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shrimp enchiladas Recipe

Shrimp Enchiladas

Shrimp enchiladas are a delicious and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish, perfect for a hearty dinner. Succulent shrimp, sautéed with spices, are wrapped in corn tortillas and baked with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce and a generous layer of melted cheese.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 persons
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 430

Ingredients
  

  • 450 g raw shrimp, peeled and deveined about 1 lb
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped about 120 g
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced about 10 g
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 8 pieces corn tortillas 15 cm / 6-inch size
  • 150 g Monterey Jack cheese, shredded about 1½ cups
  • 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 200 g sour cream about ¾ cup
  • 240 ml salsa verde store-bought or homemade, 1 cup
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Equipment

  • 1 large skillet
  • 1 mixing bowls
  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish
  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 1 whisk or spoon for mixing
  • 1 set measuring cups and spoons
  • 1 aluminum foil (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F).
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 minutes until soft.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add the shrimp to the skillet. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until the shrimp are pink and just cooked through. Remove from heat.
  5. Squeeze over the lime juice and add half the chopped cilantro. Roughly chop shrimp into bite-sized pieces if desired. Set aside.
  6. In a medium bowl, mix together the sour cream and salsa verde until well blended.
  7. Warm the corn tortillas by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 30 seconds, or by heating in a dry skillet briefly.
  8. Pour 1/3 of the sour cream-salsa mixture into the bottom of the 9x13-inch baking dish and spread out evenly.
  9. Assemble the enchiladas: Place a portion of the cooked shrimp mixture and a sprinkle of shredded cheese into each tortilla, roll it up, and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  10. Top the rolled tortillas with the remaining sour cream-salsa sauce. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese over the top.
  11. Cover with foil (optional, for softer enchiladas) and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  12. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with remaining cilantro before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can add chopped green chilies or diced bell peppers to the filling.
If you prefer a spicier dish, use a spicy salsa verde or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Serve with Mexican rice, black beans, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator, covered, for up to 2 days.