Argentinian empanadas are crispy, golden pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of seasoned beef, onions, and spices. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or meal, these hand-held delights bring the taste of Argentina to your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🥟 Crispy & Buttery – A perfectly flaky, golden-brown crust.
🥩 Juicy & Flavorful Filling – A rich, seasoned beef mixture.
⏳ Easy to Make – Prep in advance & bake or fry in minutes!
🇦🇷 Authentic Taste – Inspired by traditional Argentinian flavors.
What Are Argentinian Empanadas?
Empanadas are savory turnovers popular in Argentina and across Latin America. They consist of a thin pastry dough filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, then baked or fried to golden perfection. In Argentina, beef empanadas are a national favorite, featuring a flavorful mix of ground beef, onions, olives, and spices.
Ingredients
For the Dough:
✅ 3 cups all-purpose flour
✅ ½ cup unsalted butter (cold & diced)
✅ 1 egg
✅ ½ tsp salt
✅ ½ cup cold water
For the Beef Filling:
✅ 1 tbsp olive oil
✅ 1 small onion (finely chopped)
✅ 1 lb (450g) ground beef
✅ 1 tsp salt
✅ ½ tsp black pepper
✅ ½ tsp cumin
✅ ½ tsp smoked paprika
✅ ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
✅ ½ cup green olives (chopped)
✅ 2 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
For Assembly:
✅ 1 egg (beaten, for egg wash)
HOW TO MAKE ARGENTINIAN EMPANADAS (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)
🔸 Prepare the Dough
In a bowl, mix flour and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly. Add egg and cold water, knead into a smooth dough, then wrap and chill for 30 minutes.
🔸 Make the Filling
Heat oil in a pan. Sauté onions until soft. Add ground beef, salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook until browned, then mix in olives and boiled eggs. Let cool.
🔸 Roll & Cut the Dough
On a floured surface, roll out the dough to ⅛-inch thickness. Cut into 4-inch circles.
🔸 Fill & Seal
Place 1 tbsp of filling in each circle. Fold over, press edges, and crimp with a fork or twist for a traditional seal.
🔸 Bake or Fry
👉 To Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
👉 To Fry: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry until golden brown.
🔸 Enjoy!
Serve warm with chimichurri sauce or spicy salsa.
Serving Suggestions
🥗 With Chimichurri Sauce – A zesty, herby dip.
🥣 With Salsa Criolla – A fresh tomato & onion topping.
🍷 With Malbec Wine – A perfect Argentinian pairing.
Pro Tips for the Best Empanadas
✔️ Use cold butter for extra flaky dough.
✔️ Let the filling cool before assembling to prevent soggy dough.
✔️ Crimp the edges tightly to keep the filling inside while baking or frying.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
🔹 Can I Make Empanadas Ahead of Time?
Yes! Store unbaked empanadas in the fridge for up to 24 hours or freeze for up to 3 months.
🔹 Can I Use Store-Bought Dough?
Absolutely! Pre-made empanada wrappers or puff pastry work well.
🔹 Can I Make Vegetarian Empanadas?
Yes! Swap the beef for mushrooms, cheese, or spinach & ricotta.
Final Thoughts 🥟
Argentinian empanadas are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. Whether baked or fried, these golden pastries are perfect for any occasion. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a taste of Argentina at home!
Want More?
Love bold, meaty recipes? Sink your teeth into more mouthwatering dishes in our Meat Delights collection!
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