Old Bay Shrimp Burritos

Golden, sizzling shrimp seasoned with classic Old Bay, tucked into a warm tortilla alongside fluffy rice, black beans, fresh herbs, and a creamy drizzle—this is not your average burrito. Each bite delivers a burst of flavor: smoky, spicy, and satisfyingly savory. Perfectly grilled to a crisp finish, this wrap is both hearty and fresh, making it an ideal meal for lunch, dinner, or even an indulgent weekend brunch.

Old Bay Shrimp Burritos combine the comfort of a Mexican-style burrito with the bold, zesty seasoning beloved in coastal kitchens. It’s quick to assemble, yet tastes like something from a gourmet food truck. Whether you're planning a weeknight meal or prepping ahead for a family gathering, these burritos offer the perfect balance of convenience and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Old Bay Shrimp Burrito Recipe

• It's bursting with flavor thanks to Old Bay and fresh herbs.
• You can prepare it in under 30 minutes.
• Highly customizable—add cheese, guac, or hot sauce.
• Perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
• Satisfies both seafood lovers and burrito fanatics.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make these shrimp burritos efficiently, you’ll need a few essential tools:

• Non-stick skillet or cast iron pan: Ideal for searing the shrimp and giving them a crispy, golden crust without sticking.
• Mixing bowls: Needed to toss the shrimp in seasoning and prepare your other fillings like rice or beans.
• Tongs or spatula: To easily flip the shrimp and handle tortillas without tearing them.
• Sharp knife & cutting board: For chopping onions, cilantro, or other toppings.
• Foil or parchment paper: If you’re meal prepping or keeping burritos warm in the oven.

Each tool ensures efficient prep, better texture, and a smooth cooking process.

Preparation Tips

Make sure to pat the shrimp dry before seasoning—this helps the Old Bay spice stick better and ensures a crispier sear. Cook the shrimp quickly on high heat to avoid overcooking, which can make them rubbery. If using rice, season it lightly to complement the shrimp rather than overpower it. Warming your tortilla before wrapping prevents tearing and helps everything stay together neatly. For extra flavor, grill the wrapped burrito briefly to crisp the outside and melt any cheese inside.

Ingredients for this Old Bay Shrimp Burrito Recipe

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 ½ tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lime

For the Burrito Filling:

• 1 ½ cups cooked white or brown rice
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• ½ cup red onion, finely diced
• ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• ¼ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp cumin (optional)
• ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
• ½ cup sour cream or chipotle mayo
• 4 large flour tortillas (burrito size)

Optional Add-ins:

• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Salsa or hot sauce
• Corn kernels (fresh or canned)
• Shredded lettuce or spinach

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Step 1: Season and Marinate the Shrimp

In a mixing bowl, combine the shrimp with olive oil, Old Bay seasoning, and lime juice. Toss well to coat evenly. Let it marinate for about 10–15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. This step allows the shrimp to absorb the iconic zesty flavor of Old Bay.

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Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until they turn pink and develop a slight sear. Remove from heat and set aside.

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Step 3: Prepare the Filling

In a separate bowl, mix the cooked rice, black beans, red onion, cilantro, salt, and cumin. Warm the mixture slightly if the rice is cold. This will help the flavors blend and make wrapping easier.

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Step 4: Warm the Tortillas

Place the tortillas on a skillet or directly over a gas flame for a few seconds on each side until soft and pliable. This prevents cracking during wrapping and improves texture.

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Step 5: Assemble the Burritos

Lay a warm tortilla on a clean surface. Add a generous scoop of the rice-bean mixture in the center, followed by cooked shrimp, cheese, and any optional ingredients like avocado or salsa. Drizzle with sour cream or chipotle mayo.

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Step 6: Wrap and Grill

Fold in the sides of the tortilla, then roll it tightly from the bottom up into a burrito shape. For added crunch, place the burrito seam-side down on a hot skillet and grill for 1–2 minutes per side until golden brown.

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Step 7: Serve

Slice the burrito in half and serve immediately with extra lime wedges, salsa, or a side of guacamole. Perfect for dipping and devouring!

Notes

These Old Bay Shrimp Burritos are incredibly versatile—you can customize them with different fillings like grilled vegetables, pickled onions, or spicy aioli. If you're serving a crowd, prepare the components ahead of time and set up a burrito bar for easy, interactive assembly. You can also make a lighter version by using whole wheat tortillas and substituting Greek yogurt for sour cream.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery if left on the heat too long. Watch for the color change and remove them immediately.
• Skipping tortilla warming: Cold tortillas crack when folded. Warm them briefly before assembling.
• Overfilling: Adding too many ingredients makes wrapping difficult and can cause the burrito to fall apart.
• Unbalanced flavors: Make sure your filling has a good mix of salt, acid, and heat. Taste and adjust the rice-bean mix if needed.

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Storage Instructions

Wrap leftover burritos individually in foil or parchment paper and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For freezing, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil. To reheat, unwrap and microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm in a skillet over low heat until heated through. Avoid adding ingredients like avocado if you're planning to freeze them—they don't thaw well.

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Estimated Nutrition

Per burrito (without optional add-ins):

• Calories: ~450 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Cholesterol: 180mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What size shrimp should I use?

Use large shrimp (about 21–25 count per pound) for the best texture and bite in your burrito.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep all the ingredients and store them separately. Assemble and grill the burritos just before serving.

What if I don’t have Old Bay seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of paprika, celery salt, garlic powder, and cayenne. It won't be the same, but it will be close.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Absolutely—just thaw and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture.

How do I prevent the burrito from getting soggy?

Avoid overloading with wet ingredients like salsa or guacamole. Add them just before eating if needed.

What can I serve with these burritos?

Try chips and guac, a side salad, or grilled corn. Even a cold cerveza pairs beautifully.

Can I use corn tortillas instead?

Corn tortillas are typically too small and fragile for burritos. Stick with large flour tortillas for best results.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Only if you use gluten-free tortillas. Old Bay seasoning is generally gluten-free, but double-check your brand.

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Conclusion

Old Bay Shrimp Burritos bring the best of both coastal cuisine and Mexican comfort food. With bold flavor, easy prep, and room for creativity, this dish is destined to become a regular in your recipe rotation. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend crowd-pleaser, this burrito wraps up satisfaction in every bite.

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