Best Easy Empanadas de Camarón Recipe

Golden fried turnovers stuffed with seasoned shrimp and vegetables. These protein-rich seafood empanadas make an impressive family appetizer with fresh coastal Mexican flavors.

Cook 50 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • shrimp, peeled and deveined 12 oz
  • empanada dough rounds 12 pieces
  • onion, finely diced 0.5 cup
  • red bell pepper, diced 0.5 cup
  • green onions, chopped 0.25 cup
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • vegetable oil (for frying) 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic, minced 2 cloves
  • fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tbsp
  • ground cumin 0.5 tsp
  • smoked paprika 0.5 tsp
  • kosher salt 0.75 tsp
  • black pepper 0.25 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 28 g 35%
Protein 16 g 20%
Fat 15 g 45%
Serving size 120g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and chop into small pieces.

  2. 2

    Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and red bell pepper, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened.

  3. 3

    Stir in the garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and salt; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add shrimp and cook on medium-high for 2 minutes, just until opaque.

  4. 4

    Remove from heat, stir in green onions and cilantro. Let filling cool to room temperature before assembling.

  5. 5

    Lay empanada rounds on a clean surface. Place 2 tbsp shrimp filling in the center of each round. Fold over and crimp the edges with a fork to seal tightly.

  6. 6

    Heat 2 cups vegetable oil to 350°F in a deep skillet or saucepan. Fry empanadas 2-3 at a time for 2-3 minutes per side, until deep golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

  7. 7

    Let empanadas rest 3 minutes to allow filling to set before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Shrimp is the signature ingredient in this Empanadas de Camarón recipe. It delivers sweet brininess and protein, making the filling both flavorful and hearty. Alongside fresh vegetables and classic Mexican seasonings, shrimp brings authentic coastal flair to every bite.
Q. How do I prevent the empanadas from bursting while frying?
Be sure to let the filling cool before assembling and firmly crimp the dough edges with a fork. Sealing tightly keeps the shrimp filling inside during frying. Also, avoid overfilling—the suggested 2 tablespoons per round is ideal for both flavor and structure.
Q. What's an important cooking tip for shrimp filling?
Sauté the shrimp mixture quickly over medium-high heat until just opaque—about 2 minutes. Overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery. Allowing the filling to cool afterward helps prevent sogginess in the dough during frying.
Q. How many calories are in each serving, and what’s the protein-to-carb ratio?
Each serving contains about 320 kcal, with 16g protein and 28g carbohydrates. This gives a protein-to-carb ratio of approximately 1:1.75. Protein comprises 20% of calories, making it a high-protein, satisfying appetizer.
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