Mexico By Food Enthusiasts · 6 min read

National Dish Mexico: Enchiladas de Camarón (Recipe)

Prawn enchiladas topped with melted cheese and fresh coriander

In this article

Say hello to Enchiladas de Camarón, a Mexican classic that wins over seafood lovers in a single bite. Tender prawns are tucked into soft corn tortillas, smothered in a spirited sauce and finished with bubbling cheese and a flourish of fresh coriander. As good for a festive table as for a cosy supper at home, this dish brings the bright, coastal flavours of Mexico straight to your kitchen. It looks every bit as inviting as it tastes.

About Enchiladas de Camarón

Enchiladas de Camarón are a wonderful Mexican speciality that thrill anyone with a fondness for prawns. These filled tortillas are not only a treat for the palate but a feast for the eyes too. The pairing of fresh ingredients with a punchy salsa turns the dish into a genuine culinary experience. Whether you are planning a festive meal or simply fancy something Mexican, this recipe will charm you with its layered, sun-soaked flavours.

Ingredients (serves 1–2)

200 g fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
4 corn tortillas
1 cup grated cheese (such as Oaxaca or Cheddar)
1 cup tomato sauce or green salsa
1 onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, chopped
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh coriander leaves, to garnish

Shopping for the ingredients

To make Enchiladas de Camarón, it pays to seek out fresh produce. Your best bet is a local market or a Mexican grocery, where you will find fresh prawns and authentic corn tortillas. These shops usually carry a wider choice of sauces and spices too, so you can pick exactly the level of heat you want for your enchiladas. A quick chat with the fishmonger also helps you choose prawns at their peak.

Preparing the dish

Begin with the prawn filling, which should be well seasoned for a deep, satisfying flavour. Gently sweat the chopped onion and garlic in olive oil until they turn glassy and fragrant. Then add the prawns and cook them briefly until just done. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to bring the taste into focus. A tidy, organised work surface makes the assembly that follows quick and stress-free.

Step-by-step instructions

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan and sweat the onion and garlic until translucent.
Add the prawns and cook for 3–5 minutes, until they turn pink.
Season the mixture with salt and pepper and take the pan off the heat.
Warm the tortillas briefly in a pan so they become soft and pliable.
Fill each tortilla with the prawn mixture and roll it up.
Lay the filled tortillas in an ovenproof dish and pour the tomato sauce over the top.
Scatter the enchiladas with grated cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for around 15 minutes, until the cheese has melted.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh coriander.

Gluten-free / lactose-free version

To make Enchiladas de Camarón gluten-free, reach for dedicated gluten-free tortillas, which are now stocked in many supermarkets. For a lactose-free version, swap in lactose-free cheese, or skip the cheese altogether and top the dish with guacamole or slices of avocado instead. These small tweaks make the recipe suitable for a wide range of dietary needs without sacrificing flavour.

Tips for vegans and vegetarians

Vegetarians can fill the enchiladas with a medley of vegetables such as peppers, courgettes and mushrooms. For a vegan version, use a plant-based cheese alternative and replace the prawns with tofu or even lentils to echo the original texture. A filling of beans and spices makes another tasty option. Just be sure the tortillas you choose are free of animal products, much like the meat-free filling in Tacos de Papa.

More tips and tricks

For an even bolder flavour, marinate the prawns in lime juice for a few minutes before cooking. This not only adds a fresh, zesty note but also helps tenderise them. Take care to fill the tortillas generously yet evenly so they hold together when baked. If you want to make the enchiladas ahead, give them a light pre-bake and simply reheat when you are ready to serve.

Adapting the recipe to your taste

Depending on your palate, you can dial the heat up or down with ease. Add fresh jalapeños or chilli flakes for extra fire, or hold back for a milder result. Experimenting with different sauces — an avocado cream or a smoky chipotle dip — opens up new flavour possibilities. Every family has its own preferences, and this recipe gives you plenty of room to get creative and make the dish your own.

Ingredient substitutions

If fresh prawns are not to hand, frozen ones work well too; just be sure to defrost them in good time. In place of tomato sauce, try a peanut sauce or a salsa verde to give the dish a fresh twist — the same bright, tangy lift that defines Enchiladas de Mole Verde. Other cheeses such as mozzarella or feta make excellent stand-ins as well, lending the enchiladas interesting variations in taste.

Drink pairing ideas

Enchiladas de Camarón go beautifully with cocktails such as a Margarita or a refreshing avocado drink. A well-chilled Mexican beer is another fine match, complementing the dish’s coastal flavours perfectly. For an alcohol-free option, a fresh lemonade with lime and mint hits the spot. Drinks like these help turn your dinner into a truly special occasion.

Serving and presentation ideas

Presentation matters just as much as flavour with Enchiladas de Camarón. Serve them on a colourful plate, garnished with fresh coriander and a wedge of lime. Round things out with a little salad or some guacamole for a lovely splash of colour. A spread this inviting not only whets the appetite but is sure to impress your guests, every bit as much as a platter of Quesadillas de Flor de Calabaza.

A bit of history

The tradition of enchiladas reaches back to the Aztecs, who grilled filled tortillas over an open fire. Over the centuries the recipe has evolved, and today it embraces countless fillings and sauces that vary by region and the ingredients to hand. In Mexico the dish is hugely popular and often regarded as comfort food. Enchiladas de Camarón in particular reflect the Mexican love of seafood cookery and are a well-known dish along the coast — a fine example of Mexican cuisine.

More recipe ideas

Summary: Enchiladas de Camarón

Enchiladas de Camarón are a delicious dish that delights with fresh prawns and a spirited sauce. Perfect for any festive meal or simply as a satisfying supper at home, they adapt easily to different tastes and dietary needs. With straightforward ingredients and just a few steps, you can conjure up a slice of Mexican culture on your table. Let the flavours of Mexico work their magic and enjoy all the variety that Enchiladas de Camarón have to offer.