Jul 14 2026
Restaurants›Mojito›Empanada Recipe

Empanada Recipe

Inspired by Mojito
Time1h 30m
Serves12

Colombian style cornmeal empanada. Choice of filling: cheese, shredded beef, or chicken.

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Ingredients

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Dough

Cheese Filling

Shredded Beef Filling

Chicken Filling

Frying

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix Ingredients

    In a mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, salt, and water. Add the vegetable oil and mix until a soft dough forms.

  2. 2

    Knead the Dough

    Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth and pliable.

  3. 3

    Rest the Dough

    Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for about 30 minutes.

Filling Preparation

  1. 4

    Prepare Cheese Filling

    In a bowl, mix the fresh cheese with salt and black pepper until well combined.

  2. 5

    Prepare Shredded Beef Filling

    In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the cooked shredded beef, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.

  3. 6

    Prepare Chicken Filling

    In a skillet, sauté the onion and garlic until translucent. Add the cooked shredded chicken, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and cook for 5 minutes.

Empanada Assembly

  1. 7

    Shape the Empanadas

    Divide the dough into equal portions and roll each portion into a circle about 5 inches in diameter.

  2. 8

    Fill the Empanadas

    Place a tablespoon of your chosen filling (cheese, shredded beef, or chicken) in the center of each dough circle.

  3. 9

    Seal the Empanadas

    Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly, and use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative seal.

Frying

  1. 10

    Heat the Oil

    In a deep frying pan, heat 2 cups of vegetable oil over medium heat until hot.

  2. 11

    Fry the Empanadas

    Fry the empanadas in batches, about 3-4 at a time, for 3-4 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Serving

  1. 12

    Serve

    Serve the empanadas hot, with your choice of dipping sauce or salsa.

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