Savory Cheesy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe: A Flavor Fiesta!

Comfort meets coastal flavors in these delectable cheesy shrimp enchiladas that promise pure culinary magic.

Rich, creamy textures blend seamlessly with succulent seafood and melted cheese in every delightful bite.

Spices dance across tender shrimp nestled within soft tortillas, creating an irresistible Mexican-inspired dish.

The enchiladas burst with authentic southwestern charm and bold, harmonious flavors that sing on your palate.

Each rolled tortilla becomes a canvas for a symphony of ingredients that transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

These enchiladas offer a perfect balance of zesty seasonings and smooth, melted cheese that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Prepare to be transported to a world of mouthwatering deliciousness that celebrates the best of Mexican-inspired cuisine.

Ingredients Required For Shrimp Enchiladas

• Shrimp: Protein-packed seafood that brings oceanic flavor and tender texture to the dish.
• Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness and foundational depth to the filling.
• Garlic: Provides robust, pungent flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Chili Powder: Contributes warm, slightly spicy undertones to the shrimp mixture.
• Cumin: Delivers earthy, warm notes that complement the seafood perfectly.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky, rich dimension to the filling.
• Diced Tomatoes: Brings moisture and tangy brightness to the shrimp mixture.
• Corn: Adds sweet crunch and vibrant color to the filling.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce.
• Flour: Helps thicken and stabilize the sauce's consistency.
• Chicken Broth: Provides depth and savory liquid for the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, silky texture to the sauce.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully, adding creamy richness and tang.
• Sour Cream: Introduces subtle tanginess and extra creaminess.
• Garlic Powder: Offers concentrated garlic flavor throughout the sauce.
• Onion Powder: Provides subtle, consistent onion essence.

• Tortillas: Soft wrap that holds the delicious shrimp filling.
• Fresh Cilantro: Bright, herbal garnish that adds fresh pop of flavor.

Tools That Help Prepare Shrimp Enchiladas Easily

• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking shrimp filling with even heat distribution.
• Medium saucepan: Essential for creating smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
• 9×13-inch baking dish: Key for assembling and baking enchiladas evenly.
• Whisk: Crucial for blending sauce ingredients and preventing flour clumps.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring shrimp mixture and sauce.
• Measuring spoons and cups: Helps accurately measure spices and ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.

How To Cook And Roll Shrimp Enchiladas

• Sizzle Shrimp Mixture

Heat olive oil in a skillet and toss in onions and garlic until they become soft and fragrant. Drop in shrimp and sprinkle with bold spices, cooking until shrimp turn a beautiful pink color. Mix in diced tomatoes and corn for extra flavor and texture.

• Craft Silky Sauce

Melt butter and whisk in flour to create a golden base. Slowly pour in broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Add cream and cheese, transforming the liquid into a luxurious, velvety sauce that will make mouths water.

• Roll and Prepare

Warm your tortillas and fill each one with the zesty shrimp mixture. Gently roll them into tight bundles and nestle them into a baking dish. Pour the dreamy sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring every inch is covered.

• Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into a preheated oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the enchiladas bubble and turn a gorgeous golden brown, promising a mouthwatering meal that will impress everyone at the table.

• Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and bring these sizzling enchiladas to the table. Pair with a side of tangy salsa or creamy guacamole for a complete flavor explosion.

Saucy Tweaks And Variations For Shrimp Enchiladas

• Shrimp Enchilada Mastery: Quick cooking tips to elevate your dish
• Shrimp Selection Matters: Choose fresh, medium-sized shrimp for the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, completely thaw and pat dry before cooking to prevent watery filling.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust chili powder and add jalapeños or hot sauce to customize heat intensity. For milder versions, reduce spices or use mild green chiles instead.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare enchiladas up to 24 hours in advance. Store assembled (uncooked) enchiladas covered in the refrigerator, then bake when ready. This makes entertaining super easy and stress-free.
• Dairy-Free Transformation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Replace sour cream with cashew cream for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise on richness.
• Tortilla Pro Tips: Warm tortillas briefly in the microwave or skillet before filling to prevent cracking. Corn tortillas work wonderfully for a more authentic flavor and gluten-free option.

