How To Make Bahamas Beef Empanadas Like A Pro – Step-by-step Instructions
What To Know
- These savory pastries, a staple in Bahamian cuisine, offer a burst of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Bahamas.
- To ensure a secure seal, use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanadas.
- If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use a glass or a cup to cut out the dough circles.
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of the Caribbean with our comprehensive guide on how to make mouthwatering Bahama Breeze beef empanadas. These savory pastries, a staple in Bahamian cuisine, offer a burst of flavors that will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed shores of the Bahamas. Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure as we delve into the secrets of crafting these delectable treats.
Gathering the Essential Ingredients
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather the necessary ingredients to create our Bahama Breeze beef empanadas:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package (15 ounces) empanada dough
- Vegetable oil for frying
Seasoning the Beef Filling
To create the flavorful filling for our empanadas, we’ll start by seasoning the ground beef. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until cooked through. Drain any excess fat.
Once the beef is cooked, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
Season the beef mixture with cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to blend.
Preparing the Empanada Dough
While the beef filling cools, let’s prepare the empanada dough. If using pre-made dough, thaw it according to the package instructions.
On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch. Cut out 12-15 circles from the dough using a 4-inch cookie cutter or a glass.
Assembling the Empanadas
Now it’s time to assemble our empanadas. Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal.
To ensure a secure seal, use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanadas. This will prevent the filling from leaking out during frying.
Frying the Empanadas
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully drop the empanadas into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
Draining and Serving
Once the empanadas are cooked, remove them from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess grease.
Serve the Bahama Breeze beef empanadas hot with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy the crispy exterior and the flavorful, savory filling that will leave you craving for more.
Tips for Perfect Empanadas
- For a flaky crust, use cold dough and work quickly to prevent the dough from becoming tough.
- Don’t overfill the empanadas, as this can cause them to burst during frying.
- To prevent soggy empanadas, make sure the beef filling is completely cooled before assembling.
- If you don’t have a cookie cutter, you can use a glass or a cup to cut out the dough circles.
Variations on the Classic
- Chicken Empanadas: Substitute the ground beef with cooked and shredded chicken.
- Vegetarian Empanadas: Omit the beef and fill the empanadas with a mixture of vegetables, such as black beans, corn, and zucchini.
- Spicy Empanadas: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the beef filling for a kick of heat.
What You Need to Learn
Q: Can I freeze empanadas before frying?
A: Yes, you can freeze unfried empanadas for up to 3 months. To freeze, place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1 hour. Transfer the frozen empanadas to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, thaw the empanadas overnight in the refrigerator and then fry as directed.
Q: What dipping sauces can I serve with empanadas?
A: Empanadas are traditionally served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or chimichurri sauce.
Q: How do I store leftover empanadas?
A: Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
