Description
Learn how to make irresistible Colombian-style empanadas with this simple recipe featuring a sturdy masa flour dough filled with seasoned meat and fried to crispy golden perfection. Perfect for a flavorful snack or appetizer, these empanadas capture traditional Colombian flavors in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough Ingredients
- 2 cups Instant Corn Masa Flour
- 1 cup Water (room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
Filling Ingredients
- 1 cup Seasoned Meat (ground beef or preferred meat, well seasoned)
Frying
- 2 cups Oil (vegetable or olive oil recommended)
Instructions
- Preparation: Gather all your ingredients and kitchen tools, including a mixing bowl, skillet, pan for frying, and a plastic bag for rolling the dough.
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the instant corn masa flour, room temperature water, and salt. Mix thoroughly until you get a thick, sticky dough that holds together, which should take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
- Cook the Filling: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the seasoned meat, stirring occasionally until fully cooked and nicely browned. This will take roughly 5-7 minutes.
- Shape the Empanadas: Cut open a plastic bag to create a flat surface. Take portions of dough and roll them out on the plastic to form discs. Place a spoonful of the cooked meat filling onto each disc, then fold the dough over to form a crescent and seal the edges firmly to prevent filling from escaping during frying.
- Fry the Empanadas: Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat until hot. Carefully place the empanadas into the oil, frying each side for about 3-4 minutes or until they turn a golden brown and crisp.
- Drain and Serve: Once fried, transfer the empanadas to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. Serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer.
Notes
- You can substitute the meat with chicken or a vegetarian filling if desired.
- Ensure the dough is not too wet, or it may be difficult to shape.
- Use a splatter screen while frying to minimize oil splashes.
- Serve with traditional Colombian sauces like ajà or guacamole for extra flavor.
