Enchiladas

Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso

Name: Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined; 2 cups (250g) Oaxaca cheese, shredded; 1 cup (115g) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded; 4 large tomatoes, charred and diced; 2 medium onions, charred and diced; 4 dried arbol chilies, stemmed and seeded; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp (5g) ground cumin; 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp (2g) salt; 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper; 8-10 corn tortillas; 2 tbsp (30g) olive oil

By Wesley Pemberton · June 19, 2026 · Enchiladas

Prep30 min

Cook40 min

Total70 min

Serves6

Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso, or shrimp enchiladas with cheese, is a beloved dish in my family that never fails to impress. Growing up in a Guadalajara family in San Antonio, I learned the secrets of traditional Mexican cooking from my abuela, who would spend hours in the kitchen perfecting her recipes.

One of my favorite childhood memories is helping my abuela prepare enchiladas for special occasions. She would carefully select the freshest ingredients, from the plumpest shrimp to the ripest tomatoes, and then meticulously assemble each enchilada with love and care.

As I grew older, I began to appreciate the art of Mexican cooking and the importance of using high-quality ingredients. I learned that the key to making great enchiladas is to use a combination of fresh and dried ingredients, such as chilies, garlic, and oregano, to create a deep and complex flavor profile.

This recipe for Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso is a variation of my abuela's original recipe, adapted to use easily accessible ingredients and simplified techniques. It's perfect for special occasions or everyday meals, and can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let's get started on this delicious journey of making Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's perfect for special occasions or everyday meals.
The dish is highly customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings or fillings.
It's a great way to use up leftover shrimp or cheese.
The enchiladas can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use.
It's a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to making great Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso lies in the preparation of the sauce. By charring the tomatoes, onions, and chilies on a hot comal or under the broiler, we create a deep, smoky flavor that is the foundation of the dish.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the use of high-quality cheese. I recommend using a combination of Oaxaca cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, which provides a creamy and melty texture that complements the shrimp perfectly.

Finally, the key to making perfect enchiladas is to cook them at the right temperature and for the right amount of time. By baking the enchiladas in a hot oven, we can achieve a golden-brown crust on the cheese and a tender, flaky texture on the tortillas.

With these techniques and ingredients, you'll be able to create authentic and delicious Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso that will impress your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso, you'll need a few key ingredients, including fresh shrimp, high-quality cheese, and a variety of spices and chilies. Be sure to select the freshest ingredients possible, as they will make a big difference in the flavor and texture of the dish.

When shopping for ingredients, look for ripe tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and fragrant spices. You can also use leftover shrimp or cheese to make the dish more budget-friendly.

1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveinedLook for fresh, sustainably-sourced shrimp with a sweet flavor and firm texture. You can also use frozen shrimp, but be sure to thaw them first.
2 cups (250g) Oaxaca cheese, shreddedOaxaca cheese has a mild, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp. You can also use Monterey Jack cheese or a combination of the two.
1 cup (115g) Monterey Jack cheese, shreddedMonterey Jack cheese adds a rich, melty texture to the dish. Look for a high-quality cheese with a good balance of flavor and moisture.
4 large tomatoes, charred and dicedCharred tomatoes have a deep, smoky flavor that is essential to the dish. Look for ripe, flavorful tomatoes and char them on a hot comal or under the broiler.
2 medium onions, charred and dicedCharred onions add a sweet, caramelized flavor to the dish. Look for fresh, flavorful onions and char them on a hot comal or under the broiler.
4 dried arbol chilies, stemmed and seededDried arbol chilies have a bright, fiery flavor that adds depth and heat to the dish. Look for high-quality chilies with a good balance of flavor and heat.
2 cloves garlic, mincedGarlic adds a pungent, aromatic flavor to the dish. Look for fresh, flavorful garlic and mince it finely before adding it to the recipe.
1 tsp (5g) ground cuminGround cumin has a warm, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp and cheese. Look for high-quality cumin with a good balance of flavor and aroma.
1 tsp (5g) smoked paprikaSmoked paprika adds a deep, smoky flavor to the dish. Look for high-quality paprika with a good balance of flavor and aroma.
1/2 tsp (2g) saltSalt enhances the flavor of the dish and helps to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes and the richness of the cheese.
1/4 tsp (1g) black pepperBlack pepper adds a sharp, aromatic flavor to the dish. Look for high-quality pepper with a good balance of flavor and aroma.
8-10 corn tortillasCorn tortillas are a staple in Mexican cooking and provide a tender, flaky texture to the dish. Look for high-quality tortillas with a good balance of flavor and moisture.
2 tbsp (30g) olive oilOlive oil adds a rich, fruity flavor to the dish and helps to cook the tortillas and the filling. Look for high-quality oil with a good balance of flavor and aroma.

