Empanadas de Carne
ColombianSnack

Recipe Story

origins & traditions

Empanadas de Carne are iconic Colombian street food delights that have been enjoyed for generations. These hand-held pastries feature a golden, crispy exterior that gives way to a rich, flavorful filling of seasoned ground beef mixed with diced potatoes, onions, and traditional Colombian spices including cumin and paprika. The dough is made with a special combination of flour and cornmeal, giving it the characteristic texture that sets Colombian empanadas apart. Each empanada is carefully folded and sealed before being deep-fried to perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Typically served with ají sauce for dipping, these empanadas are a beloved snack throughout Colombia, enjoyed at family gatherings, street vendors, and celebrations alike.

Instructions

step by step
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  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, and salt. Add cold butter pieces and work into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

  2. Gradually add cold water, mixing until a smooth dough forms. Knead for 3-4 minutes, then cover and let rest for 20 minutes.

  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.

  4. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-8 minutes.

  5. Stir in diced potatoes, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until potatoes begin to soften.

  6. Add tomato paste and a splash of water. Simmer for 8-10 minutes until potatoes are tender and mixture is thickened. Remove from heat and let cool completely.

  7. Divide the dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into a 5-inch circle on a lightly floured surface.

  8. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape.

  9. Press the edges firmly to seal, then use a fork to crimp the edges decoratively.

  10. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pot to 350°F. Fry empanadas in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown.

  11. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with ají sauce.

Empanadas de Carne

4.2 (34)

Golden fried Colombian turnovers filled with savory seasoned beef, potatoes, and aromatic spices. These crispy empanadas are perfect as a snack or appetizer, featuring the traditional Colombian flavor profile.

medium
50 min
12 servings

Ingredients

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Dough

  • 3 cups flour, sifted
  • 1/2 cups cornmeal, fine ground
  • 4 tablespoons butter, cold and cubed
  • 1 teaspoons salt

Filling

  • 500 grams ground-beef
  • 2 pieces potatoes, peeled and diced small
  • 1 pieces onions, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cumin, ground
  • 1 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoons black-pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 tablespoons tomato-paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive-oil

Frying

  • 4 cups vegetable-oil

Chef Tips

expert advice
For extra crispy empanadas, make sure the oil temperature stays consistent at 350°F.
The filling must be completely cooled before assembling or the dough will become soggy.
You can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate.
For a lighter version, brush empanadas with egg wash and bake at 375°F for 25-30 minutes.
Traditional Colombian ají sauce is made with cilantro, green onions, lime juice, and hot peppers.
Empanadas can also be filled with chicken, cheese, or vegetables for variation.