Shrimp Empanadas : These crispy, flaky pastry and rich, savory seafood filling. These bite-sized pockets of flavor are an excellent choice for appetizers, snacks, or even a main course.
What Are Shrimp Empanadas?
Empanadas are a popular dish with roots in Spain and Latin America, consisting of pastry dough filled with savory ingredients. Shrimp empanadas, a seafood variation, are filled with shrimp, spices, vegetables, and sometimes cheese.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Shrimp Empanadas
- Chill the dough: Cold dough is easier to work with and results in a flakier crust. Don’t skip the resting time in the refrigerator!
- Avoid overfilling: While it’s tempting to pack in the filling, overstuffing can cause the empanadas to burst in the oven or fryer.
- Try different cheeses: Experiment with cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or a sharp cheddar for added flavor.
- Adjust the heat: If you like it spicy, add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the shrimp filling.
Variations of Shrimp Empanadas
Shrimp empanadas are versatile, and you can get creative with the ingredients. Here are a few variations:
Shrimp and Avocado Empanadas: For a fresh twist, add diced avocado to the filling after cooking (so it doesn’t turn mushy during baking).
Shrimp Chorizo Empanadas: Add some spicy chorizo to the shrimp mixture for a heartier filling.
Corn Empanadas: Sweet corn pairs well with shrimp—just toss in a handful of kernels for extra texture.
Creamy Shrimp Empanadas: Stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or a dollop of sour cream to make the filling rich and creamy.
How to Serve Shrimp Empanadas
Shrimp empanadas are a hit at parties, potlucks, or even family dinners. Here are a few serving ideas:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve them with tangy dipping sauces like cilantro-lime crema, spicy chipotle mayo, or classic salsa verde.
- With a Side Salad: For a lighter meal, pair the empanadas with a crisp green salad or a tangy coleslaw.
- As Tapas: Serve these empanadas alongside other small bites like stuffed peppers, olives, and patatas bravas for a Spanish-inspired tapas night.
How to Store Shrimp Empanadas
Fridge: Store leftover shrimp empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F to keep the crust crispy.
Freezer: To freeze unbaked empanadas, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen when ready. Cooked empanadas can also be frozen and reheated in the oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use store-bought dough for shrimp empanadas?
Yes! If you’re short on time, you can use pre-made empanada dough or even pie crusts. Just roll them out and follow the filling and assembly instructions.
Can I freeze empanadas?
Absolutely. You can freeze unbaked empanadas in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag once solid. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
How long can empanadas be stored in the fridge?
Cooked empanadas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crispy again.
Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?
Yes, but pre-cooked shrimp only need to be warmed up briefly in the pan with the vegetables, as overcooking can make them rubbery.
Shrimp Empanadas
Shrimp Empanadas : These crispy, flaky pastry and rich, savory seafood filling. These bite-sized pockets of flavor are an excellent choice for appetizers, snacks, or even a main course.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 12 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup ice-cold water
For the Filling:
- 1 lb shrimp, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 3 oz dried chorizo
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Egg Wash:
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 egg
For the Cilantro Crema:
- 1 bunch fresh cilantro
- Juice of 1 lime
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 4 scallions, chopped
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Make the Dough: In a food processor, combine flour and salt. Add the cold butter and pulse until it resembles coarse meal. Mix egg and ice water in a small bowl and add to the processor, pulsing until clumps form.
- Transfer the crumbly dough to a floured surface, form into two disks, wrap in plastic, and chill for at least an hour.
- Prepare the Filling: Pulse shrimp and chorizo in a food processor until chopped. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 5 minutes, then add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add chicken stock, shrimp, and chorizo, cooking until shrimp are pink. Mix in lemon zest, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cool in the fridge for an hour.
- Form the Empanadas: Preheat oven to 375°F. Roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness and cut into 5-inch circles. Spoon 2 tablespoons of filling onto each circle, wet the edges, fold, and crimp with a fork. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake: Brush empanadas with egg wash and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Make the Cilantro Crema: Blend cilantro, lime juice, salt, Greek yogurt, scallions, and water until smooth. Serve as a dip with warm empanadas.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 505Total Fat 27gSaturated Fat 14gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 12gCholesterol 222mgSodium 1057mgCarbohydrates 40gFiber 2gSugar 1gProtein 23g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Shrimp empanadas are a fun, flavorful, and versatile dish that is sure to impress. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting out, this recipe is simple enough for any skill level. With a crispy, golden crust and savory shrimp filling, these empanadas are a great addition to your meal rotation. Plus, with endless variations and serving options, you can easily customize them to suit your taste buds or the occasion.
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