Verde Shrimp Enchiladas With Jalapeno Cream Sauce

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Verde Shrimp Enchiladas With Jalapeno Cream Sauce offer a zesty and creamy twist on traditional enchiladas. Juicy shrimp are wrapped in soft tortillas, smothered in a tangy verde sauce and topped with a rich jalapeño cream. Perfect for seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike, this dish is both comforting and bold in flavor, making it ideal for dinner gatherings or weeknight indulgence.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

shrimp (peeled and deveined)olive oilgarlic (minced)onion (finely chopped)green enchilada sauce (or salsa verde)cream cheesejalapeños (seeded and diced)heavy creamMonterey Jack cheesecorn or flour tortillascilantro (for garnish)salt and pepper to taste

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing until softened.

Add shrimp and cook until just pink. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

In a saucepan, melt cream cheese with jalapeños and a splash of heavy cream. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Add a portion of green enchilada sauce to the cream mixture, blending well to form the jalapeño cream sauce.

Warm tortillas slightly to make them pliable. Fill each with shrimp mixture and a sprinkle of cheese, then roll and place seam-side down in the baking dish.

Pour remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, followed by the jalapeño cream sauce.

Top with remaining cheese and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until bubbly and golden.

Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 6 enchiladas.Serving size: 1-2 enchiladasPreparation time: 20 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 45 minutes

Variations

Substitute shrimp with crab or a white fish for a different seafood twist.

Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms to the filling for extra texture and flavor.

Use a mix of cheddar and pepper jack for a cheesier and spicier topping.

Drizzle with lime juice or serve with avocado slices for a fresh finish.

Make it gluten-free by using corn tortillas and checking the labels on your sauces.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.To reheat, place in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.For longer storage, freeze before baking and cook from frozen at 375°F for about 40-45 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat dry before cooking.

How spicy is the jalapeño cream sauce?

It has a mild to moderate heat depending on how many jalapeños you use and whether you remove the seeds.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely—assemble the enchiladas and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

What type of tortillas work best?

Either corn or flour tortillas will work; flour tends to be more pliable, while corn offers a more authentic texture.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free cheese and cream alternatives for the sauce and topping.

What if I don’t have enchilada sauce?

You can substitute with salsa verde or a homemade tomatillo sauce.

Do I need to cook the shrimp beforehand?

Yes, pre-cooking ensures they are perfectly done and not rubbery after baking.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Add a bit more cream cheese or reduce the sauce slightly over heat until it reaches your desired consistency.

Is this kid-friendly?

If you reduce or omit the jalapeños, it can be mild enough for kids.

Can I add beans or rice?

Yes, black beans or cooked rice can be added to the filling for extra heartiness.

Conclusion

Verde Shrimp Enchiladas With Jalapeno Cream Sauce deliver a delicious fusion of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors in every bite. Perfect for seafood lovers, this vibrant dish is sure to impress at the dinner table while being easy enough for a weeknight treat. Once you try these enchiladas, they’re likely to become a regular favorite.

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