Shrimp Stuffed Arepas Recipes

CHEESE-STUFFED AREPAS

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Stir together 2 1/2 cups lukewarm water and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt in a large bowl. Gradually add the corn meal into the water, using your fingers to stir and combine, until a soft and moist dough forms.
• Divide the dough into 8 golf ball-size balls and pat each into a patty about 5-inches wide and 1/4-inch-thick.
• Put a cube of mozzarella in the center of each patty. Fold the dough over the cheese, making sure the cheese is completely covered and sealed. Pat it back down until 3-inches wide and 1/2-inch-thick (see Cook's Note).
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat until shimmering. Working in batches, cook the corn patties, until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side (making sure the oil is hot for each batch). Transfer to a cooling rack set on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until the edges are crisp and golden, about 10 minutes.

SHRIMP-STUFFED AREPAS

Steps:

• Blend water and corn in blender until smooth; pour into large bowl. Add masa harina and milk; stir until mixture forms soft dough. Divide into 6 portions; flatten each to 5-inch round. Cook on large griddle on medium-high heat 12 min. or until both sides are golden brown, turning occasionally.
• Heat oil in large skillet on medium heat. Add peppers and garlic; cook and stir 1 min. Stir in shrimp; cook and stir 2 to 3 min. or until shrimp turn pink. Add tomatoes, cilantro and lime juice; mix lightly. Remove from heat.
• Split arepas; fill with cheese, shrimp mixture and avocados.

BAKED STUFFED SHRIMP

Steps:

• In a medium bowl, mix crushed crackers, bread crumbs and garlic powder. In a small bowl, blend butter and Worcestershire sauce. Mix blended butter, pepper and Parmesan cheese into the cracker mixture. Stir in white wine, using only enough to hold together the mixture.
• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Butterfly the shrimp using a sharp knife, and arrange back side up in a large baking dish. Stuff shrimp with heaping tablespoons of the cracker mixture.
• Bake 20 minutes in the preheated oven, until cracker mixture is lightly browned, shrimp are opaque, and the tails have curled.

STUFFED SHRIMP

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, horseradish and Parmesan cheese until blended. Cut a small hole in the corner of a resealable plastic bag; add cream cheese mixture. Butterfly the shrimp along the outside curves. Pipe about 1 teaspoon cream cheese mixture into each shrimp. , Arrange on a serving platter. Sprinkle with parsley. Serve with seafood sauce if desired. Refrigerate leftovers.