Ingredients for Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or comalSharp chef's knifeCutting boardInstant-read thermometer9x13 inch baking dishOven mitts

How to Make Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Char the tomatoes, onions, and chilies on a hot comal or under the broiler until they are blackened and blistered, about 10-12 minutes.
3
Peel the charred skin off the tomatoes, onions, and chilies, and chop them into small pieces.
4
In a blender or food processor, puree the chopped tomatoes, onions, and chilies with the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
5
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the pureed sauce and cook, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened and reduced slightly, about 10-12 minutes.
6
Add the shrimp to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are pink and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, Oaxaca cheese, and Monterey Jack cheese.
8
To assemble the enchiladas, lay a tortilla flat and spoon some of the shrimp and cheese mixture onto the center of the tortilla. Roll the tortilla up and place it seam-side down in the baking dish. Repeat with the remaining tortillas and filling.
9
Pour the sauce over the rolled tortillas and top with any remaining cheese.
10
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
11
Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is caramelized.
12
Remove the enchiladas from the oven and let them rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Expert Tips

Use high-quality ingredients, such as fresh shrimp and real cheese, to ensure the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the shrimp, as they can become tough and rubbery.
Use a variety of spices and chilies to add depth and heat to the dish.
Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese and fillings to create your own unique flavor combinations.
Let the enchiladas rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together and the cheese to set.
Serve the enchiladas with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and avocado.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Using low-quality ingredients, such as frozen shrimp or processed cheese, can result in a dish that lacks flavor and texture.
Overcooking the shrimp can make them tough and rubbery.
Not using enough sauce can result in dry, flavorless enchiladas.
Not letting the enchiladas rest before serving can result in a dish that is messy and difficult to serve.
Not using a variety of spices and chilies can result in a dish that lacks depth and heat.
Not serving the enchiladas with your favorite toppings can result in a dish that is boring and unappetizing.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the filling for extra flavor and texture.
Use different types of cheese, such as Queso Fresco or Feta, to create a unique flavor combination.
Add some heat to the dish by using more chilies or adding some diced jalapenos to the filling.
Use some leftover chicken or beef to make the dish more substantial.
Add some fresh cilantro or scallions to the filling for extra flavor and freshness.
Serve the enchiladas with a side of Mexican rice or beans for a more filling meal.

What to Serve With Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso

Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be served for any occasion. They are perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a party.

Some ideas for sides and drinks to serve with the enchiladas include:

Mexican rice and beans

Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette

A refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonade

A dessert, such as Tres Leches cake or churros

Mexican rice and beansRoasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrotsA simple green salad with a light vinaigretteA refreshing drink, such as iced tea or lemonadeA dessert, such as Tres Leches cake or churros

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen for later use. To refrigerate, simply assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

To freeze, assemble the enchiladas and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months.

To reheat, simply thaw the frozen enchiladas overnight in the refrigerator and bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Some tips for storing and reheating the enchiladas include:

Using airtight containers to prevent moisture and other flavors from affecting the dish.

Labeling and dating the containers so you can easily keep track of how long they have been stored.

Reheating the enchiladas slowly and gently to prevent them from drying out or becoming tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of cheese is best for Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso?

The best type of cheese for Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso is a combination of Oaxaca cheese and Monterey Jack cheese. Oaxaca cheese has a mild, creamy flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp, while Monterey Jack cheese adds a rich, melty texture to the dish.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. However, be sure to thaw them first and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Fresh shrimp are always preferred, but frozen shrimp can be a good substitute in a pinch.

How do I prevent the tortillas from tearing when I roll them up?

To prevent the tortillas from tearing when you roll them up, be sure to warm them first by wrapping them in a damp paper towel and microwaving for 20-30 seconds. This will make them more pliable and easier to roll.

Can I make Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso ahead of time?

Yes, you can make Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso ahead of time. Simply assemble the enchiladas and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours or freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen enchiladas overnight in the refrigerator and bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What is the best way to reheat Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso?

The best way to reheat Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso is to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. You can also reheat them in the microwave, but be careful not to overheat them, as this can cause the cheese to become tough and rubbery.

Can I freeze Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso?

Yes, you can freeze Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso. Simply assemble the enchiladas and place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe dish. Cover the dish with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw the frozen enchiladas overnight in the refrigerator and bake them in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

What is the best way to serve Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso?

The best way to serve Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso is to serve them hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, and avocado. You can also serve them with a side of Mexican rice or beans for a more filling meal.

Can I make Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso without the cheese?

Yes, you can make Enchiladas De Camarones Con Queso without the cheese. Simply omit the cheese from the recipe and add some extra sauce or other fillings, such as diced onions or bell peppers, to compensate for the loss of flavor and texture.

The Full Recipe

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