Mini Crab Meat Empanadas

Mini crab meat empanadas are easy to make. A great addition to an appetizer party. Make a batch and freeze for later use. Delicious!

5 from 2 votes

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Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Cuban

Keyword: latin food, pastry, tapas recipe

Prep Time: 35

Cook Time: 12

Total Time: 47

Servings: pieces

Calories: 48kcal

Author: Analida Braeger

Ingredients

Dough:

1 package of pre-made pie crust 2 pieces

Filling:

½ tsp Kosher salt
¼ tsp garlic powder
2 Tbsp sour cream
1 egg yolk
¼ tsp paprika
pinch nutmeg
2 tsp lime juice
8 oz crabmeat
¼ cup onion finely chopped
1 Tbsp chopped cilantro

Egg Wash:

1 egg beaten
1 Tbsp water

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350° F.
In a small bowl mix together the salt, garlic powder, sour cream, egg yolk, paprika, nutmeg, and lime juice. Set in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Drain the water from the crab meat and place in a paper towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Add the crab meat, onion and chopped cilantro to the spice and sour cream mixture.
Combine both egg and crab mixture until they form a ball.
Unroll the pie crust. With a 2" biscuit cutter, cut circles all around the pie crust, Go around the perimeter first, moving towards the center as you make the circular shapes.
Take a dough round and place it in the palm of your hand. Using a teaspoon place a small amount in the center. Fold over to form a crescent shape.
Place on the counter and seal using the tines of a fork.
Place on baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Brush all the empanadas with the egg wash before placing in the oven.
Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until they turn slightly golden.

Notes

Can I freeze the empanadas before baking?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Do not add the egg wash until ready to bake. Place in an airtight container and freeze them for up to 2 months. Remove from the freezer and allow to thaw for 30 minutes on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush them with the egg wash and bake per the recipe instructions.

Can I freeze the empanadas after baking them?

Yes, place them in an air tight container and freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat them let them thaw for 30 minutes and place in a 250°F oven for 15 minutes or until the center is warm.

What can I do with any leftover crab meat filling?

Make crab cakes! Add 1 egg and just enough bread crumbs to form a thick paste. Form patties and fry on medium heat until brown on each side.

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