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Imagine tender shrimp inside warm tortillas. A rich, creamy sauce covers the tortillas. The dish bakes to golden perfection. This is the magic of shrimp enchiladas! Shrimp enchiladas are a popular Mexican comfort food. They offer a satisfying blend of flavors and textures. This post will guide you through a simple recipe for creamy shrimp enchiladas. You will also find tips and ideas to personalize the dish. Whether you are a skilled cook or new to the kitchen, this recipe will impress. This recipe suits weeknight dinners, special occasions, or meal prep. [Based on conversation history]
Why We Love Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas
What makes creamy shrimp enchiladas so good? It is the unique blend of textures and flavors! The shrimp are tender. The tortillas are soft. The sauce is rich and creamy. Every bite is a delight. Enchiladas have a long history in Mexican cuisine. They have changed over time and vary across regions. Making creamy shrimp enchiladas is easier than you think! Even a homemade sauce is simple to make. You can adjust the recipe to your liking! Consider your dietary needs, preferences, and spice tolerance.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients:
Shrimp Mixture
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup white onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
You can use roasted cauliflower or black beans instead of shrimp for a vegetarian option.
Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese (use Pepper Jack for more spice)
- 1 cup sour cream (use low-fat or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
You can use cream of chicken soup as a shortcut for the white sauce.
You will also need:
- 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
- A large skillet
- A 9×13 casserole dish
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Instructions
Follow these easy steps:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Make the shrimp mixture. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add bell pepper and onion. Cook until soft. Add garlic and cook for one minute. Add shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes. The shrimp should just turn pink. Do not overcook the shrimp. Remove from heat. Add salt, chili powder, cilantro, and lime juice. Stir and set aside.
- Make the sauce. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a skillet. Add flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Slowly add chicken broth, stirring constantly. The sauce will thicken as it cooks. Once thickened, reduce heat. Add Monterey Jack cheese and stir until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in salsa verde and sour cream.
- Add 1 cup of the sauce to the shrimp mixture. Stir.
- Fill the tortillas. Add 1/3 cup of the shrimp mixture to each tortilla. Roll tightly. Place seam-down in the baking dish.
- Pour the remaining sauce over the tortillas.
- Bake uncovered for 30-40 minutes. The tops should be golden brown.
- Let the enchiladas rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips and Variations
- Sear the shrimp in a skillet for one minute per side. This adds extra flavor.
- If your lobster bisque is very creamy, add a tablespoon of tomato paste to the sauce.
- Adjust the spice level with different chili powders. You can also add chopped jalapeños.
- Try different cheese combinations, such as Monterey Jack, Cheddar, Pepper Jack, or queso fresco.
- For vegetarian enchiladas, use roasted cauliflower or black beans instead of shrimp. You can use vegan cheese for a vegan version.
- Add chopped spinach, corn, or black beans to the filling for different flavors.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your creamy shrimp enchiladas with these delicious sides:
- Mexican Slaw with Cilantro and Lime: This fresh and tangy slaw balances the richness of the enchiladas.
- Cucumber Salad with Jalapeño and Lime: A refreshing and spicy cucumber salad adds a cool contrast to the warm enchiladas.
- Mexican Cilantro Lime Rice: A flavorful and aromatic rice dish that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- Refried or Black Beans: Classic Mexican accompaniments that add heartiness to the meal.
- Guacamole: Creamy and flavorful guacamole adds a satisfying richness.
Making Ahead, Storage, and Reheating
- You can assemble the enchiladas a day ahead. Refrigerate them until ready to bake.
- You can freeze the enchiladas before or after baking. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
- Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350-degree oven.
Conclusion
Creamy shrimp enchiladas are a delightful and satisfying meal. They are easy to make and offer many variations. You can customize this recipe to your preferences. Try this recipe and enjoy a taste of Mexico! Share your results and feedback in the comments. Show off your culinary skills by posting photos of your creations on social media. You can find more delicious shrimp recipes on this blog!
