Trio de Empanadas at La Fisheria: 2026 Price, Calories & Expert Review

In the heart of downtown Houston, La Fisheria transports diners straight to the Mexican coast, and no starter captures this culinary voyage quite like the Trio de Empanadas. This dish is a masterclass in textural contrast—featuring three artisanal, crescent-shaped turnovers with golden, blistered shells that shatter upon the first bite. Unlike the dense dough found in standard Tex-Mex, these empanadas boast a delicate, airy crust that allows the premium fillings to shine. Served piping hot and accompanied by the restaurant’s signature salsas, this trio offers a curated tour of land and sea, making it an essential sharing plate for any seafood aficionado.

The Ingredient Breakdown

The magic of the “Trio” lies in its variety. La Fisheria rotates fillings seasonally, but the definitive 2026 lineup features a luxurious balance of coastal seafood and premium beef. Here is what is inside the golden crust:

1. Shrimp & Oaxaca Cheese (Mar y Tierra)

The crowd favorite. This empanada is stuffed with tender, Gulf-caught shrimp chopped roughly to maintain texture. It is bound together with melted Oaxaca cheese—a semi-soft white cheese similar to Monterey Jack but with a superior, stringy melt. The saltiness of the cheese perfectly complements the natural sweetness of the shrimp.

2. Crab in Tomato Sauce (Estilo Veracruz)

A nod to classic Veracruzana cuisine. This pocket is filled with sweet lump crab meat simmered in a robust tomato reduction. The sauce is aromatic, typically seasoned with onions, garlic, and a hint of herbs, providing a savory and acidic counterpoint to the richness of the fried dough.

3. Ribeye Picadillo (The Carnivore’s Choice)

Elevating the humble ground beef filling, this empanada utilizes high-grade Ribeye steak minced into a picadillo. It is seasoned with traditional spices (cumin, garlic) and often includes small diced potatoes or carrots for a comforting, hearty bite that grounds the seafood-heavy platter.

Price & Value

As of early 2026, the Trio de Empanadas is priced at approximately $23.00. While this price point is higher than standard street food, the value proposition at La Fisheria is strong. You are paying for high-quality proteins—specifically lump crab and ribeye—rather than standard ground chuck or imitation seafood. Given the upscale ambiance of the Milam Street location and the generous filling-to-dough ratio, it serves as a substantial appetizer for two or a light main course for one.

Nutrition & Calories

Empanadas are an indulgence. The combination of fried pastry and rich fillings (cheese and red meat) results in a calorie-dense dish. Below is the estimated nutritional breakdown for the entire platter (3 empanadas). Diners watching their intake often split this dish.

View the full La Fisheria Menu