Cheesy Garlic Shrimp Enchiladas (Printer View)

Tender shrimp with cheesy garlic sauce, wrapped in tortillas and baked for a bubbly Tex-Mex comfort dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Shrimp Filling

01 - 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (optional)
06 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
07 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Cheese Sauce

12 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
13 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
14 - 1 cup whole milk
15 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
16 - 1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
17 - 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
18 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
19 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
20 - Juice of 1/2 lime

→ Assembly

21 - 8 medium flour tortillas (8-inch)
22 - 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese, for topping
23 - 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for topping
24 - 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

# Method Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 375°F.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. Add garlic, jalapeño, and bell pepper; sauté for 2 minutes more.
03 - Add shrimp, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Sauté until shrimp are pink and opaque, 3 to 4 minutes. Stir in chopped cilantro. Remove from heat and set mixture aside.
04 - Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring until thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
05 - Reduce heat to low. Add Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and lime juice. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth. Remove from heat.
06 - Spoon a thin layer of cheese sauce onto the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish.
07 - Divide shrimp mixture evenly among tortillas. Roll up each tortilla and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.
08 - Pour remaining cheese sauce evenly over filled tortillas. Sprinkle with reserved Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese.
09 - Bake uncovered for 18 to 20 minutes, until bubbly and lightly golden on top.
10 - Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Uses fresh shrimp and vibrant veggies with plenty of creamy cheese
  • Satisfies comfort food cravings while feeling bright and zippy
  • Quick enough for a weeknight yet dinner party worthy
  • Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets using corn tortillas
02 -
  • Extremely high in protein and fiber thanks to shrimp and veggies
  • Perfect for pescatarians and can be made gluten-free
  • Leftovers keep well for the next day's lunch
03 -
  • Sauté the shrimp until just pink then pull off the heat so it stays juicy
  • Always grate cheese yourself for better melt and stronger flavor
  • Let the enchiladas rest five minutes after baking so the cheese sauce thickens and slices come out tidy
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