Jamaican-Inspired Beef Empanadas

Prep

20 min

Cook

15 min

Fry

350°F

Makes

About 12

Ingredients

• 1 package empanada wrappers
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Jamaican spice paste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
• Kosher salt and black pepper
• Neutral oil, for the pan and for frying
• Flour and water, mixed to a paste (baker's glue)
• Hot sauce or a dipping sauce, for serving

Method

1. Sear the beef

   A stainless pan over medium-high heat with a little neutral oil. Add the beef and press it out until it covers the bottom of the pan, then leave it so it builds a crust.

2. Add the aromatics

   Onion, salt, pepper and the parsley, about 4 to 5 minutes. Then the chopped garlic and a teaspoon of the Jamaican spice paste. Mix it through.

3. Simmer and cool

   Turn the heat down, add a splash of water, cover, and simmer about 5 minutes. Drain, then spread the filling on a sheet tray so it cools down quickly.

4. Fill and fold

   Lay a wrapper flat, on the counter or in an empanada press. One heaping spoon of beef in the middle. Run baker's glue, flour and water, around the edge and fold it over.

5. Seal

   In a press, just close it. By hand, crimp the edge with a fork so the filling is sealed in.

6. Fry

   Oil at 350 degrees. Drop them in for about 2 minutes, until golden and crisp. Lift out onto a wire rack so the excess oil drains.

7. Serve

   Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

Notes from Mike

Cool the filling fast on a sheet tray before you start folding. Warm filling makes the wrappers soft and they will not seal.