The simplest version **does not require a file or folder to be selected**, and **adds a keyboard shortcut** of your choice.

**Part 1: Create a new Quick Action (was Service)**

In Automator, create a new **Quick Action** (previously called a Service):

[![enter image description here][1]][1]

From the left side, click Utilities then drag "Run Applescript" over to the right panel.

Change the two pulldown menus at the top of the right panel to read:

> Workflow receives <kbd>no input</kbd> in <kbd>Finder.app</kbd>

Replace ALL the purple script with:

    tell application "Finder"
        set txt to make new file at (the target of the front window) as alias with properties {name:"empty.txt"}
        select txt
    end tell

Save the Service as "New Empty Text File" (.workflow extension will be added automatically).

This service is now available under the **Finder** menu in the Finder.

**Part 2: Create a Keyboard Shortcut**

Under **System Preferences › Keyboard › Shortcuts › Services**, scroll down to **General** (it's at the end).

You will see **New Empty Text File** listed with "none" as the shortcut.

Click on none and **type the shortcut** of your choice (I used **cmd alt N**):

[![enter image description here][2]][2]

You can now type your shortcut in the Finder whenever you want to create a new, empty, text document.

Thanks to Syreeni, whose answer made this possible, and to RoG (comment below) who contributed the line that automatically selects the new file.


  [1]: https://i.sstatic.net/Dj9zJ.jpg
  [2]: https://i.sstatic.net/DNAdx.jpg