Dreamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe

Irresistible Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe To Wow Everyone

Dive into a culinary adventure with these mouthwatering creamy shrimp enchiladas that promise to tantalize your taste buds.

The luscious blend of succulent shrimp nestled in a velvety sauce creates an irresistible dish that sings with Mexican-inspired flavors.

Tender shrimp curl up in soft tortillas, embraced by a rich, creamy mixture that melts in your mouth.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of zesty spices and smooth, comforting textures.

The golden-brown edges promise a crispy exterior that gives way to a luxurious interior packed with oceanic goodness.

Spice lovers and seafood enthusiasts will find themselves utterly enchanted by this restaurant-quality meal you can easily whip up at home.

Get ready to impress and devour a plate of pure culinary bliss that transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes

Total Time: 38 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need to Make Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

For Protein and Seafood:
  • Shrimp: Sweet ocean gems that bring tender succulence, select wild-caught or fresh frozen for best flavor and texture.
  • Garlic: Aromatic flavor booster that infuses depth into seafood, choose fresh cloves for maximum punch.
For Spices and Seasonings:
  • Cayenne Pepper: Fiery heat enhancer that adds zesty kick, adjust quantity for personal spice tolerance.
  • Chipotle Chili Powder: Smoky warmth that delivers rich southwestern essence, look for high-quality ground versions.
  • Cumin: Earthy undertone that complements Mexican-inspired dishes, select whole seeds ground fresh for intense aroma.
  • Salt: Essential flavor amplifier, use sea salt or kosher salt for balanced seasoning.
For Base and Binding Ingredients:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral cooking medium for sautéing vegetables, choose high smoke point varieties.
  • Onions: Foundational aromatics that provide sweet undertones, select firm, crisp yellow or white varieties.
  • Jalapeños: Fresh chile peppers adding vibrant heat and character, remove seeds for milder intensity.
  • Diced Tomatoes: Juicy base that creates texture and moisture, opt for ripe, firm tomatoes.
  • Heavy Cream: Luxurious binding agent that creates silky sauce, select full-fat version for richness.
  • Sour Cream: Tangy ingredient providing creamy consistency, choose authentic cultured varieties.
  • Monterey Jack Cheese: Melty, mild cheese perfect for enchiladas, select freshly grated blocks.
  • Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wrappers that hold delicious filling, warm briefly for pliability.

Tools That Make Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas to Assemble

  • Large skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables and cooking shrimp.
  • Mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking cream sauce ingredients.
  • Whisk: Helps blend cream sauce smoothly.
  • Slotted spoon: Great for transferring shrimp and veggies without excess sauce.
  • 9×9-inch baking dish: Provides the perfect space for assembling and baking enchiladas.
  • Cheese grater: Helps shred Monterey Jack cheese quickly.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Cutting board: Ideal for chopping onions, jalapeños, and tomatoes.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and shrimp preparation.

How to Bake Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Like a Pro

  • Skillet Sizzle

Warm up a pan and dance some onions and jalapeños around until they soften and become fragrant, releasing their delicious aroma.

  • Creamy Sauce Magic

Whip together a dreamy mixture of cream, sour cream, and spices that will make your taste buds sing with excitement.

  • Shrimp Transformation

Gently nestle succulent shrimp into the velvety sauce, letting them cook until they turn from translucent to a beautiful opaque white.

  • Enchilada Assembly

Create little flavor packages by rolling tender tortillas around a cheesy shrimp filling, tucking them snugly into a baking dish.

  • Cheese and Bake Finale

Blanket the enchiladas with the remaining sauce and a shower of melty cheese, then slide into a warm oven until everything becomes golden and bubbling with deliciousness.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Pull out your masterpiece and get ready to enjoy a mouth-watering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Flavor Tips for Extra-Rich Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

  • Adjust cayenne and chipotle chili powder levels to match your personal heat tolerance, creating a customized flavor profile that suits your palate.
  • Replace shrimp with crab, lobster, or white fish for a delightful twist on the classic enchilada recipe, keeping the creamy sauce as the star.
  • Prepare the shrimp mixture and sauce up to two days in advance, storing separately in the refrigerator for a quick and easy weeknight dinner solution.
  • Top the finished enchiladas with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of Mexican crema to add brightness and extra layers of flavor to the dish.
  • Use corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising on taste or texture.

Serve Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas with Your Favorite Sides

  • Festive Fiesta Plate: Garnish with fresh cilantro, diced green onions, and a zesty lime wedge to add bright colors and tangy flavor that complements the creamy shrimp enchiladas.
  • Cooling Companion Sides: Serve alongside a crisp Mexican-style coleslaw or a refreshing avocado salad to balance the rich, spicy enchilada flavors and provide a light contrast.
  • Beverage Pairing Magic: Accompany the dish with a cold Mexican beer like Corona or a citrusy margarita that cuts through the creaminess and enhances the overall dining experience.
  • Signature Topping Flourish: Drizzle some extra sour cream or a homemade salsa verde on top to add an extra layer of creamy texture and give the enchiladas a personalized touch.

Storing and Reheating Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Smoothly

  • Smart Storage Solutions
  • Fridge Fresh Technique: Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them refrigerated for up to 3 days. Seal tightly to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption from other foods.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil for maximum protection. Freeze flat for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain texture and taste.
  • Reheating Magic: Warm enchiladas in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Microwave works for quick meals, but may slightly compromise the crispy cheese topping.
  • Ingredient Freshness Hack: Keep unused shrimp refrigerated and use within 1-2 days of purchase. Check for any unusual odors or discoloration before cooking to ensure food safety and optimal flavor.
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Dreamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe

Dreamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 38 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Mexican comfort dish combines succulent shrimp enchiladas with a rich, velvety sauce. Cheese-covered rolls deliver complex flavors that satisfy hunger and warm culinary souls.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1214 oz (340400 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 ½ cups heavy whipping cream
  • 8 oz (227 g) Monterey Jack cheese, grated and divided
  • ½ cup sour cream
  • 4 soft taco-sized flour tortillas
  • 2 medium vine-ripened tomatoes, diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 large jalapeños, seeded or not (based on spice preference)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 12 tbsps vegetable oil for cooking
  • ½ tsp chipotle chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (to taste)
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Vegetable Sauté: In a large skillet, sauté onions and jalapeños in vegetable oil until softened and translucent, then add diced tomatoes and minced garlic, allowing flavors to meld.
  3. Cream Sauce Creation: Whisk together heavy cream, sour cream, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, cumin, and salt to form a rich, velvety sauce. Pour into the skillet and blend with sautéed vegetables.
  4. Shrimp Infusion: Introduce raw shrimp into the simmering sauce, cooking until they turn completely opaque and are thoroughly cooked.
  5. Tortilla Assembly: Spread Monterey Jack cheese down the center of each tortilla, then carefully transfer the shrimp and vegetable mixture using a slotted spoon to drain excess sauce.
  6. Rolling and Placement: Tightly roll the tortillas and position them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, covering completely with remaining sauce and topping with additional cheese.
  7. Baking Finale: Bake for 15-18 minutes until the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling surface. Remove from the oven and serve immediately, presenting a creamy, spicy culinary masterpiece.

Notes

  • Prep Like a Pro: Dice vegetables and measure spices before starting to streamline cooking process and prevent last-minute scrambling.
  • Shrimp Perfection: Cook shrimp just until they turn opaque white to avoid rubbery texture; overcooking leads to tough, chewy seafood.
  • Cheese Selection Matters: Use freshly grated Monterey Jack for optimal melting and superior flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • Sauce Consistency Tip: Whisk cream mixture thoroughly to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to enchiladas.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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