These hand-held seafood pockets fry up beautifully crisp, with a creamy shrimp filling tucked beneath a delicate golden shell. Each bite brings warm cheese, gentle spice, and a satisfying crunch.
🛒Ingredients :
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled, cooked, and chopped
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 12 empanada discs or pastry rounds
- 1 egg, beaten
- Oil for frying
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
👩🍳How to Make It:
Blend the Seafood Filling
Combine the shrimp, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, green onions, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until the filling is creamy, cohesive, and evenly flecked with herbs and seasoning.
Shape the Turnovers
Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each pastry round. Brush the edges with beaten egg, fold the pastry over the filling, and seal firmly with a fork.
Crisp in Hot Oil
Heat the oil to 350°F and fry the turnovers in batches. Let each side become crisp and golden, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Rest for Texture
Transfer the turnovers to a paper towel-lined plate so the surface stays crisp. Allow them to settle briefly before garnishing.
Finish Warm
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve while the cheese is still soft inside. Pair with a creamy dip, citrus sauce, or your favorite seafood-friendly side.
Nutrition and Timing:
Prep Time: 20 min . Cook Time: 15 min . Total Time: 35 min . Servings: 6
Approx. 450 Calories | 22g Protein per serving