Old Bay Shrimp Burritos

These Old Bay Shrimp Burritos are a delightful fusion of bold flavors and comforting textures. The succulent shrimp, seasoned with Old Bay and complemented by a spicy aioli, create a memorable taste experience. Wrapped in a warm tortilla with fresh vegetables and creamy avocado, each bite is a burst of deliciousness.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these burritos are sure to impress. The combination of spices and seafood offers a unique twist on traditional burritos, making them a standout dish for any occasion.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

For Old Bay Aioli:

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1 1/2 tsp Sriracha

• 3/4 tsp fresh lime juice

• 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning, plus more for serving

• Kosher salt (optional)

For Shrimp Filling:

• 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped

• 1 small green bell pepper, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced

• 1 lb small shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed

• 1/4 tsp ground cumin

• 1/4 tsp paprika

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground pepper

For Assembling Burrito:

• 4 large flour tortillas, warmed

• 1 cup cooked long-grain white rice

• 1 cup cooked black beans, rinsed and drained

• 3/4 cup shredded Mexican cheese

• 1 cup shredded lettuce

• 1 cup pico de gallo, drained

• 1 avocado, thinly sliced

• 2 tbsp chopped chives, plus more for serving

Directions:

1. Make Aioli: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, Old Bay seasoning, and 1 teaspoon water. Season with salt, if desired.

2. Prepare Shrimp Filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Stir in shrimp, cumin, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until shrimp are opaque and just cooked through, about 4 minutes.

3. Assemble Burritos: Lay a warm tortilla on a flat surface. Add 1/4 cup each of rice and black beans. Top with 1/4 of the shrimp mixture, followed by cheese, lettuce, pico de gallo, avocado slices, and chives. Drizzle with Old Bay aioli. Roll up the tortilla tightly to enclose the filling.

4. Serve: Slice each burrito in half and serve with additional aioli, Old Bay seasoning, and chives on the side.

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Servings: 4

A Flavor-Packed Fusion: The Old Bay Shrimp Burrito

The Old Bay Shrimp Burrito is a standout creation that blends the rich heritage of coastal American flavors with the timeless satisfaction of Mexican-inspired cuisine. It’s a dish that excites the senses—offering bold spices, fresh vegetables, creamy sauces, and hearty fillings all neatly wrapped in a soft, warm tortilla. If you’re looking for something that feels gourmet yet is easy to prepare, this burrito offers the perfect balance.

Shrimp, often considered a luxurious ingredient in the home kitchen, is given the spotlight here and seasoned generously with Old Bay. This beloved seasoning mix brings a zesty, savory kick with its blend of celery salt, paprika, and aromatic spices. It’s a hallmark of East Coast cuisine, particularly in Maryland, where it’s used in everything from seafood boils to popcorn. Pairing shrimp with Old Bay immediately gives this dish an unmistakable flavor identity—spicy, slightly smoky, and utterly addictive.

Why This Burrito Works So Well

What makes this shrimp burrito exceptional isn’t just the seasoning—it’s the layers of texture and flavor that come together harmoniously. The shrimp is sautéed with garlic, onion, and bell peppers, adding both sweetness and depth. Cumin and paprika provide a warming undertone that amplifies the Old Bay without overshadowing it.

But it doesn’t stop there. The burrito is also filled with black beans, fluffy white rice, shredded cheese, and crisp lettuce—each component contributing something unique. The beans and rice add a satisfying base, the cheese melts beautifully into the warm shrimp mixture, and the lettuce adds a much-needed crunch that cuts through the richness.

Then comes the sauce. A homemade aioli made from mayonnaise, Sriracha, lime juice, and Old Bay becomes the ultimate finisher—creamy, spicy, tangy, and bursting with umami. Drizzled generously over the filling or served on the side for dipping, it elevates the dish from delicious to unforgettable.

Customization and Versatility

One of the strengths of this dish is how customizable it is. You can adjust the spice level by modifying the amount of Sriracha in the aioli or swapping it with a milder hot sauce. For a lighter option, consider using Greek yogurt in place of mayo for the aioli, or even turning the burrito into a bowl by skipping the tortilla altogether.

For those avoiding dairy, skip the cheese and use a dairy-free aioli. Want more veggies? Add grilled corn, roasted sweet potato, or sautéed spinach. For extra heat, a few slices of jalapeño or a spoonful of chipotle in adobo sauce can be stirred into the shrimp mix or aioli.

This burrito also adapts well to different dietary needs and preferences. Gluten-free eaters can use gluten-free tortillas, and those who prefer a pescatarian-friendly meal will love how protein-rich and filling this shrimp option is.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner, packing lunch for work, or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, Old Bay Shrimp Burritos are a winning choice. They’re easy to make in larger batches, and the components can be prepped ahead of time for quick assembly.

Thanks to the bold seasoning and rich filling, the burrito is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with sides like tortilla chips and guacamole, a fresh corn salad, or even a spicy mango salsa. A cold beer or a tangy lime margarita completes the meal, making it feel festive even if it’s just a Tuesday night.

Old Bay: A Staple Worth Celebrating

Old Bay isn’t just a seasoning—it’s a cultural icon in many kitchens. Originally created in the 1940s in Baltimore, it has since become a staple across the U.S. and beyond. While it’s most commonly associated with seafood like crab and shrimp, its savory, spicy blend enhances poultry, fries, popcorn, and even deviled eggs.

Its inclusion in this shrimp burrito not only pays homage to its maritime roots but also demonstrates how easily Old Bay can elevate everyday meals. If you’ve got a canister tucked in your spice cabinet, this is your sign to dust it off and start experimenting.

Tips for the Best Burrito Experience

To get the best texture and flavor, avoid overcooking the shrimp. Since they cook quickly, it’s best to prepare the filling just before assembling the burritos to keep everything fresh and juicy. Make sure your tortillas are warm—either by lightly toasting them on a skillet or microwaving them in a damp paper towel—so they roll easily without tearing.

Drain your pico de gallo well to avoid soggy burritos, and be generous with that aioli drizzle for maximum flavor impact. If you’re taking them on the go, wrap each burrito in foil to keep them warm and intact.

Nutritional Balance

This dish also offers a great mix of macronutrients. Shrimp is low in calories but rich in protein and essential nutrients like selenium and vitamin B12. Black beans and rice provide fiber and slow-digesting carbs, helping you feel full longer. The fresh veggies contribute antioxidants, while the aioli, though indulgent, can be portion-controlled or lightened up as needed.

Compared to takeout options or fast food, these homemade burritos allow you to control sodium, fat, and portion size—without sacrificing any of the bold, satisfying flavor.

Conclusion: A Burrito to Remember

The Old Bay Shrimp Burrito is more than just a quick meal—it’s a celebration of spice, seafood, and comfort food wrapped into one. With its roots in East Coast seafood traditions and its inspiration from Mexican cuisine, it delivers a flavorful fusion that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a spice enthusiast, or someone just looking to break out of your dinner rut, this burrito checks all the boxes.

With bold seasoning, creamy aioli, and vibrant toppings, it’s a dish that brings excitement to the table every time. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your weekly meal rotation.