Description
Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas are a delightful fusion of tender shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all wrapped in soft tortillas. This dish offers a seafood twist on a Mexican classic, perfect for a special dinner or a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
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For the Filling:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced
- 1/2 cup white onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (reserve 1/2 cup for topping)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup salsa verde
For Assembly:
- 8 (6-inch) flour tortillas
- Cooking spray
- 1 jalapeรฑo pepper, seeded and diced (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add the diced red bell pepper and onion; sautรฉ until the onion becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook until they start to turn pink, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Season the mixture with chili powder and salt.
- Remove from heat and mix in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. Set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, forming a roux.
- Gradually add the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps, and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese until melted and smooth.
- Remove from heat and blend in the sour cream and salsa verde until well combined.
- Assemble the Enchiladas:
- Preheat the oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Lightly grease a 9ร13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Lay a tortilla flat and place approximately 1/3 cup of the shrimp filling along the center.
- Roll the tortilla tightly and place it seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
- Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
- Bake:
- Pour the prepared sauce evenly over the enchiladas in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese on top.
- Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- If desired, garnish with diced jalapeรฑo for an extra kick.
- Serve:
- Allow the enchiladas to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to let the sauce set slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally accompanied by pico de gallo, guacamole, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- For a spicier version, consider using Pepper Jack cheese or adding extra diced jalapeรฑos to the filling.
- Corn tortillas can be used for a more traditional enchilada; however, they may require warming to prevent cracking during rolling.
- Ensure the shrimp are not overcooked during the initial sautรฉ, as they will continue to cook during baking.