Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes: A Deliciously Crispy Delight

Introduction

Are you yearning for a dish that perfectly balances crunch and flavor while taking your taste buds on a culinary journey? Look no further than Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes! Did you know that these savory treats have captivated food lovers around the world with their unique blend of spices and succulent shrimp? In this blog post, we’ll explore how to make these croquettes at home by detailing the ingredients, cooking process, and some personalized tips. Let’s dive into the world of these delicious croquettes, which are perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in!

Ingredients List

To create mouthwatering Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup of cornmeal
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

Feel free to substitute fresh shrimp with canned varieties if you’re short on time, or replace cornmeal with bread crumbs for an alternative texture.

Timing

The total time to prepare and cook these delightful croquettes is approximately 90 minutes—20% less time than the average double-fried dish, making it a convenient option for weeknight dinners or entertaining friends. Here’s a brief breakdown:

• Preparation: 30 minutes
• Cooking: 60 minutes
• Total: 90 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by finely chopping the shrimp into small pieces. This ensures tasty bites in every croquette. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until they are soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes. This fragrant base adds depth to your croquettes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Once the onion and garlic are ready, add the shrimp to the skillet. Stir in the parsley, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes until the shrimp is opaque and cooked through.

Step 4: Make the Dough

Transfer the shrimp mixture to a mixing bowl, and gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms. If it seems too wet, feel free to add additional flour until the mixture is moldable.

Step 5: Shape the Croquettes

With clean hands, take about a tablespoon of dough and form it into small logs or balls. Lay them on a lined baking sheet to rest for 10 minutes. This helps them hold their shape when fried.

Step 6: Fry the Croquettes

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the croquettes into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes per side.

Step 7: Serve them Hot

Once cooked, remove the croquettes and set them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for a zesty lift!

Nutritional Information

• Calories: Approximately 250 per serving
• Protein: 18 grams
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 18 grams
• Sodium: 400 mg

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Looking to make these croquettes a bit healthier? Consider the following modifications:

• Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour for a boost in fiber and nutrients.
• Use air frying methods instead of deep frying to cut back on calories while still achieving a crispy texture.
• Incorporate more vegetables like spinach or bell peppers into the shrimp mixture for added vitamins and minerals.

Serving Suggestions

These Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes can be served in several delightful ways that fit various occasions:

• Pair them with a tangy aioli or homemade tartar sauce for dipping.
• Serve over a bed of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing appetizer.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon zest for an appealing presentation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overworking the Dough: Mix just enough to combine ingredients. Overmixing can lead to tough croquettes.
• Wrong Oil Temperature: If the oil is too cold, the croquettes will absorb too much oil; if too hot, they will burn. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
• Undercooking Shrimp: Ensure the shrimp is fully cooked before combining; undercooked shrimp can compromise the dish’s quality.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

If you have leftovers, follow these storing tips:

• Refrigeration: Allow croquettes to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze uncooked croquettes on a baking sheet and once solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Fry them directly from frozen.
• Reheating: For best texture, reheat leftover croquettes in the oven instead of the microwave.

Conclusion

In summary, Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes are a delightful dish filled with flavor and crispy goodness. With easy-to-follow steps and versatile serving ideas, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your next meal. Try making them today and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments or reviews. Be sure to subscribe for more tasty recipes and cooking tips!

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure the shrimp is fully thawed and well-drained before using it in the recipe for the best results.

How do I make these croquettes without frying?

You can air fry or bake the croquettes. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), lightly coat the croquettes with oil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

What can I serve with the croquettes?

These croquettes pair well with a variety of sauces like spicy mayo or homemade tartar sauce, as well as light salads or vegetable sides.

How can I adjust the spice level?

Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper in the recipe to your preference or skip it entirely for a milder flavor. Fresh herbs like cilantro can also add zest without too much heat.

Savory Portuguese Shrimp Croquettes Crispy Irresistible Bites

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Delight in crispy savory Portuguese shrimp croquettesirresistible bites perfect for any occasion Experience these tasty treats today

• Author: L.Anderson
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Fried
• Cuisine: Portuguese

Ingredients

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1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined

1 medium onion, finely chopped

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 cup of all-purpose flour

1/2 cup of cornmeal

2 large eggs

1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

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Instructions

Start by finely chopping the shrimp into small pieces. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.

Add the shrimp to the skillet, stir in parsley, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes until the shrimp is opaque.

Transfer the shrimp mixture to a mixing bowl and gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.

Take about a tablespoon of dough and form it into small logs or balls. Lay on a lined baking sheet to rest for 10 minutes.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the croquettes in batches, about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Remove the croquettes and set them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with lemon wedges.

Nutrition

• Calories: 250 calories
• Sugar: 1 gram
• Fat: 15 grams
• Carbohydrates: 18 grams
• Fiber: 1 gram
• Protein: 18 grams