Crispy Fried Empanadas

Discover the ultimate recipe for Crispy Fried Empanadas, where perfectly golden, flaky pastry envelopes a savory filling of seasoned ground beef, aromatics, and a hint of spice. These hand-held delights feature a made-from-scratch dough, enriched with butter for a tender texture, and a rich filling infused with cumin, paprika, and fresh cilantro. With every bite, you’ll enjoy the satisfying crunch of the fried exterior paired with the warm, flavorful interior. Ideal as an appetizer, party snack, or comforting meal, these empanadas are a versatile crowd-pleaser. Whether served fresh from the fryer or paired with your favorite dipping sauce, this recipe is a must-try for anyone craving homemade Latin-inspired cuisine!

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:45 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:75 mins

Servings: 12

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 stick unsalted butter
• 0.67 cup cold water
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 0.25 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 large egg

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and baking powder. Cut 1 stick of unsalted butter into small pieces and add to the flour. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Step 2

Gradually add cold water to the flour mixture, mixing just until a dough forms. Knead the dough a few times on a lightly floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3

In a skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced green pepper. Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 7-8 minutes.

Step 5

Stir in cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, 0.5 teaspoon salt, black pepper, tomato paste, and beef broth. Simmer on low heat for 5 minutes, until the mixture is thickened. Stir in the chopped cilantro. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 6

On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8 inch thickness and cut into 4-inch circles.

Step 7

Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Brush edges with a little water, fold over to make a half-moon shape, and press edges to seal. Crimp with a fork to ensure closure.

Step 8

In a deep frying pan, heat the remaining vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Step 9

Fry the empanadas in batches, making sure not to crowd the pan, for about 3-4 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Step 10

Remove and drain on paper towels. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1714.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	5152.5

Total Fat 398.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 120.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 136.4g
Cholesterol 788.6mg	0%
Sodium 4684.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 304.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.7g	0%
Total Sugars 12.9g
Protein 118.5g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 279.2mg	0%
Iron 30.4mg	0%
Potassium 2450.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 67.9%

Protein: 9.0%

Carbs: 23.1%