
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsPastéis de Camarão are traditional Brazilian fried pastries featuring a delicate, flaky crust encasing a savory shrimp filling. Originating from coastal regions where fresh seafood is abundant, these half-moon shaped turnovers have become a staple at Brazilian gatherings, beach kiosks, and street markets. The filling combines plump shrimp with aromatic vegetables, cilantro, and lime juice, creating a perfect balance of flavors. The dough is rolled thin to achieve maximum crispiness when fried, resulting in a satisfying crunch that gives way to the tender, flavorful filling. Whether served at casual get-togethers or festive celebrations, these pastries are best enjoyed hot with a squeeze of fresh lime and hot sauce on the side. Their popularity spans all regions of Brazil, making them a truly national favorite.
Instructions
step by stepIn a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Add cold butter and work it into the flour with your fingers until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add cold water, mixing until dough forms. Knead briefly, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
While dough rests, prepare filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Add chopped shrimp to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until pink and cooked through. Stir in diced tomatoes, cilantro, lime juice, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften. Remove from heat and let cool completely.
On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass.
Place 1-2 tablespoons of shrimp filling on one half of each circle, leaving a border. Brush edges with water, fold dough over to create half-moon shape, and press edges firmly with a fork to seal.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F. Fry pastries in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
Remove pastries with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while hot with lime wedges and hot sauce.
Pastéis de Camarão
Crispy golden fried pastries filled with seasoned shrimp, onions, tomatoes, and herbs. These Brazilian turnovers are a beloved street food and party appetizer enjoyed throughout Brazil.
Ingredients
Dough
- 3 cups flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 4 tablespoons butter, cold, cubed
Filling
- 500 grams shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 1 pieces onions, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 pieces tomatoes, diced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 1 pieces lime, juiced
- 2 tablespoons olive-oil
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
Frying
- 4 cups vegetable-oil