Traditional Ecuadorian appetizer recipes

We offer you an exquisite selection of starter and appetizer recipes from the passionate Ecuadorian cuisine.

Discover a wide variety of authentic and unique flavors that will delight your palate. These recipes, besides being easy to prepare, will invite you to immerse yourself in the culture and culinary traditions of Ecuador.

Our best starters

Crab Salad

Crab Salad

Crab Salad is a delicious dish from Ecuadorian cuisine, made with fresh crabs, potatoes, onion, and tomato. Carefully cooked, they are combined into a smooth and flavorful mixture, enhanced by pickled onions that add the perfect finishing touch.

Appetizers
1 hour
4 Servings

Ecuadorian Green Plantain Tortilla

Ecuadorian Green Plantain Tortilla

The Ecuadorian green plantain tortilla is a typical dish of the country, made with a dough of green plantains filled with cheese. Its simple preparation involves cooking, mashing the plantains, adding butter, forming tortillas, filling them, and frying until golden. They are served with onion and tomato pickles and a coastal chili sauce. A traditional delight full of flavor.

Appetizers
1 hour
6 Servings

Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche

Ecuadorian Shrimp Ceviche

The Ecuadorian shrimp ceviche is a fresh and tasty dish, where shrimp, onion, tomato, pepper, tomato sauce, mustard, and seasonings are mixed. It is left to rest to intensify the flavors and served in a friendly environment, sharing the richness of Ecuadorian cuisine. A delight for the palate.

Appetizers
1 hour
6 Servings

Green Banana Croquettes

Green Banana Croquettes

The green banana croquette, an iconic dish from Ecuador, is made with green plantains, one of the country's main products. The preparation requires time and patience, cooking the plantains gradually to achieve a smooth consistency. Then it's seasoned with achiote, cumin, and salt, forming balls with various fillings such as cheese or meat, which are fried until crispy. It's a delicious bite that blends flavors and textures perfectly. Ideal to enjoy on any occasion.

Appetizers
1 hour
6 Servings

Green Banana Sango with Fish

Green Banana Sango with Fish

The green banana sango with fish, a typical dish from the Ecuadorian coast, combines ingredients such as green plantains, fish, and peanut, creating an authentic flavor. Its preparation involves blending flavors and textures to achieve a delicious and comforting result. A unique and tasty option to enjoy on any occasion.

Main Course
1 hour
8 Servings

Humitas

Humitas

Humitas are an Andean delicacy, wrapped in corn husks with a mixture of fresh corn, cheese, and aromatic herbs. Their preparation takes time and effort, but the result is a comforting bite that evokes tradition and home in every morsel. A delight to enjoy at any time of the day.

Appetizers
1 hour
6 Servings

Llapingacho

Llapingacho

The Ecuadorian llapingacho, made with mashed potatoes and cheese, is a traditional dish with a unique texture thanks to a high-starch potato. Its meticulous preparation includes boiling the potatoes, making a mash, sautéing with onion and achiote, filling with cheese, and grilling. A delight to enjoy with family.

Appetizers
1 hour
6 Servings

Quinoa Tortillas

Quinoa Tortillas

Quinoa tortillas are a delicious treat shared in some homes. Preparing them involves washing and cooking the quinoa, blending vegetables and eggs, mixing with the cooked quinoa, seasoning, and forming stuffed tortillas with mild cheese, then frying until golden. Enjoy your meal.

Appetizers
1 hour
15 Servings

Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp Ceviche

Shrimp ceviche is a refreshing and flavorful delight. With perfectly cooked shrimp mixed with onion, tomato, peppers, and cilantro, all seasoned with lime and a touch of spice. Perfect to enjoy on any occasion. An explosion of flavors in every bite.

Appetizers
1 hour
8 Servings

Wind Empanada

Wind Empanada

Wind empanadas are typical in Quito, famous for inflating when fried. To prepare them, mix flour, salt, sugar, and baking powder, then add water and butter. After resting the dough, form disks filled with cheese and onion, fry, and sprinkle with sugar. Delicious.

Appetizers
1 hour
10 Servings

Other Ecuadorian delights