Jul 14 2026

Empanadas Cubanas Recipe

Time1h 30m
Serves12

Cuban deep fried empanadas with your choice of:

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Ingredients

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Dough

Filling (Choose one or more options)

For frying

Method

Dough Preparation

  1. 1

    Mix the Dough Ingredients

    In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the butter and mix until crumbly. Beat the egg in a separate bowl and then add it to the flour mixture along with the water. Mix until a dough forms.

  2. 2

    Knead the Dough

    Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes until smooth. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Filling Preparation

  1. 3

    Cook the Filling

    In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft, about 5 minutes.

  2. 4

    Add the Meat

    Add the ground beef (or shredded chicken) to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks, about 8 minutes. Stir in the cumin, olives, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  3. 5

    Finish the Filling

    Remove the skillet from heat and allow the mixture to cool. Once cooled, stir in the chopped hard-boiled eggs.

Assembling and Frying

  1. 6

    Roll Out the Dough

    After resting, divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). On a floured surface, roll each ball into a circle about 1/8 inch thick.

  2. 7

    Fill the Empanadas

    Place a spoonful of the filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges for extra security.

  3. 8

    Fry the Empanadas

    In a deep skillet or pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot. Fry the empanadas in batches, about 4-5 at a time, until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes on each side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

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