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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it reaches the correct temperature for optimal baking.
- Heat a skillet over medium temperature and sauté onions and green bell peppers until they become translucent and soft, approximately 5 minutes.
- 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.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes into the shrimp mixture, stirring to combine all flavors evenly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, blend sour cream and cream cheese until smooth and creamy, creating a rich sauce base.
- Warm tortillas slightly to make them more pliable for rolling.
- Place a portion of the shrimp mixture into each tortilla, rolling tightly and positioning seam-side down in a greased baking dish.
- Drizzle enchilada sauce generously over the rolled tortillas, ensuring complete coverage.
- Spread the prepared cream sauce evenly across the top of the enchiladas.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese over the entire dish, creating a melty topping.
- Optional: Garnish with sliced jalapeños for additional heat and flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, watching for golden-brown cheese and bubbling edges.
- 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