Tired of the same old dinner routine? Craving a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! These seafood enchiladas are the perfect solution. This recipe blends the freshness of seafood with the comforting warmth of Mexican flavors, creating a delicious dish the whole family will love. It's a fantastic option for a quick weeknight dinner or a more elaborate weekend feast. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking game!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Simple Items
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it perfect for a spontaneous weeknight meal.
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For the Seafood Filling:
- 1 pound firm white fish fillets (cod, tilapia, or halibut), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes and green chilies (Rotel), undrained
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
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For the Enchiladas:
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 cups enchilada sauce (your favorite brand or homemade)
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Step-by-Step Instructions: Easy as 1, 2, 3!
Let's dive into the deliciousness! This recipe is designed for easy execution, even for beginner cooks.
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Prepare the Seafood: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Add shrimp and fish and cook until cooked through and opaque, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in diced tomatoes and green chilies, cilantro, chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing flavors to blend.
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Assemble the Enchiladas: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Warm tortillas briefly in a microwave or dry skillet to make them more pliable. Spoon about 1/4 cup of the seafood filling onto each tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam-down in the prepared baking dish.
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Bake & Serve: Pour enchilada sauce evenly over the rolled enchiladas. Sprinkle with Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly and the enchiladas are heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Seafood Enchiladas
- Don't Overcook the Seafood: Overcooked seafood becomes dry and tough. Cook it just until it's opaque and flaky.
- Use Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the dish will taste. Opt for fresh, high-quality seafood and enchilada sauce.
- Warm the Tortillas: Warming the tortillas makes them more pliable and prevents them from breaking when you roll them.
Delicious Variations: Get Creative!
- Spice it Up: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of chipotle powder for extra heat.
- Add Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms into the seafood filling for added nutrients and flavor.
- Cheese Please: Experiment with different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or pepper jack.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
This recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal. The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used, but a general estimate per serving is:
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20-25g
Enjoy your delicious and easy seafood enchiladas! This recipe is perfect for a healthy and flavorful meal any day of the week. Remember to share your culinary creations with us!