Try This Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe Tonight

Tender shrimp dance in a luxurious creamy shrimp enchiladas recipe that promises pure comfort on a plate.

These enchiladas burst with rich, velvety flavors that transport you straight to a cozy Mexican kitchen.

Plump, succulent shrimp nestle between soft tortillas, blanketed in a dreamy sauce that melts in your mouth.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of spices and creamy goodness that makes dinner feel like a celebration.

The recipe combines simple ingredients with bold techniques that elevate a classic dish to something extraordinary.

Cheese bubbles golden on top, creating an irresistible crust that beckons you to dig in.

Savor every delicious moment and let these enchiladas become your new favorite weeknight indulgence.

Why Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Stand Out

• Indulge in a creamy, zesty dish that brings warmth and excitement to your dinner table with its rich blend of flavors and textures.
• Master this recipe with minimal cooking skills, requiring simple techniques like sautéing vegetables and rolling tortillas, perfect for home cooks at any level.
• Adapt the spice level by adjusting jalapeños and chili powders, making it versatile for different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Elevate your home cooking with a restaurant-quality meal that looks sophisticated but comes together quickly and effortlessly.

What You Need for Shrimp Enchiladas

• Shrimp: A tender seafood that provides the primary protein and flavor for these enchiladas.

• Onions, Jalapeños: These fresh vegetables add depth, heat, and a robust flavor base to the dish.
• Tomatoes, Garlic: Ingredients that create a rich, savory foundation for the enchilada sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Sour Cream: These dairy products contribute to the luxurious, creamy texture of the enchilada sauce.
• Cheese: A melty ingredient that adds richness and helps bind the enchiladas together.

• Tortillas: Soft corn or flour wraps that hold the shrimp and vegetable filling.
• Cayenne Pepper, Chipotle Chili Powder, Cumin: Spices that provide warmth, smokiness, and complexity to the dish.
• Salt: A seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile of the enchiladas.

Cooking Method for Shrimp Enchiladas

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish to ensure nothing sticks.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Olive oil
• Onions
• Jalapeños

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Toss in onions and jalapeños, cooking until they become soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Build Flavor Foundation

• Diced tomatoes
• Minced garlic

Introduce tomatoes and garlic to the skillet.

Let them mingle and soften for 3-4 minutes, creating a rich base of flavors.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Sour cream
• Cayenne pepper
• Chipotle chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt

In a bowl, blend cream, sour cream, and spices until smooth.

Pour into the skillet with vegetables, simmering gently to prevent curdling.

Step 5: Cook Succulent Shrimp

Nestle shrimp into the sauce in a single layer.

Cook 2-3 minutes per side until they turn opaque and tender.

Step 6: Roll Enchilada Bundles

• Tortillas
• Cheese

Lay out tortillas and sprinkle with cheese.

Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp and vegetable mixture onto tortillas.

Roll tightly and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Step 7: Dress with Sauce and Cheese

Drizzle remaining sauce over enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage.

Generously scatter remaining cheese on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake 15-18 minutes until cheese melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

Smart Tips for Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

• Whisk the cream mixture slowly and keep the heat low to avoid curdling, which can make your sauce grainy and unappetizing.
• Choose medium-sized, deveined shrimp for consistent cooking and the best texture in your enchiladas.
• Adjust the cayenne and chipotle chili powder to match your heat tolerance, removing jalapeño seeds for milder results.
• Tuck tortilla edges inward while rolling to keep filling secure and create neat, compact enchiladas that won't fall apart.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for lighter version, or use Greek yogurt for a tangier, lower-fat alternative.

Store and Reheat Shrimp Enchiladas the Right Way

• Store leftover enchiladas in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent moisture and prevent freezer burn.
• Wrap individual enchiladas tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen enchiladas maintain quality for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw refrigerated or frozen enchiladas in the refrigerator overnight. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stopping halfway to stir and ensure even heating.
• Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before reheating to refresh the creamy texture and add moisture. Use a damp paper towel when microwaving to prevent the tortillas from becoming tough.

