Chilaquiles Rojos con Camarón (Prawn Chilaquiles)
Crisp tortilla chips simmered briefly in red chilli sauce and topped with prawns, crema, onion and queso fresco.
Made with Pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas) and Red enchilada sauce and Tostadas and totopos (tortilla chips). Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time25 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £3.14 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Break the totopos into large triangles. Warm your ready made red enchilada sauce (see the base recipe) in a wide frying pan until it simmers.
- 2
Heat the oil in a separate small pan and cook the prawns for 2 to 3 minutes until pink and cooked through. Season with salt.
2 min 30 s - 3
Add the totopos to the simmering sauce and stir gently for 1 minute to coat. They should soften at the edges but keep some crunch in the middle.
1 min - 4
Divide between plates straight away. Top with the prawns, soured cream, queso fresco, pickled red onions, avocado and coriander.
Tips
- Chilaquiles go soft within minutes. Serve the moment the chips are coated.
- For crunchier chilaquiles use thick, stale chips. For softer, simmer them for 2 minutes.
- Thin the sauce with a splash of water if it has thickened in the fridge.
- Add a fried egg on top for a heartier brunch. It will no longer be egg free.
Storing and freezing
Best eaten at once. Keep leftover sauce and prawns separately in the fridge for up to 1 day. Do not store the dressed chips.
Questions
What is the difference between chilaquiles and nachos?
Chilaquiles are tortilla chips cooked briefly in a sauce and served hot as a breakfast. Nachos are served crisp with melted cheese and toppings.
Are shop bought tortilla chips suitable?
Yes if they are plain corn with no flavouring. Choose a sturdy, thick chip that will not collapse in the sauce.
Can I make it dairy free?
Yes. Leave out the soured cream and queso fresco and add more avocado and lime juice.
Can I use leftover cooked prawns?
Yes, add them to the sauce for the last minute only so they warm through without toughening.
More made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Poc Chuc (Yucatecan Grilled Pork with Sour Orange)
DFEFNFPescado a la Talla (Guerrero Style Grilled Fish)
DFEFNFCurried Chickpea Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
DFEFNFTacos de Camarones a la Diabla (Devilled Prawn Tacos)
DFEFNFSee every dish made with pickled red onions (cebollas encurtidas)
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.