Alcapurrias de Carne (Shrimp and Beef Fritters)

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy deep-fried fritters filled with a savory blend of ground beef and shrimp, served with a spicy sauce. This puerto rican-inspired quick meals ready in about 45 minutes pairs ground beef, shrimp, peeled and deveined, plantain flour for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 12, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.4 (14 ratings) Prep: 30 min Cook: 15 min Serves 12 Puerto Rican cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 1 lb ground beef, 1/2 lb shrimp (shelled and minced), 1 finely diced onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tsp salt and mix until well combined. Chill in refrigerator for 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: In another bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups plantain flour with 1 cup water to form a thick batter.
  4. Step 4: Scoop 2 tbsp meat mixture into the batter, forming a ball. Repeat to make 12 fritters.
  5. Step 5: Heat 2 cups vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 350°F. Fry fritters for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Alcapurrias de Carne (Shrimp and Beef Fritters) take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (30 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Alcapurrias de Carne (Shrimp and Beef Fritters)?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Alcapurrias de Carne (Shrimp and Beef Fritters)?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Alcapurrias de Carne (Shrimp and Beef Fritters) for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 12 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 12). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Alcapurrias de Carne (Shrimp and Beef Fritters)?

Puerto Rican quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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