridge or freezer. They reheat beautifully and retain their flavor and texture.
They also make a fabulous addition to a dinner party spread. Create a DIY burrito bar with all the fillings laid out buffet-style and let your guests build their own. It’s interactive, fun, and removes the pressure of plating for a crowd.
Making It Kid-Friendly
Not all kids are seafood fans, but this dish offers a great entry point. The shrimp are mild in flavor, and the creamy dressing helps mellow the spices. For more sensitive palates, you can reduce the Old Bay or swap in lightly seasoned chicken or tofu.
You can also let kids build their own burritos, choosing what to include. Often, participation makes them more open to trying new ingredients—and who can resist a warm, cheesy wrap?
Cultural Fusion in One Bite
Burritos originated in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, but their evolution has allowed chefs and home cooks alike to fuse cultures, ingredients, and traditions. Old Bay Shrimp Burritos are a fantastic example of this cross-cultural creation—blending East Coast seafood seasoning with the Mexican-inspired format of a burrito.
This dish doesn’t pretend to be traditional Mexican food—it proudly represents fusion at its finest. It honors its roots while embracing bold new directions, which is what modern cooking is all about.
Tips for Success
Here are a few pointers to ensure your burritos come out perfect every time:
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Don’t overcook the shrimp. They only need a few minutes per side—anything more will make them rubbery.
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Warm the tortillas before assembling. This helps prevent cracking and makes them easier to roll.
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Use a burrito-sized tortilla. Regular ones will be too small to hold all the good stuff.
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Drain your slaw a bit before wrapping. Too much dressing can cause soggy tortillas.
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Roll tight and rest seam-side down. This helps the burrito hold its shape until you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Shrimp Burrito Experience
Old Bay Shrimp Burritos are the perfect answer when you crave something bold, spicy, creamy, and satisfying—all wrapped into one. Whether you’re cooking for one, feeding a family, or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers crowd-pleasing results with minimal fuss.
Its appeal lies in the unexpected harmony between spicy shrimp and cool slaw, in the ease of assembly, and in the nostalgic nod to coastal flavors. In just under 30 minutes, you can create a dish that’s casual enough for a weeknight and special enough for company.