How To Bake The Perfect Beef Empanada: A Step-by-step Guide

Craving a taste of authentic Latin American flavors? Look no further than the delectable beef empanada. These savory pastries filled with tender beef and aromatic spices are a culinary delight that will tantalize your taste buds. In this comprehensive guide, we will embark on a step-by-step journey to create mouthwatering baked beef empanadas from scratch, ensuring a crispy exterior and a succulent interior.

Gathering the Essential Ingredients

Before embarking on our culinary adventure, let’s gather the necessary ingredients:

• For the dough:
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water
• For the filling:
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• For egg wash:
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon water

Preparing the Dough: A Foundation for Flavor

1. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour and salt.
2. Cut in butter: Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add water gradually: Add the ice-cold water one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Avoid overmixing.
4. Form into a ball: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Crafting the Savory Beef Filling: A Symphony of Flavors

1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant.
3. Season and simmer: Stir in the cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the liquid has reduced and the beef is tender.

Assembling the Empanadas: A Culinary Masterpiece

1. Roll out the dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
2. Cut out circles: Using a 4-inch round cookie cutter, cut out circles from the dough.
3. Fill the circles: Place a spoonful of the beef filling in the center of each circle.
4. Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the filling and press the edges together firmly. Use a fork to crimp the edges.

Baking the Empanadas: Achieving Golden Perfection

1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare egg wash: In a small bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
3. Brush with egg wash: Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash.
4. Bake: Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Savor the Culinary Delight: A Taste of Latin America

Once the empanadas are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, such as chimichurri or salsa, for an authentic taste of Latin American cuisine.

Tips for Perfect Empanadas: Culinary Secrets Revealed

• Use cold ingredients: Cold butter and water prevent the dough from becoming tough.
• Don’t overmix the dough: Overmixing will result in a tough crust.
• Roll out the dough thinly: A thin dough will ensure crispy empanadas.
• Seal the edges tightly: This will prevent the filling from leaking out.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet: Allow some space between the empanadas for even baking.

Culinary Variations: Exploring Different Flavors

• Vegetarian empanadas: Replace the beef filling with a mixture of vegetables, such as bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms.
• Cheese empanadas: Add a layer of shredded cheese to the filling for a gooey, cheesy center.
• Spicy empanadas: Add extra chili powder or diced jalapeños to the filling for a kick of heat.

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I make empanadas ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the empanadas up to the baking step and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, thaw them for 30 minutes before baking.

Q: How do I reheat empanadas?
A: To reheat empanadas, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the empanadas on a baking sheet and reheat for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through.

Q: Can I freeze empanadas?
A: Yes, you can freeze baked empanadas for up to 2 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.