Sizzling Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe: A Fiesta of Flavors

Mexican cuisine brings its vibrant shrimp enchiladas magic straight to your kitchen tonight.

Authentic flavors dance across warm tortillas filled with succulent seafood.

Coastal ingredients blend beautifully in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Peppers and cheese create a mouthwatering combination that feels like a seaside vacation.

Home cooks can easily master these rolled delights with minimal preparation.

Comfort meets excitement in each carefully crafted bite of these enchiladas.

Fresh ingredients promise a memorable meal you’ll want to savor again and again.

Why Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Are A Weeknight Winner

• Speed Up Cooking: Prepare a delectable seafood dinner in under an hour with minimal kitchen effort and maximum flavor impact.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties, these shrimp enchiladas deliver rich, creamy textures that everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by adding or removing jalapeños, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
• Simple Ingredient Swap: Swap shrimp with chicken or use vegetarian protein alternatives for a versatile meal that keeps things interesting without complicated modifications.

What Goes Into Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that creates the primary filling for these delicious enchiladas.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and smooth base for the creamy sauce.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold the enchilada filling.
• Enchilada Sauce: Traditional Mexican sauce that adds depth and moisture to the dish.

• Onion, Green Bell Pepper: Aromatic vegetables that add flavor and texture to the shrimp mixture.
• Tomatoes: Fresh ingredient that provides additional moisture and slight acidity to the filling.
• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cumin, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and contributes to the creamy texture.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts beautifully and creates a golden brown topping.

• Jalapeños: Provides an extra kick of heat for those who enjoy spicy food.

How To Make Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas In Minutes

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Turn your oven to a toasty 375°F and let it heat while you prepare the delicious enchiladas.

Step 2: Sauté Flavor Builders

• Onions
• Green bell peppers
• Shrimp
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cumin
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook until shrimp turns pink and vegetables soften, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Cream Mixture

• Sour cream
• Cream cheese

Whisk until smooth and luxuriously creamy.

Step 4: Roll and Wrap Enchiladas

Place shrimp mixture into tortillas, rolling tightly and positioning seam-side down in a greased baking dish.

Step 5: Sauce and Cheese Magic

Pour enchilada sauce over rolled tortillas, then spread cream mixture on top. Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over everything.

Step 6: Optional Spice Blast

Scatter jalapeño slices across the top for extra kick.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide dish into oven and bake 20-25 minutes until cheese bubbles and turns golden brown.

Step 8: Serve and Celebrate

Let enchiladas rest briefly, then serve hot and enjoy your culinary creation!

Tips To Get Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Just Right

• Shrimp Selection Matters: Choose fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they're deveined and cleaned thoroughly before cooking.
• Prevent Soggy Tortillas: Lightly toast tortillas in a dry skillet before filling to create a barrier that stops excess moisture from making them mushy.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let shredded cheese come to room temperature for more even melting and a smoother, creamier topping.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust heat by removing jalapeño seeds or using mild green chiles for a gentler flavor profile for sensitive palates.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare enchiladas up to a day in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.

Easy Spins On Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Seafood Fusion Enchiladas: Replace shrimp with crab or lobster meat for a luxurious seafood twist, maintaining the creamy sauce and spice profile.
• Vegetarian Veggie Enchiladas: Swap shrimp with black beans, grilled zucchini, and roasted corn for a protein-packed plant-based alternative that keeps the original flavor structure.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Wrap Version: Use cauliflower tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of traditional tortillas, reducing carbohydrates while preserving the rich, creamy shrimp filling.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Enchiladas: Substitute sour cream and cream cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option that maintains the original recipe's creamy texture.

Best Sides With Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Pair with Citrusy White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich creaminess of the enchiladas and complement the shrimp's delicate flavor.
• Serve with Fresh Cilantro Lime Slaw: Create a tangy, crunchy side salad with shredded cabbage, fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a touch of olive oil to balance the enchiladas' creamy texture and add a refreshing contrast.
• Complement with Mexican Cerveza: Choose a light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo Especial, which will provide a clean, crisp finish that helps cleanse the palate between bites of the rich, cheesy enchiladas.

Store Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Without Hassle

• Store leftover enchiladas in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days. Place a layer of plastic wrap directly on the surface to prevent moisture and preserve freshness.
• Wrap individual enchiladas or the entire dish tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Place individual enchiladas on a microwave-safe plate. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stopping halfway to stir and ensure even warming. Add a splash of enchilada sauce to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover enchiladas with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

All Your Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Questions

• Are shrimp enchiladas difficult to make?

Not at all! This recipe is super easy and takes only 30 minutes from start to finish. Even beginner cooks can master these delicious enchiladas with simple steps and basic ingredients.

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps ensure they cook evenly and don’t release excess water into the dish.

• What type of tortillas work best for shrimp enchiladas?

Flour tortillas are recommended because they’re softer and more pliable, which makes rolling easier. Medium-sized tortillas around 8 inches work perfectly for this recipe.

Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican magic meets coastal comfort in these irresistible shrimp enchiladas, blending zesty spices with tender seafood wrapped in warm tortillas. Creamy, cheesy goodness promises a flavor journey that connects spice lovers directly to authentic Latin culinary traditions.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined (453.6 grams)

Vegetables and Spices:

• 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper
• 1/2 cup diced onion
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (fresh or canned)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Enchilada Components:

• 8 small flour tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or Monterey Jack)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup enchilada sauce (red or green)
• 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the correct temperature for optimal baking.
2. Heat a skillet over medium temperature and sauté onions and green bell peppers until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
3. Add shrimp to the skillet and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper, cooking until shrimp turns completely pink and opaque.
4. Incorporate diced tomatoes into the shrimp mixture, stirring to combine all flavors evenly.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, blend sour cream and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, creating a rich sauce base.
6. Warm tortillas slightly to make them more pliable for rolling.
7. Place a portion of the shrimp mixture into each tortilla, rolling tightly and positioning seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
8. Drizzle enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage.
9. Spread the prepared cream sauce evenly across the top of the enchiladas.
10. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire dish, creating a melty topping.
11. Optional: Garnish with sliced jalapeños for additional heat and flavor.
12. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown cheese and bubbling edges.
13. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes before serving to let flavors settle and make cutting easier.

Notes

• Keep shrimp tender by avoiding overcooking, which can make them rubbery and tough.
• Swap flour tortillas with corn tortillas for a gluten-free version that adds authentic Mexican flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce calories and boost protein content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Enhance seafood flavor by briefly marinating shrimp in lime juice and cilantro before cooking for extra zesty taste.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 150mg