Spicy Cajun Seafood Burritos
From James's Wiki
Spicy Cajun Seafood Burritos (Trucker-Friendly)
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor and portability, using a dense rice and cream cheese binder to prevent leaks. This version yields 6 large burritos and is suitable for reheating on a 12V heater (wrapped in foil).
Part 1: Homemade Cajun Seasoning
This blend maximizes freshness and allows for custom heat (adjust cayenne).
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp Paprika (Sweet or Smoked)
- 1 Tbsp Garlic Powder
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 1 Tbsp Dried Thyme
- 1 Tbsp Dried Oregano
- 1 - 2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 - 2 tsp Kosher Salt
Method
- Combine all spices in a jar and shake well until fully mixed. Set aside.
Part 2: Homemade Cajun Remoulade Sauce (Base: 1/2 Cup Mayonnaise)
This thick, Louisiana-style sauce is used as a binder in the filling. This version yields about 2/3 cup of sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat)
- 1 Tbsp + 1 tsp Creole Mustard (or Dijon)
- 1 Tbsp Ketchup (this is about 3 tsp)
- 1 tsp Prepared Horseradish (don't omit!)
- 1 tsp Fresh Lemon Juice
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce (Rounding up from 1/3 tsp for ease)
- 1/2 tsp Hot Sauce (e.g., Tabasco) (Adjust to heat preference)
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder (Rounding down slightly from 2/9 tsp for ease)
- 1/4 tsp Smoked Paprika (Rounding down slightly from 2/9 tsp for ease)
Method
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.
- Taste and adjust heat or tanginess as desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld and thicken.
- Measure out 3 Tbsp (which is approximately the $3/16$ cup needed) for the burrito filling; reserve the rest for dipping the finished wraps.
Part 3: Cajun Seafood Filling (Yields 6 Wraps)
| Component | Adjusted Quantity |
|---|---|
| Raw Shrimp (peeled, diced 1/4") | 3/4 lb |
| Cooking Oil | 3/4 Tbsp |
| Bell Pepper (finely diced) | 3/8 cup |
| Onion (finely diced) | 3/16 cup |
| Cooked, Cooled Medium-Grain Rice | 1.5 cups |
| Cream Cheese (softened) | 3 oz |
| Shredded Cheddar/Jack Cheese (Optional) | 3/8 cup |
| Homemade Cajun Remoulade (from Part 2) | 3/16 cup |
| Homemade Cajun Seasoning (from Part 1) | 2.25 Tbsp (split) |
Instructions
- Cook Aromatics: Sauté the bell pepper and onion in oil until very soft. Remove and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the diced shrimp to the skillet. Sprinkle with 1 Tbsp of the Cajun seasoning. Cook until pink and cooked through.
- Mix Filling: In a large bowl, combine the shrimp, sautéed vegetables, cooled rice, softened cream cheese, and the $3/16$ cup of Remoulade sauce.
- Season: Add the remaining 1.25 Tbsp of Cajun seasoning and the shredded cheese (if using). Mix until the filling is very thick, dense, and cohesive.
- Taste Test: Adjust salt or cayenne as needed.
Part 4: Assembly and Storage
- Tortillas: You will need 6 large burrito-sized flour tortillas.
- Briefly warm the tortillas to make them pliable.
- Place about $2/3$ cup of filling down the center of each tortilla.
- Fold in the sides, then roll tightly into a sealed burrito.
- Storage: Wrap each finished burrito tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Refrigerate immediately.
Reheating (The 12V Heater Method)
- Wrap one refrigerated burrito tightly in aluminum foil.
- Place the foil-wrapped burrito directly onto your 12V heater element.
- Heat for 10–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until piping hot and the tortilla is toasted.