Easy Filipino Beef Empanada Recipe for Beginners (Delicious)

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Filipino beef empanadas are a unique and satisfying treat with a combination of savory, flaky pastry and hearty, spiced beef filling. The key flavors come from garlic, onions, soy sauce, vinegar, and banana ketchup in the filling, while the textures range from crisp and tender empanada dough to the soft, juicy ground beef mixture inside. In this recipe, you’ll learn how to make baked empanadas with authentic Filipino spices and seasonings for a delicious experience exploring this traditional snack.

A Journey into Filipino Empanada Culture

History of Empanadas in the Philippines

Empanadas likely originated in Galicia, Spain before spreading to the Philippines during the colonial period in the 16th century. The name comes from the Spanish verb empanar, meaning “to wrap in bread.” Filipino empanadas evolved over centuries with influences from Spanish, Mexican, Chinese, and native cooking traditions. They became a popular handheld snack sold by street vendors, markets, and restaurants across the islands. Today, empanadas remain a quintessential food representing the blended culinary heritage of the Philippines.

The Role of Empanadas in Filipino Culture

Empanadas are an integral part of Philippine fiestas, holidays and celebrations. They are commonly served at parties, family gatherings, and community events as a special treat. The pastries represent the spirit of camaraderie and joy. Their portability also makes them convenient for potlucks and buffets. Beyond parties, empanadas are a go-to snack for family meals, merienda (afternoon snack), and pulutan (food served with alcohol). Both homemade and store-bought empanadas are deeply embedded in Filipino food culture.

What Makes Filipino Empanadas Unique

Filipino empanadas differ from other regional empanada styles, like Argentine or Mexican, in several ways:

• Smaller size – Filipino empanadas are bite-sized, with pastry discs 3-4 inches in diameter.
• Flaky pastry – The dough uses baking powder or lye water for a puffy, crunchy texture.
• Sweet spicy glaze – Topped with sugar and chili flakes for sweet heat.
• Banana ketchup – Adds tangy sweetness to fillings instead of tomato ketchup.
• Vinegar and soy – Black vinegar and soy sauce lend signature Filipino umami flavors.

Essential Ingredients for Filipino Beef Empanadas

Flavorful Beef Filling

• Ground beef – Use a mix of chuck and sirloin for the right fat content
• Onions – Provides aromatic flavor base
• Garlic – Essential for Filipino cuisine, adds pungency
• Vinegar – Black or white vinegar contributes sour tang
• Soy sauce – Adds deep umami dimension
• Oyster sauce – Further enhances savoriness
• Banana ketchup – Provides mild sweetness and thickens filling
• Raisins – Plump, sweet bursts of fruit

Flaky, Tender Empanada Dough

• All-purpose flour – Provides structure to dough
• Salt – Enhances flavor
• Baking powder – Creates airy layers and flakiness
• Lard or shortening – Adds richness and tender crumb
• Egg yolks – Help bind dough and add moisture
• Water – Hydrates dough for optimal consistency

Seasonings and Spices

• Black pepper – Essential savory accent
• Paprika – Provides mild heat and red color
• Dried oregano – Echoes Mediterranean influences
• Ground cumin – Earthy warmth
• Chili flakes – Optional added heat and piquancy

Preparing the Ingredients

Spiced Ground Beef Filling

To prepare the filling:

• Saute onions and garlic in oil until softened and translucent
• Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled throughout
• Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, vinegar, and ketchup
• Season with salt, pepper, cumin and paprika
• Fold in raisins
• Simmer for 10-15 minutes to meld flavors
• Cool filling completely before assembling empanadas

Smooth, Elastic Dough

For the dough:

• Whisk together flour, salt, baking powder in a bowl
• Work in solid fats using fingers or food processor
• Make a well in the center and add egg yolks and water
• Use a fork to gradually incorporate wet ingredients into dry
• Knead dough until it forms a smooth ball, about 8 minutes
• Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 30 minutes

Shaping the Discs

• Divide chilled dough into 16-20 equal pieces
• Roll each piece into a ball
• Flatten ball into a small disc, around 3-4 inches wide
• Use a rolling pin to roll discs into even rounds, less than 1/4 inch thick
• Arrange discs on parchment paper-lined baking sheets

How to Make Filipino Beef Empanada

Filling and Sealing

To assemble empanadas:

• Spoon 2-3 tablespoons of cooled filling into the center of each dough disc
• Using fingertips, moisten edges of dough with water
• Fold dough over filling to create a half-moon shape
• Firmly press edges to seal
• Use fork tines to crimp and seal edges

Baking Temperature and Time

Bake empanadas at 375°F for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown.

Key tips:

• Place empanadas at least 1 inch apart on baking sheets
• Rotate pans halfway through for even baking
• Check after 25 minutes, extending bake time if needed

Achieving a Perfect Golden Crust

To ensure empanadas have a crisp, browned crust:

• Brush tops with beaten egg before baking for sheen and color
• Bake near top of oven for maximum exposure to heat
• Open oven periodically to allow steam to escape
• Watch closely near end to avoid burning bottoms

Tips and Tricks from Experienced Cooks

Extra Flaky, Tender Dough

• Use a combination of lard and butter for ultimate flakiness
• Add an extra egg yolk to dough for richness
• Refrigerate dough for 1 hour or overnight before rolling
• Handle dough as little as possible when shaping to prevent toughening

Customize the Filling

Try these filling variations:

• Chicken or pork instead of beef
• Diced potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Shredded cheese
• Cooked lentils or mung beans
• Finely chopped veggies like carrots and peas

Achieve Perfect Browning and Doneness

• Bake empanadas on the middle rack of the oven
• Use a meat thermometer to check filling temperature
• If browning too quickly, loosely tent with foil
• For thorough cooking, bake until filling reaches 165°F

Serving and Enjoying Filipino Empanadas

Traditional Serving Styles

Empanadas are often served:

• As finger food at parties
• In bamboo trays, lined with banana leaves
• As an afternoon merienda treat
• With rice as a meal on their own

Delicious Garnishes and Pairings

• Vinegar with chopped garlic for dipping or drizzling
• Atchara – Pickled green papaya
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sautéed saba bananas
• Rice or noodles
• San Miguel beer

Conclusion: Filipino Beef Empanada

Making delicious Filipino beef empanadas requires:

• A well-seasoned filling with beef, onions, garlic, spices, vinegar, and banana ketchup
• Flaky empanada dough with solid fat that’s chilled before rolling
• Properly shaped, filled, and sealed empanada discs
• Baking at 375°F until empanadas are golden-brown and filling is 165°F
• Enjoying this favorite snack with traditional condiments like vinegar

With this complete guide to techniques, ingredients, and culture, you can master baking empanadas and share this treasured Filipino treat with friends and family. The journey will give you an appreciation for the cuisine of the Philippines. Enjoy the flaky pastry and savory beef filling of these handheld delights.