Spicy Shrimp Arepas

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-04-02 · Updated 2026-04-02

Soft, fluffy arepas stuffed with saffron-infused shrimp and topped with a tangy avocado crema. This puerto rican-inspired asian (vegetarian) ready in about 60 minutes pairs masa harina, shrimp, small, diced onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 8, 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.

Ingredients

• 2 cups masa harina
• 12 oz shrimp
• 1 small, diced onion
• 1 clove, minced garlic
• 1/2 tsp saffron threads
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1 avocado
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, mix 2 cups masa harina with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 cup vegetable oil. Knead until smooth, then let rest for 10 minutes.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 1 minced garlic clove, sauté for 3 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 tsp saffron threads, 1/2 cup coconut milk, and 1/2 cup vegetable broth. Cook for 5 minutes until sauce thickens, then add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 5 minutes until opaque.
4. Step 4: Divide masa into 8 portions, shape into round discs, and press a spoonful of shrimp mixture into the center. Seal edges and cook on a griddle over medium heat for 3 minutes per side until golden.
5. Step 5: For the crema, mix 1 mashed avocado with 1 tbsp lime juice and 1/2 tsp salt. Serve arepas with a dollop of crema and additional lime wedges.