Empanadillas de Camarones con Salsa Criolla

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp Filling:
• 1 lb shrimp, peeled and chopped 🦐
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 red bell pepper, diced
• 0.5 tsp cumin
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup tomato sauce 🍅
• 1 tbsp sofrito (optional but highly recommended)
• 0.25 cup fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿
• For the Empanadilla Dough:
• 12 empanada discs (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 egg, beaten (for sealing)
• Oil for frying (or use an air fryer)
• For the Salsa Criolla (Creole Sauce):
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 0.5 small onion, sliced
• 0.5 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 0.5 tsp oregano
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup tomato sauce 🍅
• 0.25 cup chicken or seafood broth
• 1 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped 🌿

Instructions

1. 11️⃣ Prepare the Shrimp Filling
2. 2Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
3. 3Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 3 minutes until softened.
4. 4Add shrimp, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes.
5. 5Stir in tomato sauce and sofrito, simmer for 5 minutes.
6. 6Remove from heat and mix in fresh cilantro. Let cool before assembling.
7. 72️⃣ Assemble the Empanadillas
8. 8Place 1-2 tbsp of shrimp filling in the center of each empanada disc.
9. 9Brush edges with beaten egg, fold into a half-moon, and press with a fork to seal.
10. 103️⃣ Cook the Empanadillas
11. 11Frying Method: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
12. 12Air Fryer Method: Brush with oil and air-fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8 minutes, flipping halfway.
13. 13Baking Method: Brush with egg wash and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes.
14. 144️⃣ Make the Salsa Criolla
15. 15Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
16. 16Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers for 2 minutes.
17. 17Add oregano, salt, black pepper, tomato sauce, and broth. Simmer for 5 minutes.
18. 18Stir in fresh cilantro and remove from heat.
19. 195️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!
20. 20Plate the crispy empanadillas with a side of salsa criolla for dipping.