Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce

Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce is a luxurious, flavor-packed dish that brings together succulent shrimp, gooey melted cheese, and a luscious cream sauce—all tucked into warm flour tortillas. This recipe is perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home. It’s rich, creamy, and irresistibly satisfying with just the right hint of spice.

Ingredients

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp chili powder
1/2 tsp cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup diced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (4 oz) diced green chiles
8 flour tortillas
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the Cream Sauce
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/4 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Sauté diced onions until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Stir in shrimp, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook shrimp until pink and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Remove skillet from heat and mix in diced green chiles. Set aside.
8. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
9. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
10. Slowly whisk in chicken broth until smooth.
11. Bring sauce to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
12. Reduce heat and stir in sour cream, heavy cream, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Do not boil.
13. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
14. Fill each tortilla with shrimp mixture and a handful of shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
15. Roll tortillas and place seam side down in the baking dish.
16. Pour cream sauce evenly over the enchiladas.
17. Sprinkle remaining shredded cheese on top.
18. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
19. Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve the shrimp enchiladas hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for added freshness. They pair well with sides like Mexican rice, refried beans, or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

For longer storage, you can freeze the enchiladas before baking. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F for about 45 minutes until hot and bubbly.

Variations

1. Crab or Lobster Enchiladas
   Swap shrimp for cooked crab meat or lobster chunks for a richer, more luxurious seafood enchilada. Prepare the filling the same way and enjoy an elegant twist perfect for special occasions.
2. Spicy Pepper Jack Cheese
   Replace Monterey Jack cheese with Pepper Jack to add a subtle spicy kick. This variation enhances the flavor and adds depth to the creamy sauce.
3. Vegetable-Loaded Shrimp Enchiladas
   Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the shrimp filling for extra nutrition and texture. This variation makes the dish heartier and adds vibrant color.
4. Smoky Chipotle Cream Sauce
   Incorporate chipotle powder or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce into the cream sauce for a smoky, mildly spicy flavor. Adjust the amount based on your preferred heat level.
5. Gluten-Free Option
   Use soft corn tortillas instead of flour tortillas to make the recipe gluten-free. Warm the corn tortillas before rolling to prevent cracking or tearing.
6. Cheese Blend
   Try a mix of cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and mozzarella for a more complex, gooey filling and topping.
7. Cilantro Lime Shrimp Enchiladas
   Add fresh chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to the shrimp mixture before filling the tortillas for a fresh, zesty flavor that balances the creaminess.
8. Low-Fat Version
   Use reduced-fat sour cream and omit the heavy cream from the sauce to reduce calories while keeping the creamy texture.
9. Black Bean and Shrimp Enchiladas
   Add cooked black beans to the shrimp mixture for added protein and fiber. This variation adds a southwestern twist and makes the dish more filling.
10. Cheesy Jalapeño Topping
    Top the baked enchiladas with sliced jalapeños and extra cheese before broiling for a few minutes to add a crunchy, spicy finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

2. What type of tortillas work best for shrimp enchiladas?
Flour tortillas are ideal for softness and flexibility, but you can use corn tortillas if you prefer or need a gluten-free option.

3. How spicy is this dish?
The basic recipe is mild. You can adjust the chili powder or add jalapeños or chipotle for more heat.

4. Can I prepare the enchiladas ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble them and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours before baking.

5. How do I prevent the tortillas from becoming soggy?
Lightly warming or lightly toasting tortillas before filling helps prevent sogginess by creating a moisture barrier.

6. Can I freeze the enchiladas?
Yes, freeze them before baking in a freezer-safe dish. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 45-50 minutes until hot and bubbly.

7. What can I serve as side dishes with shrimp enchiladas?
Mexican rice, refried beans, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables pair well.

8. Can I substitute the sour cream in the sauce?
You can use Greek yogurt or cream cheese for a different texture and flavor, but it may alter the sauce consistency slightly.

9. Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, you can easily double or triple the ingredients and bake in a larger dish for gatherings.

10. How do I make the cream sauce thicker if needed?
Simmer it a little longer to reduce or add a bit more flour during the roux stage, whisking well to avoid lumps.

Shrimp Enchiladas with Cream Sauce delivers indulgent comfort food with a seafood flair. With its creamy texture and bold flavors, it’s a dish that turns any night into a special occasion. Whether you serve it for guests or a quiet family dinner, it’s sure to become a beloved favorite.

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