Luscious Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe: A Dreamy Dinner Delight

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

The rich, velvety sauce envelops succulent shrimp in a dreamy embrace of flavor.

Tender tortillas cradle a delectable mixture of perfectly seasoned seafood and melted cheese.

Crafted with love and a hint of spice, this dish brings the vibrant essence of Mexican cuisine straight to your dinner table.

Each bite tells a story of comfort and warmth, blending traditional flavors with a modern twist.

The aroma alone will have everyone gathering around, eager to savor this irresistible meal.

Prepare to experience a symphony of textures and tastes that will make this recipe a new favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients You’ll Need For Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Shrimp: Succulent seafood that provides the main protein, choose fresh or frozen with firm texture and sweet ocean aroma.
• Onion: Adds aromatic base and subtle sweetness, select firm bulbs without soft spots.
• Garlic: Brings robust flavor depth, pick plump cloves with smooth, unbroken skin.
• Chili Powder: Delivers warm, complex spiciness, look for fresh, vibrant red color.
• Cumin: Introduces earthy, smoky undertones, seek whole seeds or ground powder with rich fragrance.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes deep, smoky complexity, choose bright red Hungarian variety.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy brightness, opt for ripe, juicy canned or fresh tomatoes.
• Corn: Adds sweet crunch and texture, select tender, bright yellow kernels.

• Butter: Creates rich foundation, use high-quality unsalted for best flavor control.
• Flour: Helps thicken sauce, select all-purpose for smooth consistency.
• Broth: Builds savory liquid base, choose low-sodium chicken or vegetable version.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious silkiness, pick fresh, high-fat content cream.
• Shredded Cheese: Provides melty, tangy richness, blend mild and sharp varieties.
• Sour Cream: Adds creamy tanginess, select full-fat for best texture.
• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhance background flavor complexity.

Kitchen Tools For Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing shrimp and vegetables with even heat distribution.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for creating the smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal for assembling and baking the enchiladas comfortably.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce ingredients and preventing flour clumps.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps with precise ingredient preparation.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient measurements.

How To Make Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Shrimp Sizzle

Heat a skillet and dance some olive oil around the pan. Toss in chopped onions and minced garlic, letting them soften and release their aromatic magic. Introduce plump shrimp to the party, sprinkling them with a vibrant mix of spices. Watch the shrimp transform into a delightful pink while absorbing all the bold flavors. Stir in sweet corn and juicy tomatoes, creating a mouthwatering filling that promises excitement.

• Silky Sauce Creation

Melt butter in a saucepan and whisk in flour, creating a smooth base. Slowly pour in broth, watching the mixture transform into a luxurious, velvety sauce. Fold in cream and cheese, stirring until everything melts into a dreamy, creamy consistency. Season with subtle spices that will make taste buds dance.

• Enchilada Assembly

Warm tortillas become cozy vessels for the spicy shrimp mixture. Roll each tortilla tightly, nestling them side by side in a baking dish. Blanket the enchiladas with the luscious, creamy sauce, ensuring every inch is covered in deliciousness.

• Oven Magic

Slide the baking dish into a preheated oven. Let the enchiladas bubble and turn golden, transforming into a tantalizingly crisp and creamy masterpiece. The aromas will fill your kitchen with anticipation.

• Finishing Touches

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top, adding a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, inviting friends and family to dive into this irresistible meal.

Tips To Perfect Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Seafood Sensation Secrets
• Shrimp Selection Trick: Choose medium-sized, fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor. Wild-caught shrimp typically offer more robust taste compared to farm-raised varieties.
• Tortilla Tip: Warm tortillas briefly in a skillet before filling to prevent cracking and make them more pliable. Corn tortillas work wonderfully for a more authentic Mexican experience.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder and pepper quantities to match your heat preference. For mild lovers, reduce spices; for heat seekers, add extra cayenne or jalapeños.
• Dietary Transformation: Make this recipe gluten-free by using alternative flour for the roux and selecting gluten-free tortillas. Swap dairy ingredients with plant-based alternatives for a vegan version using plant-based cheese and coconut cream.

Fun Ways To Serve Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Zesty Fiesta Plate: Pair these enchiladas with Mexican-style rice for a colorful and satisfying meal that bursts with flavor.
• Fresh Green Companions: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with lime-cilantro dressing to balance the rich, creamy enchiladas and add a refreshing touch.
• Cool Condiment Trio: Offer a selection of cool toppings like sour cream, fresh guacamole, and homemade salsa to let diners customize their plate and enhance the overall taste experience.
• Weekend Gathering Star: Perfect for casual dinner parties or family gatherings, these enchiladas create a warm, inviting meal that encourages sharing and conversation around the table.

Storage Plan For Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Smart Batch Cooking: Whip up double the recipe and stash half in freezer-safe containers for quick weeknight dinners. Label with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Refrigerator Lifespan: Store leftover enchiladas in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep sauce and filling separate to maintain optimal texture and prevent soggy tortillas.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual enchiladas in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. They'll stay delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Revive enchiladas in oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. For crispy edges, uncover during last 5 minutes of heating. Microwave works in a pinch but may soften tortilla texture.

Silky Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Succulent Monterey Jack cheese melds with plump shrimp in this classic Mexican shrimp enchiladas recipe. Rich flavors blend seamlessly with zesty sauce, creating a memorable dining experience that will satisfy and delight.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 8–10 medium flour tortillas
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• ¼ cup (60 g) sour cream
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp chili powder
• ½ tsp cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Filling: Sizzle shrimp with chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika in olive oil until pink. Fold in diced tomatoes and corn, creating a robust and colorful mixture.
2. Construct Creamy Sauce: Develop a silky sauce by whisking butter and flour into a roux, gradually incorporating broth. Blend in heavy cream, shredded cheese, sour cream, garlic, and onion powders until achieving a luxurious, smooth consistency.
3. Assemble Enchiladas: Warm tortillas and distribute spiced shrimp filling centrally. Roll compactly, arranging tightly in a baking dish. Lavishly coat with prepared cream sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Bake and Finish: Place in a preheated oven at 375°F, cooking until edges crisp and cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling crust. Remove and garnish with fresh cilantro for a vibrant herbal accent.
5. Serve: Plate immediately, complementing with zesty salsa or creamy guacamole to elevate the dining experience.

Notes

• Optimize Shrimp Texture: Remove shrimp from heat immediately when turning pink to prevent overcooking and rubbery consistency.
• Balance Spice Profile: Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities based on personal heat tolerance, ensuring a balanced flavor without overwhelming the seafood.
• Control Sauce Thickness: Whisk roux and cream slowly to prevent lumps and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce that coats enchiladas evenly.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular tortillas with gluten-free alternatives and use lactose-free cheese for accommodating dietary restrictions while maintaining authentic flavor.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg