Filipino Beef Empanadas – Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with our Filipino Beef Empanadas! These delectable hand-held treats are filled with a mouthwatering combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, plump raisins, and a symphony of aromatic spices. Wrapped in flaky, golden pie crusts, these empanadas are a taste of pure joy and comfort. Whether you fry them for a crispy indulgence or bake them for a juicy, hearty treat, one thing is certain – they’ll disappear from the plate in no time! Join us as we share the story behind this family favorite recipe and discover why these empanadas have captured our hearts and taste buds.
In the heart of our cozy kitchen, the irresistible aroma of Filipino Beef Empanadas fills the air. This savory treat has become a treasured tradition in our household, loved not just by me but also by my husband and our little one. It all started when we stumbled upon an old family recipe during a holiday visit to my husband’s Filipino grandmother.
As she shared the recipe with us, her eyes sparkled with nostalgia, recalling how her own mother used to make these delightful empanadas for special gatherings and festive occasions. We couldn’t wait to give it a try ourselves. From the first bite, we were enchanted by the explosion of flavors – the tender beef mingling with the perfectly cooked potatoes, the subtle sweetness of the plump raisins, and the warm embrace of spices.
Now, whenever we make these empanadas, our little one is eager to help with the filling, carefully placing each ingredient as if assembling a masterpiece. The joy on their face as they take the first bite is simply priceless. Sharing these empanadas has become a way for us to connect with our family’s roots, passing down this cherished recipe to the next generation.
Why This Filipino Beef Empanadas – Unveiling the Taste of Filipino Tradition!
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of ground beef, potatoes, scallions, and garlic, seasoned with cumin and paprika, creates an explosion of delightful flavors in every bite.
- Perfectly Balanced: The addition of plump raisins adds a touch of sweetness that perfectly complements the savory elements, striking an exquisite balance.
- Versatile Cooking Options: Whether you choose to fry them for a satisfying crunch or bake them for a juicy, tender center, these empanadas cater to your preferred taste and texture.
- Handheld Happiness: Ideal for parties, gatherings, or a simple snack, these portable empanadas bring smiles to faces young and old.
Ingredients:
- 225g (1/2 lb.) ground beef
- 1 medium potato, diced (cooked or raw)
- 2 scallions, finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Oil
- Butter
- A pinch of cumin
- A pinch of paprika
- Tomato paste or sauce (optional)
- Soy sauce
- A handful of raisins
- Salt & pepper
- 2 boxes Pillsbury pie dough (or make your own empanada dough)
- 3-4 inch round cutters
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Directions:
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil and sauté the diced potatoes with a dash of paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until lightly browned. Set aside.
In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and butter. Sauté minced garlic and scallions until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, and season with paprika, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a spoonful of tomato paste or sauce for added depth.
Stir in the raisins and the sautéed potatoes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning to achieve a robust taste that will shine through in the final empanadas.
If you’re frying the empanadas, strain the filling mixture over a bowl to cool. Keep the strained liquid for future adjustments. For baking, you may choose to keep the mixture juicy without straining.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
Roll out the pie pastry a bit thinner with a rolling pin, then cut out 3-4 inch rounds. Gather the remaining dough, roll it out, and repeat until you have the desired number of rounds.
Place a teaspoon of the flavorful filling onto each round. Ensure that every empanada has a generous portion of beef, potatoes, and raisins. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to create a decorative edge.
Brush the empanada tops with the beaten egg wash. Make a few air holes in the tops using a wooden skewer.
Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Savor the mouthwatering flavors and share the joy with your loved ones!
Notes:
- Feel free to customize the filling by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of chili powder or red pepper flakes to the beef mixture.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or a combination of mushrooms and lentils.
In conclusion, these Filipino Beef Empanadas have truly become a beloved staple in our household, and we’re excited to share this delightful recipe with you. The irresistible combination of seasoned ground beef, tender potatoes, plump raisins, and aromatic spices encased in flaky, golden pie crusts creates a flavor adventure that will leave your taste buds craving more.
As you prepare these empanadas, you’ll be immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Filipino cuisine. The heartwarming story of how this recipe has been passed down through generations in our family adds an extra layer of nostalgia and love to every bite.
Whether you choose to fry them for a satisfying crunch or bake them for a juicy, tender center, these empanadas are perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, picnics, or even as a special treat for yourself. The joy of creating these delectable hand-held delights together with your loved ones makes them even more special.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into this culinary adventure, and let the flavors of Filipino Beef Empanadas transport you to a world of delightful tastes and cherished memories. Make them for your next gathering, and watch as they disappear from the plate, leaving smiles and happy hearts behind. Enjoy the journey and savor every moment with these irresistible empanadas!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the empanada dough from scratch?
Absolutely! While using store-bought pie dough saves time, you can make the dough from scratch using a basic empanada dough recipe with flour, butter, water, and a pinch of salt. Just roll it out and follow the rest of the instructions as usual.
Can I freeze the empanadas for later?
Yes, you can! After assembling the empanadas, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Can I substitute the ground beef with other meats?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, and you can use ground chicken, pork, or turkey for equally delicious results. Each meat will lend its unique flavor profile to the empanadas.
Can I make the empanadas in advance for a party?
Yes, you can prepare the empanadas ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover them well to prevent drying out. Bake them fresh before serving to ensure they are warm and crispy.
Filipino Beef Empanadas
Ingredients
- 225 g 1/2 lb. ground beef
- 1 medium potato diced (cooked or raw)
- 2 scallions finely minced
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- Oil
- Butter
- A pinch of cumin
- A pinch of paprika
- Tomato paste or sauce optional
- Soy sauce
- A handful of raisins
- Salt & pepper
- 2 boxes Pillsbury pie dough or make your own empanada dough
- 3-4 inch round cutters
- 1 egg beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil and sauté the diced potatoes with a dash of paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until lightly browned. Set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and butter. Sauté minced garlic and scallions until fragrant, then add the ground beef. Cook until browned, and season with paprika, soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. Optionally, add a spoonful of tomato paste or sauce for added depth.
- Stir in the raisins and the sautéed potatoes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Adjust the seasoning to achieve a robust taste that will shine through in the final empanadas.
- If you're frying the empanadas, strain the filling mixture over a bowl to cool. Keep the strained liquid for future adjustments. For baking, you may choose to keep the mixture juicy without straining.
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).
- Roll out the pie pastry a bit thinner with a rolling pin, then cut out 3-4 inch rounds. Gather the remaining dough, roll it out, and repeat until you have the desired number of rounds.
- Place a teaspoon of the flavorful filling onto each round. Ensure that every empanada has a generous portion of beef, potatoes, and raisins. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to create a decorative edge.
- Brush the empanada tops with the beaten egg wash. Make a few air holes in the tops using a wooden skewer.
- Bake the empanadas in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before serving. They are best enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Savor the mouthwatering flavors and share the joy with your loved ones!
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