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Fish Empanadas: Empanadas de Pescado by Karen Hursh Graber © 2004

Empanadas are different all over México. In many parts of the country, they resemble a filled puff pastry; in Tabasco, they are filled, fried tortillas. There this recipe would invariably be made with the local fish pejelagarto, but any firm-fleshed fish works well. A good idea is to make extra when grilling or poaching fish, then use the leftover fish to make these empanadas.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound corn tortilla dough (may be made with Quaker or Maseca masa harina mix)
  • 2 tablespoons corn oil
  • ½ medium white onion, finely chopped
  • 1 fresh green chile, seeded if desired for milder flavor, finely chopped
  • 2 roma tomatoes, finely chopped
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded firm-fleshed fish, such as grouper or baby shark
  • 1 tablespoon chopped epazote or cilantro leaves
  • salt to taste
  • corn oil for frying

Preparation:

Prepare corn tortilla dough, either from scratch or according to masa harina package directions.

In a large skillet, heat the oil, add the onion and sauté until beginning to soften. Add the remaining filling ingredients and continue cooking until tomato juices have evaporated.

Using the dough, form or press 12 tortillas. Place 2 tablespoons of filling on each, fold over and seal sides. Fry in hot oil until golden on both sides, drain on paper towels.

Serve with red salsa and a shredded cabbage salad or slaw. Makes 12 empanadas.

Note: It is easier to make, fill and fry the empanadas 1 or 2 at a time.


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Published or Updated on: January 1, 2004 by Karen Hursh Graber © 2008
Contact Karen Hursh Graber

Follow Karen as she travels through the Central Mexican state of Puebla, meeting local cooks, tasting the food, and collecting recipes. With over 75 recipes, plus sections on ingredients and cooking techniques, the book takes the reader on a journey through one of Mexico's oldest and most renowned culinary regions. It can be ordered online.

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