Best Easy Tortitas de Camarón Seco Recipe

Dried shrimp fritters in a rich mole or tomato sauce are a classic Lenten dish. This high protein, family-friendly dish is a fresh, traditional option for Cuaresma meals.

Cook 55 min Difficulty NORMAL 260 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean #family friendly
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • dried shrimp 2 oz
  • large eggs 4 pieces
  • white onion 1 small
  • roma tomatoes 4 pieces
  • bread crumbs 1 cup
  • neutral oil 0.5 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic cloves 2 cloves
  • dried guajillo chilies 2 pieces
  • bay leaf 1 piece
  • ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • salt 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 24 g 37%
Protein 21 g 32%
Fat 9 g 31%
Serving size 180g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Toast the dried shrimp in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes until fragrant, then pulse into a fine powder using a food processor and set aside.

  2. 2

    Separate egg whites from yolks. Beat the whites until stiff peaks form, then fold in yolks, followed by the shrimp powder and bread crumbs, creating a thick batter.

  3. 3

    Heat 1/4 cup neutral oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Spoon batter in 2-tbsp mounds and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and puffed. Transfer fritters onto paper towels; repeat with remaining batter, adding more oil if needed.

  4. 4

    For the sauce, roast tomatoes, onion, and garlic on a dry skillet over medium-high heat until slightly charred. Blend with guajillo chilies, 1/3 cup water, black pepper, bay leaf, and salt until smooth.

  5. 5

    Return sauce to a saucepan, simmer gently on low heat for 12–15 minutes, stirring to thicken. Nestle cooked fritters into the sauce, cover, and simmer 3–4 minutes more before serving hot.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
Dried shrimp is the star ingredient in Tortitas de Camarón Seco. When toasted and ground, dried shrimp imparts a savory, oceanic flavor that defines these fritters and gives the dish its signature aroma and richness.
Q. How do you prevent the fritters from turning soggy in the sauce?
To keep fritters crisp on the outside, fry them in hot oil until golden, then drain thoroughly on paper towel. Simmer them in sauce only briefly—about 3–4 minutes—right before serving, preventing excess soaking and keeping a pleasant texture.
Q. What are the main steps to ensure a fluffy fritter texture?
The secret is beating egg whites to stiff peaks, then gently folding in yolks, ground shrimp, and bread crumbs. This technique traps air for a fluffy, tender interior. Avoid overmixing to preserve volume, and use medium oil heat to cook the fritters evenly.
Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving provide?
Each serving of Tortitas de Camarón Seco contains approximately 260 kcal and delivers 21g of protein, making it a high-protein option for traditional family meals.
Q. Which seasoning adds depth to the sauce?
The combination of guajillo chilies, charred tomato, onion, and garlic forms the backbone of the sauce. Guajillo chilies bring mild heat and richness, while bay leaf and black pepper layer in aromatic complexity, rounding out the traditional flavor.
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