Seafood Enchiladas (Shrimp & Crab) – A Creamy Coastal Comfort Dish

When comfort food meets coastal flavors, magic happens—and Seafood Enchiladas with Shrimp & Crab are the perfect example. Rich, creamy, and loaded with tender seafood, these enchiladas bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your kitchen while remaining approachable enough for a cozy family dinner.

Unlike traditional beef or chicken enchiladas, seafood enchiladas feel lighter yet indulgent, with delicate shrimp and sweet crab wrapped in soft tortillas and baked under a velvety white sauce. Every bite delivers creamy warmth balanced by fresh herbs, citrus, and subtle spice.

This dish is especially popular for special dinners, holidays, and weekend meals, but it’s simple enough to make any night feel elevated. If you’re looking for a recipe that impresses without being intimidating, this one belongs at the top of your list.

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Why Seafood Enchiladas Are So Special

Seafood enchiladas stand out because they offer something different—comfort food with elegance. Shrimp cooks quickly and stays tender, while crab adds sweetness and depth that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces.

Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

• Creamy without being heavy
• Packed with real seafood flavor
• Perfect for make-ahead meals
• Customizable spice level
• Ideal for entertaining

This is the kind of dish that feels indulgent but balanced, hearty but refined.

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What Makes Shrimp & Crab the Perfect Pair

Shrimp and crab complement each other naturally. Shrimp brings meaty texture and mild brininess, while crab adds delicate sweetness. Together, they create a filling that’s rich yet light, especially when folded into a cream-based enchilada sauce.

Using both seafoods also gives the dish visual appeal—flecks of pink shrimp and white crab throughout the enchiladas make them look as good as they taste.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Seafood Filling:

• Raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, chopped)
• Lump crab meat (picked over for shells)
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic (minced)
• Green onions (sliced)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Sour cream
• Lime juice
• Ground cumin
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh cilantro (chopped)

For the Enchiladas:

• Flour tortillas (soft taco size)
• Shredded Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese

For the Creamy White Sauce:

• Butter
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken or seafood broth
• Sour cream
• Monterey Jack cheese
• Garlic powder
• Salt and white pepper

These ingredients work together to create layers of flavor—savory, creamy, slightly tangy, and deeply comforting.

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and green onions; sauté briefly until fragrant.
3. Add chopped shrimp and cook just until pink and opaque. Remove from heat.
4. Gently fold in crab meat, cream cheese, sour cream, lime juice, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cilantro. Set aside.
5. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute.
6. Slowly whisk in broth until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat.
7. Stir in sour cream, cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
8. Fill tortillas with seafood mixture, roll tightly, and place seam-side down in baking dish.
9. Pour white sauce evenly over enchiladas and sprinkle with remaining cheese.
10. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and lightly golden.
11. Garnish with cilantro and serve warm.

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Tips for Perfect Seafood Enchiladas

• Do not overcook shrimp before baking—it will finish cooking in the oven
• Use real lump crab meat for best flavor
• Warm tortillas slightly before rolling to prevent cracking
• Let enchiladas rest 5–10 minutes before serving for clean slices

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Variations & Add-Ins

This recipe is wonderfully flexible:

• Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or chipotle powder
• Extra veggie: Add sautéed spinach or bell peppers
• Low-carb option: Use low-carb tortillas
• Cheese swap: Try pepper jack for extra heat

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Serving Suggestions

Serve seafood enchiladas with:

• Cilantro lime rice
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Fresh avocado or guacamole

They’re perfect for date nights, holidays, family dinners, or entertaining guests.

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Make-Ahead & Storage

• Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerate
• Bake fresh before serving
• Store leftovers up to 3 days refrigerated
• Reheat gently to avoid overcooking seafood

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Cultural Inspiration

Seafood enchiladas are especially popular in coastal Mexican-inspired cuisine, where fresh seafood meets creamy sauces for celebratory meals. This version blends those flavors with American comfort food influences, making it approachable and crowd-friendly.

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Final Thoughts

Seafood Enchiladas (Shrimp & Crab) are rich, creamy, and undeniably comforting—yet elegant enough for special occasions. With tender seafood, silky sauce, and layers of flavor, this dish proves that seafood comfort food can be both simple and spectacular.

Once you serve these, don’t expect leftovers—they disappear fast.