Authentic Puerto Rican Beef Empanadas Receipe

Introduction to Beef Empanadas

Empanadas, a staple of Puerto Rican cuisine, are delicious, hand-held pockets filled with savory goodness. They are perfect for meals, snacks, or parties. Today, we delve into the heart of Puerto Rican cooking with a detailed recipe for making authentic Beef Empanadas, where every bite brings the flavors of the Caribbean directly to your table.

Ingredients for Beef Empanadas

To get started, you’ll need:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• ¹⁄₃ cup cold water
• ¹⁄₄ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1 large egg, beaten (for brushing)

Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• ¹⁄₂ green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ¹⁄₄ cup tomato sauce
• 1 tsp sofrito
• 1 tsp sazón with achiote
• ¹⁄₄ cup green olives, pitted and chopped
• ¹⁄₄ cup raisins (optional, for a traditional touch)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation of the Dough

Begin by making the dough, which is the foundation of your empanada:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut the cold butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add cold water, mixing until the dough begins to form.
4. Knead the dough lightly on a floured surface until it’s smooth and elastic.
5. Wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to rest.

⏳ Note: Chilling the dough makes it easier to roll out and handle, enhancing the empanada's flakiness.

Making the Beef Filling

While the dough chills, prepare your filling:

1. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion and green pepper until onions are translucent.
2. Add garlic, cook until fragrant.
3. Increase heat, add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned.
4. Add tomato sauce, sofrito, sazón, olives, and raisins if using. Cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper.

Assembling the Empanadas

Now comes the fun part – turning your dough and filling into empanadas:

1. Roll out the dough to about ¹⁄₈ inch thick on a lightly floured surface.
2. Use a 3-4 inch round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough.
3. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
4. Fold the dough over, sealing the edges with a fork or your fingers to make a half-moon shape.
5. Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

👩‍🍳 Note: Overfilling can cause the empanadas to break open during baking, so ensure you use just enough filling to maintain a good seal.

Cooking Your Empanadas

You have two cooking options:

Baking:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Brush empanadas with beaten egg for a golden finish.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes until the empanadas are golden brown.

Frying:

• Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
• Fry empanadas in batches until they are golden brown, turning once.
• Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your empanadas:

• As an appetizer with a spicy salsa or a cool avocado dip.
• For lunch or dinner, paired with rice and beans or a fresh salad.
• At any gathering, they’re a crowd-pleaser.

To wrap up this culinary journey, making Beef Empanadas allows you to immerse yourself in the rich tradition of Puerto Rican cuisine. From the flaky dough to the savory beef filling, every step in this recipe is a dance of flavors. Whether you bake or fry them, these empanadas are sure to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen. They can be enjoyed as a comforting snack or as part of a larger meal, offering versatility and satisfaction in every bite. Remember to experiment with different fillings or shapes to find your perfect empanada experience.

Can I make the empanada dough ahead of time?

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Yes, you can prepare the dough in advance. After kneading, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Before rolling it out, let it come to room temperature.

What can I substitute for the ground beef?

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You can use ground chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian substitutes like lentils or soy protein for a meatless version. Adjust seasonings as needed.

Can empanadas be frozen?

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Absolutely! Assemble the empanadas, then freeze them on a tray until solid before transferring them to a freezer bag. Bake or fry from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.