Jumbo Crab Empanadas

Name: Jumbo Crab Empanadas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8-10 6-inch Empanada wrappers; Canola oil (for frying); 8 oz cream cheese (softened); 8 oz lump crab meat; 4 oz claw crab meat; 1 1/4 cups mozzarella (shredded); 1/4 cup shallot (minced); 1/4 cup red bell pepper (chopped); 2 tbsp parsley (freshly chopped); 1 tbsp green onion (minced); 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp garlic (paste or minced); 1 tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1 tsp black pepper; 1/2 cup mayo; 1 tsp parsley (freshly chopped); 1 tsp chives (freshly chopped); 1 tsp Dijon mustard; 1 tsp onion powder; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning; 1/4 tsp paprika; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

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There’s something almost magical about the combination of rich crab meat and crispy empanada shells that evokes a sense of coastal comfort. Jumbo Crab Empanadas are a delightful twist on traditional empanadas, packed with a creamy, savory filling that showcases the sweet, delicate flavor of crab. Over the years, I’ve often prepared these for family gatherings and special occasions, and they never fail to impress. What I love most is their versatility: whether you’re serving them at a holiday party or enjoying them as a weeknight treat, they consistently earn rave reviews.

Table of Contents

Why Make This Recipe

Why dive into the world of Jumbo Crab Empanadas? For starters, these little pockets of joy are flavorful, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make. They are great as appetizers or main dishes, making them suitable for various occasions, think fancy brunches, game days, or holiday feasts.

“Every bite bursts with flavor! I can never eat just one, so delicious!”

Beyond their rich flavors, they also offer a unique way to showcase crab, transforming a straightforward ingredient into a gourmet experience right at home.

How to Make Jumbo Crab Empanadas

Embarking on the journey to make Jumbo Crab Empanadas is both rewarding and straightforward. It begins with gathering your ingredients, followed by mixing up a luxuriously creamy filling, and finally, assembling and frying or baking the empanadas to golden perfection.

Ingredients

To whip up these Jumbo Crab Empanadas, you will need:

8-10 6-inch Empanada wrappers
Canola oil (for frying)
8 oz cream cheese (softened)
8 oz lump crab meat
4 oz claw crab meat
1 1/4 cups mozzarella (shredded)
1/4 cup shallot (minced)
1/4 cup red bell pepper (chopped)
2 tbsp parsley (freshly chopped)
1 tbsp green onion (minced)
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp garlic (paste or minced)
1 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup mayo
1 tsp parsley (freshly chopped)
1 tsp chives (freshly chopped)
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp lemon juice
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning
1/4 tsp paprika
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

When selecting your crabs, fresh or canned lump crab meat works well, giving you that fresh taste you crave.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, lump crab meat, claw crab meat, mozzarella, shallots, bell pepper, parsley, green onion, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper, mayo, Dijon mustard, onion powder, lemon juice, and optional cayenne. Mix until well-blended and set aside.

Step 2: Assemble the Empanadas
Place an empanada wrapper on a clean surface. Spoon a generous amount of crab filling onto half of the wrapper, being careful not to overfill. Fold the other half over the filling to create a pocket. Press the edges firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp for an added decorative touch.

Step 3: Fry or Bake
Heat canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat for frying. To test if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil, if it sizzles, you’re good to go. Fry the empanadas a few at a time until golden brown on each side, about 3-4 minutes. Alternatively, for a healthier option, arrange them on a baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes or until golden.

Step 4: Enjoy
Serve immediately with your favorite sauce, such as Remoulade Sauce.

How to Serve Jumbo Crab Empanadas

To elevate your dining experience, serve Jumbo Crab Empanadas alongside a refreshing salad, grilled veggies, or some zesty coleslaw. Adding a tangy dipping sauce like Remoulade or a wee squeeze of lemon can really enhance the flavors, making every bite a little celebration.

How to Store

If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s rare!), allow them to cool completely. Store the empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing them, just ensure they’re well-wrapped to avoid freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat straight from the freezer in an oven at 375°F until warmed through.

Tips to Make

Here are a few chef tips that I’ve learned over time to ensure your empanadas turn out perfectly:

Don’t Skip the Chill: If your filling feels too runny, let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes; this helps it firm up.
Seal the Deal: For an extra secure seal, brush a bit of water along the edges before folding.
Play with Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. If you enjoy heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a splash of hot sauce.

Variations

While the classic crab filling is simply divine, consider some fun tweaks! Try adding spices like smoked paprika or even some chopped jalapeños for a kick. If you’re going for a vegetarian version, a mixture of sautéed mushrooms and spinach can create a hearty and savory filling.

Conclusion

With its delightful blend of flavors and textures, Jumbo Crab Empanadas invite applause at any dining table. Anyone can make this dish shine, from novice cooks to seasoned chefs. I encourage you to try this recipe, and once you’ve enjoyed the savory delight of these empanadas, don’t forget to share your experience and rate the recipe!

FAQ

What is the best way to reheat empanadas?
For the best results, reheat empanadas in the oven at 375°F until warmed through, preserving their crispiness.

Can I use other types of seafood?
Absolutely! Shrimp or a mix of different seafood can create a great alternative to crab.

How can I make these dairy-free?
Use plant-based cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives to create a dairy-free version without sacrificing flavor.

What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
A blend of soy sauce and apple cider vinegar can make a fantastic substitute in a pinch.