How to Make Shrimp Enchiladas: A Delicious Mexican Dish
If you’re looking for a flavorful and mouth-watering Mexican dish, look no further than shrimp enchiladas. This popular Latin American dish is a crowd-pleaser, and with this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn how to make it to perfection.
What Are Shrimp Enchiladas?
Shrimp enchiladas are a type of Mexican dish consisting of corn tortillas wrapped around a filling of seasoned shrimp, rolled, placed in a baking dish, and covered in a tomato-based sauce and melted cheese. The dish is cooked in the oven until hot and bubbly, filling the air with a tempting aroma that will leave your taste buds begging for a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Don’t worry if you haven’t cooked with some of these ingredients before – click here for a concise guide to the most frequently used Mexican ingredients.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Shrimp | 1 lb (450g) pink or white shrimp, deveined and peeled |
| Onion | 1 medium |
| Garlic | 3-4 cloves |
| Tomato paste | 2 tbsp |
| Fresh cilantro | chopped, for garnish |
| Fresh lime juice | squeezed, for serving |
| Tortillas | 8-10 corn tortillas |
| Vegetable oil | for brushing |
| Cream cheese | softened |
| Monterey Jack cheese | shredded (or other melty cheese) |
| Enchilada sauce | homemade (recipe below) or store-bought |
| Salt | |
| Peppers | diced Anaheim or Poblano pepper, for serving (optional) |
Homemade Enchilada Sauce (Optional)
If you want to elevate your enchiladas to the next level, consider making your own enchilada sauce. This will allow you to customize the flavor and heat level to your taste.
Instructions
Below is a step-by-step guide to making shrimp enchiladas at home:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp Mixture
- Chop the onion and garlic cloves.
- In a medium skillet, heat the oil over medium heat and sauté the onions and garlic until softened. Add the shrimp, salt, and a splash of lime juice. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are pink and cooked through.
- Stir in the cooked shrimp mixture with the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chopped cilantro.
Step 2: Prepare the Tortillas
- HINT: Warm the tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 10-20 seconds, this will make them more flexible and easier to roll.**
- Brush one tortilla with oil and layer with a spoonful of the shrimp mixture, keeping the filling towards the left side of the tortilla.
- Step 3: Assemble and Roll the Enchiladas
- Starting from the left side of the tortilla, tuck the filling under itself and roll the tortilla into a neat package, sealing the opening with a dollop of cream cheese.
- Repeat the process, creating 8-10 enchiladas.
Step 4: Assembly and Baking
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place 1/2 cup to 1 cup of enchilada sauce over the bottom of a large baking dish. Arrange four rolled enchiladas into the dish, seam side down.
- Melt 1/2 cup of cheese to cover the enchiladas, then sprinkle with additional cheese in the center.
- Create a second layer of 4 enchiladas in the same manner, completing the dish.
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven, and bake for **10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbly.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Remove the dish from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to harden slightly.
- Fluff the enchiladas with a spatula if needed, and pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the surface.
- Serve with:
- Chopped diced Anaheim or Poblano pepper
- Crushed tortilla chips (optional)
- FRESH lime wedges with a sprinkle of cilantro
Tips and Tricks
- For an even more authentic taste, grill the shrimp mixture in an outdoor grill or skillet coated with oil and cook 2-3 minutes each side.
- If short on time, use packaged enchilada sauce; however, keep in mind the flavor won’t compare to homemade.
- Create a vegetarian option by adding roasted vegetables (such as zucchini, bell pepper, and mushrooms) into the shrimp mixture.
- Experiment with different types and combinations of cheese for melting and flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious homemade shrimp enchiladas, and ¡buen provecho!
By following these steps, you’ll create a restaurant-quality dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you prefer mild or spicy, enchiladas are a true Mexican staple that can accommodate any taste bud. Enjoy the journey and the results!