There’s something about the combination of crispy pastry and savory filling that takes me back to my childhood. I remember making empanadas with my family, wrapping up delicious surprises in flaky dough. Today, I’m excited to share an easy recipe for Crispy Shrimp & Cheese Empanadas that you can whip up in no time. These little pockets of joy are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a fun dinner!
Why You’ll Love Crispy Shrimp & Cheese Empanadas
- Fast: You can have the main components prepped and in the oil in about 20 minutes.
- Easy: It’s a simple “brown and bake” method that even beginner cooks can master.
- Giftable: This is a sturdy dish that travels well, making it perfect for potlucks or as a “get well soon” meal.
- Crowd-pleasing: Even people who think they don’t like shrimp usually fall in love with this cheesy version!
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined – Fresh shrimp make all the difference in flavor.
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella) – Choose your favorite for a melty, gooey finish.
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Because everything is better with garlic!
- 1 teaspoon paprika – For a bit of smokiness and color.
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin – This warm spice elevates the dish beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- 1 package empanada dough discs – You can usually find these in the freezer section.
- Vegetable oil, for frying – Essential for that crispy texture.
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional) – A touch of freshness to finish!
How to Make Crispy Shrimp & Cheese Empanadas
Ready to dive in? Let’s get cooking!
- In a skillet over medium heat, add a little vegetable oil and sauté the onions until they turn translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add the shrimp to the skillet, along with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp mixture with the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Take one empanada dough disc and place a spoonful of the shrimp and cheese filling in the center. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Remove the empanadas from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Substitutions & Additions
- Feel free to swap shrimp for cooked chicken or vegetables if you prefer.
- Add some chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick!
- Try different cheeses like pepper jack or feta for a unique flavor twist.
Tips for Success
- Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; you want those empanadas to be crispy, not greasy.
- Don’t overfill the empanadas, or they might burst while frying.
- You can prep the filling ahead of time and assemble the empanadas later for an easy weeknight meal.
How to Store Crispy Shrimp & Cheese Empanadas
These empanadas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in a hot oven for a few minutes to get that crispy texture back.
FAQs
- Can I bake the empanadas instead of frying them? Yes! Brush them with a little oil and bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until golden.
- What kind of dipping sauce goes well with empanadas? A tangy salsa or a creamy avocado dip pairs beautifully with these empanadas.
- Can I freeze empanadas? Absolutely! After assembling, freeze them in a single layer and then transfer to a bag. Fry or bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Now that you have this delightful recipe at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite! And for more delicious recipes and inspiration, be sure to check out my Pinterest account!
Crispy Shrimp & Cheese Empanadas
These little pockets of joy are perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a fun dinner!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, add a little vegetable oil and sauté the onions until they turn translucent. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Step 2: Add the shrimp to the skillet, along with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook until the shrimp are pink and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shrimp mixture with the shredded cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Step 4: Take one empanada dough disc and place a spoonful of the shrimp and cheese filling in the center. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch.
- Step 5: Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the empanadas in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Step 6: Remove the empanadas from the oil and drain on paper towels. Serve warm, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Notes
These empanadas are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.