Shrimp Enchilado is a cherished Cuban dish renowned for its vibrant, spicy flavors and rich tomato base. This stew combines tender shrimp with a medley of aromatic vegetables and spices, creating a dish that's both comforting and exciting. It's commonly enjoyed over white rice, which complements the robust sauce beautifully.
Shrimp Enchilado, also known as Camarones Enchilados, has deep roots in Cuban cuisine. The dish reflects the island's rich culinary heritage, characterized by the use of fresh seafood and bold flavors. Its origins are tied to the broader Caribbean tradition of cooking seafood with local spices and tomatoes, a staple in Cuban kitchens for generations.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1/4 cup white wine (or chicken/vegetable broth as a substitute)
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Hot sauce or red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lime wedges and chopped cilantro for garnish
Method
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes).
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Mix in tomato paste, cumin, and oregano; cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour in white wine and let it reduce by half.
5. Stir in tomato sauce and bring to a simmer.
6. Season shrimp with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through.
7. Add hot sauce or red pepper flakes if desired.
8. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp can be used. Ensure shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen.
- Chicken or vegetable broth can replace white wine.
- Typically served over white rice but also pairs well with crusty bread or tortillas.
This Shrimp Enchilado recipe is not just a meal but a taste of Cuban tradition, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy night in. Its balance of spice and depth of flavor will make it a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Nutrition Value:
1. Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
- Calories: 240
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Fat: 2 g
- Sodium: 180 mg
- Cholesterol: 320 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin B12
- Minerals: Rich in selenium, iodine, and zinc
- Nutritional Benefit: Shrimp is a low-calorie, high-protein seafood option that provides essential nutrients like vitamin B12 and selenium, important for nerve function and antioxidant defense.
2. Onion (1 medium, finely chopped)
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and some B vitamins
- Minerals: Contains small amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Onions add flavor and nutrients like vitamin C and antioxidants, which help support immune function and reduce inflammation.
3. Green Bell Pepper (1 medium, finely chopped)
- Calories: 24
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C and vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains potassium and some iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Green bell peppers are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, which support immune health and provide anti-inflammatory benefits.
4. Garlic (2 cloves, minced)
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins B6 and C
- Minerals: Provides manganese and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Garlic is known for its potential immune-boosting properties and its ability to support cardiovascular health due to its allicin content.
5. Tomato Sauce (1 can, 15 oz)
- Calories: 70
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 640 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Good source of vitamin C and vitamin A
- Minerals: Contains potassium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Tomato sauce provides lycopene, an antioxidant linked to reduced risk of certain cancers and heart disease, along with essential vitamins and minerals.
6. White Wine (1/4 cup)
- Calories: 30
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins B6 and B12
- Minerals: Minimal amounts of potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: White wine adds depth of flavor and may provide antioxidants, but its nutritional contribution is minimal compared to other ingredients.
7. Tomato Paste (1 tbsp)
- Calories: 13
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Protein: 0.6 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains some vitamin C and vitamin A
- Minerals: Provides potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Tomato paste is concentrated with antioxidants like lycopene and offers a rich tomato flavor to the dish.
8. Olive Oil (1 tbsp)
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin E
- Minerals: Minimal amounts of potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Olive oil is high in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health, and provides vitamin E, an antioxidant.
9. Cumin (1 tsp)
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins A and C
- Minerals: Provides iron, manganese, and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Cumin adds flavor and offers health benefits such as improved digestion and potential antimicrobial properties.
10. Oregano (1 tsp)
- Calories: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamins A, C, and K
- Minerals: Provides calcium, iron, and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Oregano is rich in antioxidants and can support digestion and respiratory health.
11. Salt (to taste)
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: Varies based on amount used
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Provides sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for electrolyte balance, but should be used in moderation to avoid excessive sodium intake.
12. Pepper (to taste)
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin K and small amounts of vitamins A and C
- Minerals: Provides potassium and manganese
- Nutritional Benefit: Black pepper adds flavor and may aid in digestion and nutrient absorption.
13. Hot Sauce or Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- Calories: Varies
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Fat: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: May contain vitamin C
- Minerals: May provide small amounts of potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds spiciness and can boost metabolism; use in moderation to control sodium intake.
14. Lime Wedges (for garnish)
- Calories: 5 (per wedge)
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: High in vitamin C
- Minerals: Contains potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Lime wedges enhance flavor and provide vitamin C, which supports immune function.
15. Chopped Cilantro (for garnish)
- Calories: 1 (per tablespoon)
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: Provides vitamins A, C, and K
- Minerals: Contains potassium and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Cilantro adds fresh flavor and provides essential vitamins and minerals, contributing to overall health.
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