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Acarajé with shrimp and black beans, served as golden brown deep-fried balls
Brazilian Acarajé with shrimp and black beans

Crispy Brazilian Black-Eyed Pea Fritters with Shrimp

Author: Flavelo
Recipes Main Courses Quick Meals
In Bahia, the 'Baiana' vendors in their traditional white lace dresses will ask you one question: 'Quente or Frio?' (Hot or Cold?). They aren't talking about temperature, but the heat of the chili peppers. This classic street food features a neutral, fluffy black-eyed pea fritter brought to life by a salty, intense shrimp filling (reminiscent of Vatapá). It is a pinnacle of Afro-Brazilian cuisine.
🕒 Prep Time 30 mins
🍳 Cook Time 30 mins
⌛ Total Time 1 hr
🍽️ Servings 4 servings
🔥 Calories 550 kcal
🌍 Cuisine Brazilian

Ingredients

Equipment Needed

  • Food Processor: For making the smooth bean batter.
  • Skillet: To sauté the filling.
  • Dutch Oven or Deep Pot: For frying.

Allergen Information

⚠️ Shellfish
⚠️ Wheat (if flour is used)

Instructions

1 ✓

Process the soaked, peeled peas and one onion in a food processor until creamy. Season with salt, then beat vigorously with a wooden spoon until the mixture is light and airy.

Tip: Do not skip the manual beating! This aerates the batter, ensuring the fritter is soft like bread inside rather than a dense lump.
2 ✓

Form large quenelles from the bean paste and fry in hot, deep oil until golden and crispy. Remove and let drain on paper towels.

Tip: The hot oil creates an instant crust that protects the fluffy interior structure.
3 ✓

For the filling, finely chop the second onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté in a little oil until softened.

Tip: Thoroughly browning the aromatics (making a sofrito) provides deep flavor for the filling.
4 ✓

Add the shrimp, curry powder, and salt. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.

Tip: Watch the shape of the shrimp: 'C' shape means cooked perfectly, 'O' shape means overcooked.
5 ✓

Remove from heat, squeeze lime juice over the mixture, and stir in the fresh cilantro.

Tip: Always add acid (lime) and fresh herbs at the very end to preserve their brightness.
6 ✓

Slice the fried bean fritters open and stuff generously with the shrimp ragout.

Tip: Serve immediately while the fritter shell is still crispy.

Recipe FAQ

Why is my shrimp rubbery?
It was likely overcooked. Shrimp cooks in moments; if left on the heat too long, the proteins tighten up and become tough.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Dried Black-Eyed Peas (peeled/skinned)
  • 10 oz Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 whole Red Bell Pepper
  • 2 whole Yellow Onions (one for batter, one for filling)
  • 1 tbsp Curry Powder (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Cilantro
  • 1 whole Lime
  • 1 tsp Kosher Salt
  • 1 cup Vegetable Oil (for frying)
  • 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (only if needed for thickening)