Description
Indulge in the delightful world of Cheesy Shrimp-Crab Empanada Bombs, bursting with flavor and perfect for any occasion. These crispy treats with a gooey filling are ideal for parties or a snack any time of day.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp
- 1 lb fresh or frozen shrimp
Crab Meat
- 1 cup real crab meat
Cheese
- 1 cup creamy cheese (e.g., cream cheese or mozzarella)
Empanada Dough
- 2 cups empanada dough
Spices
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Start by cooking the shrimp until they turn pink and opaque. Then, chop them into small pieces and combine them with the crab meat, cheese, and spices in a mixing bowl. Ensure everything is evenly mixed for a consistent flavor.
- Roll Out the Dough: Take your empanada dough and roll it out on a floured surface until it’s about 1/8 inch thick. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough for your empanadas.
- Fill the Dough: Place a spoonful of the shrimp-crab filling in the center of each dough circle. Make sure not to overfill, or they might burst during cooking!
- Seal the Empanadas: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, and use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security and a decorative touch.
- Cook the Empanadas: You can either bake or fry the empanadas. For baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the empanadas on a baking sheet. Brush with egg wash for a golden finish and bake for 20-25 minutes. For frying, heat oil in a pan and fry until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Notes
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh shrimp and crab meat will yield the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Chill: Chilling the sealed empanadas for about 30 minutes can help them hold their shape during cooking.
- Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices to match your taste preferences.
- Keep the Dough Floured: Keep your work surface floured to prevent the dough from sticking.
- Golden Finish: For a beautiful golden color, brush the tops with egg wash before baking.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 empanada
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 70mg