Why Make This Recipe

You will love making these Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups. They look very fancy but are easy to put together. The taste is great, with golden shrimp, fresh herbs, and a savory filling. This recipe is good for parties, brunches, or a light meal. You can also make some parts ahead of time to save time. You can change the herbs and seasonings to what you like best.

How to Make Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups

Making these Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups involves a few simple steps. First, you prepare the crispy phyllo cups. Then, you cook the shrimp with some shallots and garlic until it’s just right. After that, you mix the creamy herb filling. Finally, you combine the shrimp with the filling and spoon it into the baked phyllo cups.

Ingredients of Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups

For the Phyllo Cups:
Frozen Phyllo Dough (thawed)
Melted Unsalted Butter or Olive Oil Spray

For the Golden Shrimp Filling:
Fresh or Frozen (thawed) Shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped
Olive Oil
Shallots, finely minced
Garlic, minced
Fresh Dill, chopped
Fresh Chives, chopped
Fresh Parsley, chopped
Cream Cheese, softened
Mayonnaise
Lemon Zest
Lemon Juice
Dijon Mustard
Salt to taste
Black Pepper to taste
Pinch of Red Pepper Flakes (optional, for a little kick)
A touch of Turmeric

Directions of Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups

Prepare the Phyllo Cups:
Preheat oven to the temperature stated on the phyllo dough package.
Unroll the phyllo dough carefully. Keep other sheets covered with a damp cloth so they do not dry out.
Place one phyllo sheet on a clean table. Brush it lightly with melted butter or spray with olive oil.
Put 2-3 more sheets on top, brushing each one lightly.
Cut the layered phyllo into squares.
Gently press each square into a mini muffin tin to make a cup shape. Do this for all phyllo sheets.
Bake until they are golden brown and crispy. Let them cool a little in the tins before you take them out.
Sauté the Golden Shrimp:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add shallots and cook until they are soft.
Add garlic and cook for one more minute until it smells good.
Add the chopped shrimp and cook until it is pink and no longer clear.
Stir in turmeric and red pepper flakes (if you want to use them). Take it off the heat and let it cool.
Prepare the Herbaceous Filling:
In a medium bowl, mix softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. Mix it until it is smooth.
Gently fold in the chopped fresh dill, chives, and parsley.
Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
Marry the Flavors:
Once the cooked shrimp is cool, gently fold it into the herb and cream cheese mixture.
Fill and Serve:
Spoon or pipe the filling into the cooled phyllo cups.
Put a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a small piece of cooked shrimp on top as a garnish.

How to Serve Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups

Serve these cups on a nice plate for a fancy start to any party. They are also great for brunch alongside other dishes. You can also eat them for a light lunch with a green salad. You can garnish them with a sprig of fresh dill, a small lemon wedge, or a little paprika.

How to Store Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups

You can make the shrimp filling up to 24 hours before you need it. Keep it in the refrigerator. Bake the phyllo cups earlier in the day. Then, fill them right before you serve them to keep them crispy.

Tips to Make Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups

Phyllo Handling: Work fast with phyllo dough because it dries out quickly. Always keep sheets you are not using covered with a slightly damp cloth.
Shrimp Doneness: Do not cook the shrimp too long, or it will become tough. Cook it just until it turns pink and is no longer clear.
Cooling is Key: Let the phyllo cups cool completely before you fill them. This keeps them crispy.
Golden Hue: The turmeric gives the shrimp a lovely golden color, making it look even better.

Variation

Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling if you like a little heat.
Cheese Upgrade: Mix in a spoonful of grated Parmesan or gruyere cheese for a richer taste.
Vegetarian Option: Use sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers instead of shrimp.
Different Herbs: Try other fresh herbs like tarragon or chervil for a different flavor.
Mini Quiches: Instead of just filling, you could whisk an egg into the mixture and bake until firm for a mini quiche.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make the Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups ahead of time?

A: You can prepare the shrimp filling up to 24 hours before and store it in the refrigerator. Bake the phyllo cups earlier in the day. Then, fill them just before your event to keep them crispy.

Q2: What type of shrimp works best for these Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups?

A: Medium-sized shrimp (about 31/40 count) works best. They chop well for a good filling texture. Fresh or frozen (thawed and patted dry) shrimp both work fine.

Q3: How do I prevent the phyllo dough from drying out when making the Golden Shrimp and Herb Phyllo Cups?

A: To keep phyllo dough from drying out, work quickly. Always cover unused sheets with a slightly damp (but not wet) clean kitchen towel. This stops them from becoming brittle.