Brazilian
👍 Beginner Friendly
40 mineasy
BrazilianSnack
Recipe Story
origins & traditionsPastéis de Camarão are beloved Brazilian fried pastries featuring a delicate, flaky exterior that shatters with each bite to reveal a savory filling of succulent shrimp, aromatic garlic, ripe tomatoes, and vibrant cilantro. Originating from Brazil's coastal regions, these turnovers showcase the country's Portuguese influence while highlighting fresh seafood abundant in Brazilian waters. The dough achieves its signature crispy texture through careful preparation and hot oil frying, creating a satisfying contrast with the tender, flavorful shrimp filling. Whether served at beach kiosks, family gatherings, or festive celebrations, pastéis represent the essence of Brazilian street food culture—simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary through technique and passion. Best enjoyed hot and fresh with a squeeze of lime and spicy pepper sauce on the side.
Instructions
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Make the dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Create a well in the center and add vegetable oil and warm water. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 30 minutes.
Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
Add diced tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes until they break down. Stir in shrimp, season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 3-4 minutes until shrimp turn pink.
Remove from heat, stir in fresh cilantro and parsley. Let filling cool completely.
Divide dough into 16 equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle about 5 inches in diameter on a floured surface.
Place 2 tablespoons of filling on one half of each circle. Fold dough over to form a half-moon shape. Press edges firmly to seal, then crimp with a fork.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry pastéis in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve immediately with lime wedges and hot sauce.
Pastéis de Camarão - Brazilian Shrimp Turnovers
4.2 (30)
Crispy golden turnovers filled with seasoned shrimp, tomatoes, and fresh herbs. These Brazilian street food favorites are perfect for gatherings, parties, or as an irresistible afternoon snack that captures coastal flavors.
medium
50 min
8 servings
Ingredients
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Dough
- 3 cups flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons vegetable-oil
Filling
- 500 grams shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
- 2 pieces tomatoes, diced
- 1 pieces onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive-oil
- 1 teaspoons paprika
- 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
Serving
- 2 pieces lime, cut into wedges (optional)
Chef Tips
expert advice•For extra crispy pastéis, ensure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F—too cool and they'll absorb oil, too hot and they'll brown before cooking through.
•You can substitute the shrimp with salt cod (bacalhau) for a traditional variation, or use hearts of palm for a vegetarian version.
•The dough can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight—just bring to room temperature before rolling.
•For a flavor boost, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling or brush the sealed edges with beaten egg before frying for enhanced golden color.
•If deep frying seems daunting, these can be baked at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, though they won't achieve the same signature crispiness.
•Leftover filling makes an excellent topping for rice or tapioca crepes.
