Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Brasitas›Empanadas Recipe

Empanadas Recipe

Inspired by Brasitas
Time1h 30m
Serves12

Chicken, pork, or sirloin, served with a creamy guajillo sauce

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Ingredients

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Empanada Dough

Filling

Guajillo Sauce

Method

Empanada Dough

  1. 1

    Combine Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, mix the all-purpose flour and salt together.

  2. 2

    Incorporate Butter

    Add the cubed cold butter to the flour mixture and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to incorporate it until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  3. 3

    Form the Dough

    Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough comes together. Do not overmix.

  4. 4

    Chill the Dough

    Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill.

Filling

  1. 5

    Sauté Onion

    In a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the chopped onion until translucent.

  2. 6

    Add Spices

    Add the minced garlic, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

  3. 7

    Combine Filling

    Add the shredded chicken, pork, and ground sirloin to the skillet, mixing well to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.

  4. 8

    Cool Filling

    Remove from heat and let the filling cool before using.

Guajillo Sauce

  1. 9

    Soak Chiles

    Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo chiles and soak them in hot water for 15 minutes until softened.

  2. 10

    Sauté Onion and Garlic

    In a saucepan, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant.

  3. 11

    Simmer Sauce

    Add the softened guajillo chiles to the saucepan along with the chicken broth and salt. Simmer for 15-20 minutes.

  4. 12

    Blend and Adjust Sauce

    Blend the sauce until smooth, then stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning to taste.

Assembling Empanadas

  1. 13

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. 14

    Roll and Cut Dough

    Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface to about 1/8 inch thick. Cut out circles using a round cutter.

  3. 15

    Fill and Seal Empanadas

    Place a tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and crimp the edges to seal.

  4. 16

    Egg Wash Empanadas

    Brush the tops of the empanadas with the beaten egg for a golden finish.

  5. 17

    Bake Empanadas

    Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

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