How To Serve Shrimp Enchiladas Family Style

• Fiesta Feast Pairings: Serve these enchiladas with zesty Mexican rice, complementing the creamy shrimp filling with its vibrant flavors and texture.
• Fresh Garnish Explosion: Sprinkle chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and extra cilantro on top to add brightness, crunch, and a pop of color to the dish.
• Cool Contrast Sides: Offer a tangy sour cream or refreshing avocado crema alongside the enchiladas to balance the rich, creamy sauce and provide a cooling element.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform this recipe into a brunch favorite by adding a sunny-side-up egg on top and serving with a light mimosa or fresh agua fresca.

Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Storage And Meal Prep Tips

• Meal Planning & Storage Advice
• Smart Batch Cooking: Prepare double the recipe and freeze half for quick weeknight dinners. Wrap enchiladas tightly in aluminum foil before freezing to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Keep leftover enchiladas in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain texture.
• Reheating Magic: Warm refrigerated enchiladas in the oven at 350F for 15-20 minutes to restore crispy edges and prevent soggy results. Add a splash of extra cream sauce before reheating to keep them moist.
• Ingredient Prep Hack: Chop onions, clean shrimp, and grate cheese in advance. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, making assembly faster and more convenient during busy weeknights.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 487 kcal

Servings: 4

Cheesy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe

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4.8 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican comfort dish Cheesy Shrimp Enchiladas deliver spicy coastal flavors in a rich, satisfying meal. Seafood lovers will savor delicate shrimp nestled in warm tortillas, blanketed with zesty sauce and melted cheese.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
• 8–10 medium flour tortillas
• 1 cup (120g) shredded monterey jack or cheddar cheese (for topping)
• 1 cup (120g) shredded monterey jack cheese
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup corn kernels (fresh, canned, or frozen)
• ½ cup onion, finely diced
• ½ cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• ¼ cup (60g) 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. Aromatic Base: Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil until translucent, releasing their fragrant essence and establishing a robust foundation for the enchilada filling.
2. Shrimp Preparation: Add shrimp to the skillet, infusing with chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a bold and flavorful protein core.
3. Filling Integration: Combine cooked shrimp with diced tomatoes and corn, crafting a vibrant and textured mixture that promises complex flavor profiles.
4. Cream Sauce Creation: Construct a velvety sauce by whisking a golden roux of butter and flour, methodically incorporating chicken broth to achieve a silky smooth consistency.
5. Sauce Enrichment: Temper the sauce with heavy cream, shredded cheese, and sour cream, elevating the texture and depth of the creamy companion to the enchiladas.
6. Assembly Technique: Gently warm tortillas, distribute the shrimp filling, and roll tightly, positioning each enchilada seam-side down in a prepared baking vessel.
7. Final Preparation: Lavish the enchiladas with the decadent cream sauce, generously coating each roll and topping with an abundant layer of shredded cheese.
8. Culinary Finale: Bake uncovered in a preheated oven until the enchiladas bubble with enthusiasm and the cheese transforms into a golden-brown masterpiece.
9. Presentation: Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve alongside zesty accompaniments like salsa or guacamole, completing this Mexican-inspired culinary experience.

Notes

• Prevent Shrimp Overcooking: Watch shrimp carefully while sautéing, removing from heat immediately when they turn pink to maintain tender, juicy texture and avoid rubbery consistency.
• Create Smooth Cream Sauce: Whisk roux continuously and add liquids gradually to prevent lumps, ensuring a silky, velvety sauce without grainy texture.
• Enhance Tortilla Flexibility: Warm tortillas briefly in microwave or skillet before filling to prevent cracking and improve rolling technique for perfectly sealed enchiladas.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust chili powder and seasonings according to personal heat preference, allowing flexibility for mild or spicier versions of the dish.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg