Mouthwatering Moroccan Shrimp Briouat Recipe in 20 Minutes
Last Updated on May 8, 2026 by beatrizrecipez
When Ramadan approaches, I find myself craving comforting treats that bring warmth and joy to the table. That s when I stumbled upon the delightful Moroccan Shrimp Briouat, a fusion of crispy phyllo dough enveloping a savory shrimp and vermicelli blend. Just thinking about the first bite, where the crunch gives way to succulent flavors of cumin and cilantro, makes my mouth water!
Not only are these bite-sized wonders a fantastic appetizer for iftars, but they can also be prepped ahead of time, making them perfect for busy days. Imagine serving these golden, crispy delights to your guests, evoking the rich culinary traditions of Morocco right in your own kitchen. With a preparation time of just 20 minutes, these briouats promise to impress without any stress. Let s dive into the recipe and take your gatherings to the next level!
Why You’ll Adore Moroccan Shrimp Briouat?
Simplicity at its Best: Everyone can master this recipe with ease in just 20 minutes.
Flavor Explosion: Each bite bursts with spices like cumin and fresh cilantro, providing a taste of Morocco in your home.
Make-Ahead Marvel: Prep them ahead and freeze uncooked; just bake or fry when you re ready for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Crispy Delight: The contrast between the crispy phyllo and tender filling adds a satisfying texture that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Versatile Fillings: Don’t hesitate to explore variations, like swapping shrimp for savory spiced beef or a sweet almond paste twist.
Crowd Pleaser: Serve alongside a garlic yogurt sauce for a deliciously inviting appetizer that s sure to impress your guests.
Moroccan Shrimp Briouat Ingredients
For the Filling
- Vermicelli Noodles Add structure and softness to the filling; soak in hot water for 5-10 minutes until softened.
- Chopped Green Olives Provide a briny, tangy flavor; you can substitute with capers for a similar taste.
- Cooked Shrimp The base of the filling, it provides protein; ensure shrimp is peeled and chopped.
- Cumin, Turmeric, Paprika, Salt This spice blend adds essential flavor; use fresh spices for better impact.
- Cilantro Adds freshness and enhances the flavor profile; substitute with parsley if you prefer.
For the Wrapper
- Phyllo Dough or Egg Roll Wrappers Forms the outer layer; phyllo provides a crispy texture, while egg roll wrappers are heartier.
- Egg (beaten) Used to seal the briouats and ensure they stay closed during cooking.
How to Make Moroccan Shrimp Briouat
Soak Vermicelli: Start by soaking vermicelli noodles in hot water for 5-10 minutes until softened. This will give your filling the right texture, making it a delight to bite into.
Mix Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped shrimp, green olives, soaked noodles, cumin, turmeric, paprika, salt, and cilantro. Mix well until everything is nicely coated with the spices and flavors meld together beautifully.
Prepare Wrappers: Lay a phyllo sheet or an egg roll wrapper diagonally on your workspace. Spoon 1-2 tablespoons of the shrimp mixture onto the lower corner of the wrapper.
Roll It Up: Fold the sheet over the filling and roll it up tightly, tucking in the edges as you go to form an eggroll shape. Remember, this is where the delicious filling gets sealed in!
Seal with Egg Wash: Brush the end of the wrapper with beaten egg to ensure it seals perfectly. This golden wash will also give your briouat a beautiful finish once cooked.
Arrange on Sheet: Place the filled briouats on a cookie sheet. You can choose to partially bake them at 375°F for about 10 minutes before freezing, or proceed to deep-fry for that extra crispy texture.
Cook Until Golden: Bake or fry the briouats until they are golden brown and crispy, which should take about 5-8 minutes in hot oil or around 20 minutes in the oven, turning halfway.
Optional: Serve warm with a side of garlic yogurt sauce for a refreshing complement.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Moroccan Shrimp Briouat?
These delightful treats are perfect for creating a memorable feast that celebrates the flavors of Morocco together with family and friends.
Garlic Yogurt Sauce: This creamy dip adds a cool contrast to the warm, spicy briouats, making each bite even more delightful.
Minted Couscous Salad: A fluffy mix of couscous tossed with fresh mint and lemon accents beautifully complements the savory sweetness of the shrimp filling.
Roasted Vegetable Medley: Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots add a colorful, hearty element, enhancing the meal’s textural variety and flavor depth.
Spicy Harissa Sauce: For those who crave a kick, this North African chili paste elevates the dish, pairing perfectly with the spiced shrimp filling.
Moroccan Carrot Salad: Refreshing and slightly sweet, this salad with orange juice and cumin provides a light contrast to the richness of the briouats.
Mint Tea: Traditional Moroccan mint tea makes for a soothing beverage, cleansing the palate and rounding out the meal with aromatic warmth.
The combination of these sides and drinks not only enhances your Moroccan Shrimp Briouat experience but also transforms your gathering into an unforgettable culinary celebration!
How to Store and Freeze Moroccan Shrimp Briouat
Fridge: Store leftover briouats in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain their crispiness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze uncooked briouats on a cookie sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen when needed.
Reheating: To reheat, bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or fry until golden brown to restore their delightful crunch.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare your Moroccan Shrimp Briouat in advance to save time during busy Ramadan days; they remain delicious when frozen!
Variations & Substitutions for Moroccan Shrimp Briouat
Feel free to put your own spin on these delightful bites by exploring these tasty variations!
Ground Beef: Swap out shrimp for spiced ground beef or lamb for a heartier filling. The flavors of cumin and paprika will meld beautifully with the meat.
Vegetarian Option: Replace shrimp with sautéed mushrooms and spinach to create a delicious vegetarian alternative. This twist adds incredible earthiness and texture.
Sweet Briouats: For a playful dessert, use a mixture of almond paste and sugar instead of shrimp. A sprinkle of cinnamon will elevate this sweet treat!
Cheesy Bliss: Mix in crumbled feta or goat cheese to the shrimp filling for an added creamy texture that complements the spices wonderfully.
Spice It Up: Add diced jalapeños or mild chili flakes for a kick of heat that will delight those who love a spicy burst in their snacks.
Crunchy Veggies: Incorporate finely chopped bell peppers or carrots for extra crunch, not only enhancing flavor but also adding vibrant color to each bite.
Herb Swap: If cilantro isn t your thing, swap it for fresh dill or basil for a twist that brings different aromatic notes to your briouat.
Different Doughs: Try using spring roll wrappers for a thinner, crispier bite, or even puff pastry for a decadent, flaky treat!
Let your creativity shine while preparing these Moroccan Shrimp Briouat!
Make Ahead Options
These Moroccan Shrimp Briouat are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time while impressing their guests! You can prepare the filling and roll the briouats up to 24 hours in advance. Just store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent drying out. For optimal freshness, consider freezing them immediately after preparation (uncooked). They can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months! When ready to cook, you can bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, or fry them for a delightful crunch. This way, you’ll have golden, crispy Moroccan Shrimp Briouat ready to serve at a moment’s notice!
Expert Tips for Making Moroccan Shrimp Briouat
- Moisture Control: Ensure the filling is not too wet to prevent sogginess in the dough; always drain any excess liquid from the soaked vermicelli.
- Crispiness Guaranteed: For an extra crispy texture, deep-fry the briouats using egg roll wrappers instead of phyllo dough.
- Freezing Perfectly: If making ahead, freeze uncooked briouats on a cookie sheet, then transfer to a bag; bake or fry directly from frozen when needed.
- Sealing Secrets: Use enough egg wash to ensure the edges seal well; a loose seal can lead to fillings leaking during cooking.
- Fresh Spice Matters: Always use fresh spices for the filling; this enhances the overall taste of your Moroccan Shrimp Briouat.
Moroccan Shrimp Briouat Recipe FAQs
How do I know if my shrimp is fresh enough to use in the filling?
Absolutely! Fresh shrimp should have a mild, ocean-like scent and should not smell overly fishy. Look for shiny, firm flesh that is translucent rather than dull. If you see dark spots or blackening, it may be a sign of spoilage.
What s the best way to store leftover Moroccan Shrimp Briouat?
Store leftover briouats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, try not to cover them tightly; a loose cover can help keep the texture intact.
Can I freeze Moroccan Shrimp Briouat? How do I do it?
Yes, you can easily freeze them! To preserve their freshness, place uncooked briouats on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid (about 1-2 hours). Then, transfer them to a freezer bag, squeezing out any excess air. They can be baked or fried directly from frozen, cooking for an additional 5-8 minutes.
What should I do if my filling is too wet?
Very! If you find your mixture is too wet, you might want to strain it using a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to eliminate excess moisture. You can also add a bit of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to absorb the liquid. Just be careful not to overstuff the wrappers, as this can lead to leaking during cooking!
Are there any dietary considerations for Moroccan Shrimp Briouat?
Great question! These briouats can be adjusted for various dietary needs. If you have guests with shellfish allergies, simply substitute the shrimp with spiced ground beef or a vegetarian filling like finely chopped vegetables mixed with spices. For gluten-free options, consider using rice paper wraps instead of phyllo dough.
How can I make these briouats healthier?
You can reduce the calories by using less olive oil when frying or by opting for baking instead. Choose whole-wheat phyllo dough if available, and you might enhance the flavor by adding more vegetables like spinach or finely chopped peppers into the filling. This way, you can maintain delicious taste without compromising on health!