Amazingly Simple Seafood Enchiladas (Cancun)

🌮🍤🌶️😋

Ah, seafood enchiladas, a delectable Mexican dish that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds! 🇲🇽

What is it?
Seafood enchiladas, also known as “Enchiladas de Mariscos” in Spanish, are a mouthwatering Mexican dish that combines the flavors of the sea with the warmth of traditional enchilada sauce. These enchiladas typically feature a filling of various seafood, such as shrimp, crab, or fish, mixed with flavorful spices and herbs, all wrapped in soft corn tortillas, and smothered in a rich, spicy tomato-based sauce. They are often topped with cheese and baked until bubbly and golden.

History:
The exact origin of seafood enchiladas is a bit unclear, but enchiladas in various forms have been enjoyed in Mexican cuisine for centuries. Seafood enchiladas likely evolved as a regional variation to cater to the coastal areas of Mexico, where seafood is abundant.

Components:
Here are the key components of seafood enchiladas:

1. Seafood Filling: You can use a combination of shrimp, crab, fish, or any other seafood you prefer. It’s typically cooked with garlic, onions, and spices for extra flavor.

2. Corn Tortillas: Soft corn tortillas are used to wrap the seafood filling. You can warm them up to make them pliable before assembling the enchiladas.

3. Enchilada Sauce: A rich tomato-based sauce is used to smother the enchiladas. It’s often seasoned with chili powder, cumin, garlic, and other spices for a delicious kick.

4. Cheese: Cheese, often a Mexican cheese like queso fresco or Monterey Jack, is sprinkled on top of the enchiladas before baking.

5. Toppings: Common toppings include chopped cilantro, diced onions, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for a bit of heat.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a simplified recipe for seafood enchiladas:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 lb seafood mix (shrimp, crab, fish, etc.)
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 can (14 oz) enchilada sauce
• 8 corn tortillas
• 1 cup shredded cheese
• Chopped cilantro, diced onions, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños for toppings

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic, and sauté until translucent.

3. Add the seafood mix to the skillet and cook until it’s no longer translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.

4. Warm the corn tortillas either in the oven or on a griddle until they’re pliable.

5. Pour a small amount of enchilada sauce into the bottom of a baking dish.

6. Place a portion of the seafood mixture onto each tortilla, roll them up, and place them seam-side down in the baking dish.

7. Pour the remaining enchilada sauce over the rolled tortillas, ensuring they are generously covered.

8. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

10. Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped cilantro, diced onions, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.

11. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade seafood enchiladas!

Note: Feel free to customize the recipe with your favorite seafood and adjust the level of spiciness to your liking.

Seafood enchiladas are not only delicious but also a delightful fusion of Mexican and coastal flavors. They make for a perfect meal for seafood lovers and are sure to transport your taste buds to the beautiful shores of Cancun! 🏖️🌮🍤🌶️😋

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for seafood enchiladas. Please note that these values can vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your recipe.

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 calories
• Protein: 15-20 grams
• Carbohydrates: 30-35 grams
• Dietary Fiber: 4-6 grams
• Sugars: 4-6 grams
• Total Fat: 18-20 grams
• Saturated Fat: 6-8 grams
• Cholesterol: 100-120 milligrams
• Sodium: 800-900 milligrams

Health Information:

1. Protein: Seafood enchiladas are a good source of protein, thanks to the seafood filling. Protein is essential for muscle maintenance and overall body function.

2. Healthy Fats: While these enchiladas contain some fat, a significant portion of it comes from healthy sources such as olive oil and seafood. Omega-3 fatty acids in seafood are known for their heart-healthy benefits.

3. Fiber: Corn tortillas provide some dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain stable blood sugar levels.

4. Vitamins and Minerals: Seafood enchiladas are rich in various vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin A, calcium, and iron, depending on the ingredients used.

5. Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high, mainly due to the enchilada sauce and cheese. It’s essential to be mindful of your sodium intake, especially if you have hypertension or other sodium-sensitive conditions.

6. Customization: You can make seafood enchiladas healthier by using whole-grain tortillas, reducing the amount of cheese, and choosing a lower-sodium enchilada sauce. Adding more vegetables to the filling can also boost the nutritional value.

As with any dish, moderation and ingredient choices can make a significant difference in the nutritional profile. Enjoy seafood enchiladas as part of a balanced diet, and consider adapting the recipe to align with your dietary preferences and health goals.