Spring onion and prawn empanadas

Authentic Portuguese Spring onion and prawn empanadas — a delicious seafood dish with 10 ingredients. Follow our detailed step-by-step instructions for the perfect result.

Medium
Updated March 14, 2026

20

Prep Time (min)

30

Cook Time (min)

4

servings

280

Calories/serving

Medium

Difficulty

Spring onion and prawn empanadas

Ingredients

Servings:
4
  • 1 bunch Spring Onions
  • Dash Olive Oil
  • 1 finely sliced Red Chilli
  • 1 clove Garlic
  • 350 g Prawns
  • 75 g Feta
  • 15 g Butter
  • 250 g Plain Flour
  • 1 Seperated Egg
  • 1 tsp White Wine Vinegar

Instructions

4 steps · ~63 minutes total

  1. Step 1

    To make the dough, rub the butter into the flour and then add the egg white and half the yolk (keep the rest), vinegar, a pinch of salt and enough cold water to make a soft dough. Knead on a floured surface until smooth and then wrap and rest for 30 minutes.

    10 minutes
    Taste as you go and adjust seasoning gradually — you can always add more but can't take it away.
  2. Step 2

    Heat the oven to 180c/fan 160c/gas 4. Trim the green ends of the spring onions and then finely slice the rest. Heat a little oil in a pan and fry them gently until soft but not browned. Add the chilli and garlic, stir and then add the prawns and cook until they are opaque. Season well. Scoop out the prawns and bubble the juices until they thicken, then add back the prawns.

    25 minutes
    Keep your fingers curled under (claw grip) for safety when cutting.
  3. Step 3

    Divide the empanada dough into eight balls and roll out to thin circles on a floured surface. Put some filling on one half of the dough, sprinkle the feta on top and fold the other half over. Trim the edge and then fold and crimp the dough together so the empanada is tightly sealed, put it on an oiled baking sheet either on its side or sitting on its un-crimped edge like a cornish pasty. Repeat with the remaining dough and mixture. Mix the leftover egg yolk with a splash of water and brush the top of the empanadas.

    3 minutes
    The dough is ready when it springs back slightly when poked.
  4. Step 4

    Bake for 30 minutes or until golden and slightly crisp around the edges.

    25 minutes
    Always preheat your oven fully before baking for even cooking.

💡 Tips & Tricks

This Portuguese recipe for Spring onion and prawn empanadas is best served fresh. Adjust seasoning to your taste.

🔄 Variations

• Spice level: Adjust the heat to your preference — add more chili for extra kick, or reduce it for a milder version. • Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms, chickpeas, or your favorite plant-based protein. • Fusion twist: Combine elements of Portuguese cuisine with your local favorites for a creative fusion dish.

Storage & Reheating

❄️

Refrigerator

Up to 1 day in an airtight container

🧊

Freezer

Up to 1 month — thaw overnight in fridge

🔥

Gently reheat in a pan over low heat. Avoid microwaving seafood as it can become rubbery.

What to Serve With

Complete your portuguese meal with these perfect pairings:

🍽️Steamed rice or crusty bread
🍽️A fresh green salad
🍽️Seasonal roasted vegetables

About This Dish

Spring onion and prawn empanadas is a beloved dish from Portuguese cuisine, originating in Portugal. With a total preparation time of about 50 minutes, it makes for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Portuguese cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and cooking traditions that reflect the culture and history of the region. This dish is a wonderful example of its distinctive culinary heritage.

This recipe is rated medium difficulty and uses 10 ingredients. Intermediate cooks will enjoy the balanced challenge.

Frequently Asked Questions

For empanadas, it's best to use medium to large-sized prawns, preferably fresh or thawed if frozen, to ensure a firm texture and rich flavor.

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Nutrition Facts

4 serving(s) per recipe

Serving size1 serving
Calories280kcal
Total Fat13g
Sodium742mg
Total Carbohydrates31g
Dietary Fiber3g
Protein34g

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

Recipe Details

CuisinePortuguese
CategorySeafood
CountryPortugal