Best 2 Puerto Rican Fried Meat Pies Recipes

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compare to the deliciousness of Puerto Rican fried meat pies. These mouthwatering pastries are filled with a savory mixture of seasoned ground beef, vegetables, and spices, all wrapped in a golden-brown crust. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or just starting out in the kitchen, this article will guide you through the art of creating these delightful treats. We'll explore the history of this iconic dish, provide you with a step-by-step guide to making your own, and introduce you to some of the most popular fillings and variations. So gather your ingredients, prepare your taste buds, and let's dive into the delicious world of Puerto Rican fried meat pies!

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

PUERTO RICAN FRIED MEAT PIES: EMPANADAS

Puerto Rican Fried Meat Pies: Empanadas image

Make and share this Puerto Rican Fried Meat Pies: Empanadas recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Chef Smooth

Categories Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 12 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 cup warm water
1 lb browned ground beef or 1 lb cooked shredded chicken
1/2 medium onion, diced
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1/8 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/8 cup sliced green olives
1 pinch salt and pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 (1 1/4 ounce) package sazon goya with coriander and annatto
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Steps:

DOUGH: combine all the dry ingredients in electric mixer, add all the wet ingredients. Mix for about 3 minutes until well combined. Dough will form.
Take it out and knead for about 3 minutes, let sit wrapped in plastic-wrap for another 15 minutes.
Divide into 12 pieces, then roll into 4 inch circles.
FILLING: Brown ground beef (drain excess grease), or sauté shredded chicken in 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil. Add all the ingredients and cook for an additional 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Let cool.
COOKING: Preheat the oil in a frying pan at about a medium temperature. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the dough and seal the edges with a fork.
Fry for about 5 minutes on each side, then place on dish lined with paper-towels.

PUERTO RICAN FRIED MEAT PIES RECIPE - (4.3/5)

Puerto Rican Fried Meat Pies Recipe - (4.3/5) image

Provided by jeknudson

Number Of Ingredients 15

Ingredients

Filling:
1-2 packages of Goya pot sticker wrappers (Disco Grande) in frozen food aisle
1 lb. browned ground beef or cooked shredded chicken
1/2 medium onion, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 green bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, crushed
1/8 c. chopped fresh cilantro
1/8 c. sliced green olives
salt and pepper, to taste
1/4-1/2 jalapeno, minced (optional)
1 tbsp. tomato paste
1 pkg. Goya Sazon with annato
For cooking:
1 cup vegetable oil for frying.

Steps:

FILLING: Brown ground beef (drain excess grease), or sauté shredded chicken in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add all the ingredients and cook for an additional 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Let cool. COOKING: Preheat the vegetable oil in a frying pan at about a medium temperature. Place about 2 tablespoons of the filling in the dough and seal the edges with a fork. Deep fry for about 5 minutes on each side, then place on dish lined with paper-towels. Press another layer of paper towels over the top. Serve. Makes 12 Empanadas.

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Tips for Perfect Puerto Rican Fried Meat Pies:

- Use high-quality ground beef for the filling. Grass-fed or organic beef is ideal. - Season the beef generously with adobo, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, and oregano. These spices add a classic Puerto Rican flavor to the filling. - Use a combination of sofrito and tomato sauce for a flavorful filling. Sofrito is a Puerto Rican cooking base made with onions, peppers, garlic, and cilantro. - If you don't have sofrito on hand, you can make your own by following a simple recipe. - Use a sturdy dough for the empanada wrappers. A combination of all-purpose flour and bread flour works well. - Make sure the dough is well-rested before rolling it out. This will help prevent the dough from tearing. - Cut the dough into circles using a cookie cutter or a sharp knife. - Fill each dough circle with a generous amount of the beef filling. - Fold the dough circles in half and seal the edges with a fork. - Fry the empanadas in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. - Drain the empanadas on paper towels before serving. - Serve the empanadas with your favorite dipping sauce, such as salsa or sour cream.

Conclusion:

Puerto Rican fried meat pies are a delicious and easy-to-make appetizer or snack. With a flavorful beef filling and a crispy dough, these empanadas are sure to be a hit with everyone. Whether you're a fan of Puerto Rican cuisine or just looking for a new and exciting dish to try, these fried meat pies are definitely worth a try. So next time you're in the mood for something savory and satisfying, give this recipe a try!