What Goes Well with Shrimp Enchiladas

• Sip and Savor Shrimp Enchilada Companions
• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair this creamy, spicy dish with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, zesty wines cut through the richness and complement the seafood's delicate flavor.
• Spark with Citrus Margarita: Blend fresh lime juice, tequila, and a touch of orange liqueur to create a bright cocktail that matches the enchiladas' bold Mexican-inspired profile. The citrus notes will dance perfectly with the creamy sauce.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Choose a Mexican-style lager or a wheat beer with hints of citrus. These crisp, light brews will balance the enchiladas' heat and creaminess, providing a refreshing counterpoint to each spicy bite.
• Elevate with Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, serve a lime-infused sparkling water with a dash of salt. The bubbles and subtle citrus will cleanse the palate between rich, creamy bites of the enchiladas.

Other Ways to Make Shrimp Enchiladas

• Vegetarian Enchiladas: Replace shrimp with roasted black beans, diced bell peppers, and corn for a protein-packed meat-free version. Maintain the creamy sauce and spice profile for rich flavor.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Swap flour tortillas with large lettuce leaves or thin cabbage wraps. Use cauliflower as a base and add extra cheese to increase fat content and maintain ketogenic requirements.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream and sour cream with coconut cream and cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of traditional cheese to keep the creamy texture while accommodating dairy restrictions.
• Spicy Seafood Variation: Add extra cayenne pepper, diced habaneros, and swap shrimp for a mix of crab and lobster meat. Intensify the heat and elevate the seafood complexity for adventurous palates.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture in the enchiladas.

• How spicy are these enchiladas?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños and chipotle chili powder. Remove jalapeño seeds for less heat, or use mild chili powder if you prefer a milder dish.

• What type of tortillas work best?

Flour tortillas are recommended for this recipe as they hold the creamy filling better and provide a softer texture compared to corn tortillas.

• Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the filling and assemble the enchiladas up to a day in advance. Keep covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Mexican Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas bring coastal flavors dancing across your palate with rich, zesty goodness. Spicy seafood meets silky cheese sauce, promising a delightful culinary journey that satisfies your craving for authentic, comforting cuisine.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) large shrimp
• 4 soft taco flour tortillas
• 8 ounces (227 grams) Monterrey Jack cheese (grated, divided in two)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 small yellow onion (sliced thin)
• 2 large jalapenos (seeded or not, based on desired spice level)
• 2 medium tomatoes “on a vine” (diced)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1–2 tablespoons vegetable oil for cooking
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• Salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the kitchen workspace by heating the oven to 350°F and lightly greasing a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onions and jalapeños until softened and translucent, approximately 5-7 minutes, allowing the vegetables to develop a rich flavor profile.
3. Incorporate diced tomatoes and minced garlic into the skillet, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes release their natural juices and become tender.
4. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together heavy cream, sour cream, cayenne pepper, chipotle chili powder, cumin, and salt in a separate bowl. Pour the mixture into the vegetable mixture, simmering gently on medium-low heat to prevent curdling.
5. Carefully nestle shrimp into the sauce, cooking 2-3 minutes per side until they turn completely opaque and maintain a delicate texture.
6. Distribute half the cheese across tortillas, then use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp and vegetable mixture onto each tortilla. Roll tightly and arrange seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
7. Drizzle remaining sauce over the enchiladas, ensuring complete coverage, and generously sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
8. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the cheese melts completely and develops a golden, bubbly surface.

Notes

• Modify the cayenne and chipotle chili powder to match your heat tolerance, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish comfortably.
• Use fresh, high-quality shrimp and smell them before cooking to guarantee optimal flavor and prevent any unpleasant seafood odors.
• Swap shrimp with grilled chicken, sautéed tofu, or black beans for vegetarian and diverse dietary preferences while maintaining the enchilada’s creamy texture.
• Reduce heat and stir continuously when adding cream to prevent separation, creating a smooth, consistent sauce that coats the enchiladas beautifully.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg