Let's dive into something truly special: Seafood Enchiladas with Creamy White Sauce! These aren't your typical enchiladas; they're a luxurious blend of flaky seafood, melted cheese, and a luscious, creamy sauce that will have you licking your plate clean. This is a real showstopper for a dinner party or just a special treat for yourself. I remember the first time I had something similar at a small coastal restaurant. The chef told me the secret was all in the sauce, and boy, was he right!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can adapt the seafood filling to your liking – use your favorite mix of fish, shrimp, crab, or scallops. The creamy white sauce is rich and comforting, perfectly complementing the delicate flavors of the seafood. It's so rewarding creating a dish like this at home. Last weekend I tried to get my sister to make them... well, let’s just say she ended up ordering pizza!
Don't be intimidated by the steps! I've broken it down into easy-to-follow instructions, complete with tips and tricks to ensure your enchiladas come out perfectly every time. From sautéing the vegetables to creating the creamy sauce and assembling the enchiladas, you'll find that each step is manageable and contributes to the incredible final product. Think of it as a culinary adventure that will bring you a whole lot of joy! Who knows, maybe you'll even impress your friends and family (or at least, not end up ordering pizza).
Required Equipments
- 9x13 inch Baking Dish
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowls
Seafood Enchiladas with Creamy White Sauce: Frequently Asked Questions
Seafood Enchiladas with Creamy White Sauce
Indulge in Seafood Enchiladas with Creamy White Sauce, a delectable blend of flaky seafood, melted cheese, and a rich, homemade sauce. This seafood enchiladas recipe is perfect for wowing guests or enjoying a luxurious meal at home.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 8 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the enchiladas from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. We want them tender and just starting to get a little color.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic will make the whole dish bitter.
- Stir in the seafood mix (crab meat, shrimp, scallops). Cook until the shrimp turns pink and the scallops are opaque, about 5-7 minutes. Remember, seafood cooks quickly, so don't overcook it!
- Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in the cream cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, green chilies, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cream cheese is melted and everything is combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Maybe a little more salt? A dash of your favorite hot sauce?
- In a saucepan, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux. It should be smooth and pale golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Patience is key here! Don't rush the thickening process.
- Stir in the sour cream, remaining Monterey Jack cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning. This sauce is your canvas, so make it perfect!
- Warm the tortillas slightly in a dry skillet or microwave to make them more pliable and prevent cracking. A few seconds on each side should do the trick.
- Spoon about 1/2 cup of the seafood mixture into each tortilla. Roll up tightly and place seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Pack them in snugly.
- Pour the creamy white sauce evenly over the enchiladas, making sure they are well covered. Sprinkle with a little extra Monterey Jack cheese for a golden, bubbly top. If you're feeling fancy, add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on them – ovens can vary!
- Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh cilantro and lime wedges. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
📝 Notes
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 250mg
