Pastéis de Camarão
BrazilianAppetizer

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Pastéis 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 step
0/7 done
  1. In 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. On a floured surface, roll out dough to 1/8 inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles using a cookie cutter or glass.

  5. 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.

  6. 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.

  7. Remove pastries with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately while hot with lime wedges and hot sauce.

Pastéis de Camarão

4.5 (46)

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.

medium
50 min
8 servings

Ingredients

0 of 13 checked

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

Chef Tips

expert advice
For extra flaky pastry, make sure all ingredients are cold and do not overwork the dough.
You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate.
If the dough becomes too warm while working, refrigerate it for 15 minutes.
For a spicier version, add diced jalapeños to the filling or cayenne pepper.
These pastries can be frozen before frying - simply place on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags.
Fry from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to cooking time.
For a lighter version, brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, turning once.
Serve with chimichurri sauce or garlic aioli as alternative accompaniments.
Pastéis de Camarão | Cuisinao