National Dish Mexico: Shrimp Empanadas (Recipe)
In this article
Say hello to Shrimp Empanadas, crisp golden pastries that capture the seaside spirit of Mexico’s coastal kitchens. A short, flaky dough wraps around a fragrant filling of plump prawns cooked with onion, garlic and warm spices, then fries to a deep golden brown. They make a brilliant snack to share or a generous main for a special occasion, and they bring the sunny, briny flavours of the Mexican coast straight to your own table.
About Shrimp Empanadas
Shrimp Empanadas are far more than a quick bite; they are a much-loved dish enjoyed across many regions of Mexico. Each one pairs a crisp, golden-brown pastry with a filling of fresh prawns seasoned with a lively mix of spices and herbs. The result is a harmonious balance of seafood and aromatic flavour that wins over even the fussiest of eaters. Whether served as a casual snack or as the centrepiece of a celebratory meal, they showcase the very essence of Mexican home cooking.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 200 g fresh prawns, peeled and deveined
- 200 g plain flour
- 100 ml water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 garlic clove, crushed
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Fresh coriander leaves, to taste
- Oil for deep-frying
Shopping for the ingredients
To make the best Shrimp Empanadas, it pays to seek out the freshest ingredients. Head to a local market or a dedicated fishmonger to find the plumpest, freshest prawns. Choose a good-quality flour, too, as this has a real bearing on the texture of the pastry. The remaining ingredients are easy to find in any supermarket, and a handful of fresh herbs adds a special touch that makes the dish taste even more authentic. The same care for fresh seafood pays off in a bowl of Sopa de Camarón.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin making the Shrimp Empanadas, set out all your ingredients and get them well organised. Chop the onion and crush the garlic so their flavours come through clearly, and clean the prawns thoroughly to keep the filling tasting pure and fresh. Measuring everything out in advance makes the cooking far easier and ensures you keep the right proportions throughout.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a bowl, combine the flour with the salt and the olive oil. Gradually add the water and knead to a smooth dough.
- Let the dough rest for about 30 minutes so it becomes elastic.
- In a pan, sauté the onion and garlic in a little oil until translucent.
- Add the freshly cleaned prawns and the cumin, and fry briefly until the prawns turn pink.
- Stir through the fresh coriander and take the pan off the heat.
- Roll the dough out thinly on a floured surface and cut out round discs.
- Place a spoonful of filling on one half of each disc, fold the other half over and press the edges firmly to seal.
- Heat the oil in a deep pan and fry the empanadas until golden brown.
- Drain on kitchen paper and serve warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of these Shrimp Empanadas, simply swap the wheat flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and make sure every other component — including the filling — is gluten-free too. For a lactose-free version the key is to use plant-based oils throughout. These small adjustments preserve the full flavour of the empanadas while keeping them accessible to anyone with particular dietary needs.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
A vegan version of these Shrimp Empanadas is easy to put together by replacing the prawns with a mix of sautéed vegetables such as courgette, peppers and mushrooms. Season the mixture with cumin and coriander to keep that signature flavour, or use cubes of tofu in place of the prawns. The method stays exactly the same, so vegans can enjoy a delicious version of this dish too.
More tips and tricks
To achieve the perfect texture in your Shrimp Empanadas, knead the dough well and give it enough time to rest. Fry the pastries in plenty of hot oil so they cook evenly and turn beautifully crisp. To avoid any excess grease, transfer the fried empanadas onto a tray lined with kitchen paper. Do experiment with different fillings and spices, too, to give the dish your own personal stamp.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
One of the best things about Shrimp Empanadas is how versatile the filling can be. Feel free to add ham, cheese or a selection of vegetables to vary the dish to your liking. A drizzle of hot sauce over the top introduces an extra layer of flavour, and you can adjust the ratio of pastry to filling to suit your own preference. For more crisp, fried seafood inspiration, try Camarones Empanizados.
Ingredient substitutions
If you do not have prawns to hand, crab meat or white fish work just as well and give similar results. For a gluten-free option, reach for cornflour or rice flour, while using avocado in place of olive oil makes for a wholesome, flavourful alternative. When it comes to spices, simply add your favourite herbs or seasonings to make the flavours your own. Substitutions like these encourage creative cooking and a thoroughly delicious result, much like the seafood twist in a plate of Enchiladas de Camarón.
Drink pairing ideas
Shrimp Empanadas pair wonderfully with a range of drinks that bring out the flavour of the dish. A fresh lime mojito is a perfect match, lending a bright, refreshing note. For wine lovers, a light white wine complements the seafood beautifully, while a homemade agua fresca made from fruit and water is another excellent choice for cooling, refreshing accents alongside the meal.
Serving and presentation ideas
To present your Shrimp Empanadas attractively, arrange them on a large platter and garnish with fresh coriander leaves. Serve them with a homemade dip such as a fiery salsa or a creamy avocado sauce. Small bowls of different sauces invite everyone to experiment and add lively visual accents to the table. A few colourful sides, such as Pico de Gallo or Guacamole, turn the spread into something really special.
A bit of history
The origins of Shrimp Empanadas reach back to the Spanish colonial era, when stuffed pastries grew popular through the culinary fusion between Spain and Mexico. In Mexico, empanadas became a beloved dish, varied from region to region and filled with all manner of ingredients. The use of seafood reflects the country’s coastal communities, where rich fishing grounds offer an incomparable flavour. These tasty pastries are part of Mexico’s cultural heritage and enjoy great popularity around the world — a fine example of the seafood traditions woven through Mexican cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Shrimp Empanadas
Shrimp Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that works equally well as a snack or as a main course. Simple to prepare and easy to adapt, they let you play with flavours and ingredients to suit your mood. Whether you are after a gluten-free or a vegan alternative, there are countless ways to enjoy these pastries. Let the flavours of the Mexican coast cast their spell and rediscover the simple joy of cooking and sharing good food.
