19 Authentic Mexican Empanadas Recipe Elevate Your Taste Buds!

Published on: Mar 28, 2024

Authentic Mexican empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even dessert. Made with a flaky, buttery crust and a variety of savory or sweet fillings, these hand-held pastries are a staple in Mexican cuisine. While there are many variations of empanadas found throughout Latin America, this recipe will focus on the traditional flavors and techniques of Mexican empanadas. So, put on your apron and get ready to experience the authentic flavors of Mexico in your own kitchen.

Jump to Recipe

1 of 20

Mexican Empanadas

Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Hot Water, Oil

Beef Empanadas - Easy Homemade Beef Empanada Recipe

Easy and delicious Tuna Empanadas using corn dough, fast and tasty!

Everything you ever wanted to know about empanadas or turnovers ...

This traditional Mexican dish is a perfect way to spice up your beer can chicken. Simply stuff your chicken with a mix of spices, onions, and bell peppers and cook it on the grill. The result is a flavorful and juicy chicken with a crispy skin that will leave your guests wanting more.

2 of 20

Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce

Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Onion, Garlic Cloves, Tomato Sauce, Salt

Mexican Chicken Empanadas Via #deliciousrecipescookingcom # ...

Green plantain empanadas | Boricua recipes, Plantain recipes, Recipes

Empanadas filled with tomato, mozzarella, and basil Caprese Recipes ...

If you want to take your empanadas to the next level, try them with a delicious green sauce. This creamy sauce made with avocado, cilantro, and lime juice adds a fresh and tangy flavor to your chicken. It's the perfect accompaniment to the spicy and savory empanadas.

3 of 20

Beef Empanadas {empanadas De Carne}

Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Egg, Water

Easy Beef Empanadas Recipe (Baked) - The Anthony Kitchen

Argentinian Beef Empanadas Tucumanas (Hand-Cut Beef, Egg, and Green ...

Baked Beef Empanadas - Strawberry Blondie Kitchen

If you're not a fan of chicken, don't worry, we've got you covered. These beef empanadas are a delicious alternative to the traditional recipe. The ground beef, onions, and spices give the chicken a rich and hearty flavor that is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

4 of 20

Mexican Chicken Empanadas

Main Ingredients: Chicken Breast, Olive Oil, Mexican Seasoning, Small

Chicken Empanadas Recipe (Baked In the Oven) - The Anthony Kitchen

For a twist on the classic empanada, try using chicken instead of beef. The combination of shredded chicken, corn, and black beans creates a flavorful and filling filling that will satisfy your cravings. Serve with a side of guacamole and salsa for an extra kick.

5 of 20

Mexican Cornbread

Main Ingredients: Self Rising Cornmeal, Cream Style Corn, Grated Cheddar

Louisiana Bride: Nanny's Mexican Cornbread

Fluffy Mexican Cornbread Recipe | How to Make Cornbread

Mexican Cornbread - Can't Stay Out of the Kitchen

What's better than beer can chicken? Beer can chicken with a side of delicious Mexican cornbread. This cornbread recipe is made with corn, cheese, and jalapeños for a spicy and cheesy twist on the classic side dish. It's the perfect accompaniment to any beer can chicken recipe.

6 of 20

Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Long Grain White Rice, Chicken Broth, Olive Oil, Small

Authentic Mexican Rice {Homemade} - Cooking Classy

Authentic Mexican Rice | Gift of Hospitality

No Mexican meal is complete without a side of rice. This authentic Mexican rice recipe is simple and easy to make, and will add a flavorful and colorful element to your beer can chicken. The combination of tomatoes, onions, and spices creates a delicious and aromatic rice that will have your guests begging for the recipe.

7 of 20

Mexican Street Tacos

Main Ingredients: Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce, Lime Juice, Canola Oil

Una Mexicana en USA: Authentic Mexican Street Tacos at Home

Vegetarian Mexican Street Corn Tacos - Sprinkles & Sea Salt

Take your beer can chicken to the streets with these delicious Mexican street tacos. Simply shred your chicken and serve it in warm corn tortillas with cilantro, onions, and lime juice. These tacos are a crowd-pleaser and can be customized to fit everyone's taste preferences.

8 of 20

Skinny Mexican Casserole

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell

The Best Skinny Mexican Casserole - Home, Family, Style and Art Ideas

Skinny Mexican Casserole | Recipe | Vegetarian casserole, Mexican food ...

Skinny Mexican Casserole Mexican Dishes, Mexican Food Recipes ...

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to traditional Mexican dishes, this skinny Mexican casserole is the perfect option. Made with lean ground turkey, black beans, and corn, this casserole is packed with flavor and protein. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

9 of 20

Mexican Street Corn Salad

Main Ingredients: Fresh Corn, Lime Juice, Avocado Oil, Jalapeno Peppers

Mexican Street Corn Salad with Chipotle Dressing | Jessica Gavin

Mexican Street Corn Salad [VIDEO] - Lexi's Clean Kitchen

This refreshing and vibrant corn salad is a great side dish to pair with your beer can chicken. The combination of cilantro, lime, and cotija cheese creates a tangy and creamy dressing that perfectly complements the sweet and juicy corn. It's the perfect way to add some color and crunch to your meal.

10 of 20

Mexican Flan

Main Ingredients: Flan, Sweetened Condensed Milk, Whole Milk, Cream

Flan Recipe - A Mexican Caramel Custard Dessert

Best Flan Recipe: How To Make Mexican Flan With This Easy Flan Recipe!

For a sweet ending to your beer can chicken meal, try this authentic Mexican flan. This rich and creamy custard dessert is made with eggs, condensed milk, and vanilla, and is topped with a decadent caramel sauce. It's the perfect way to end your meal on a high note.

11 of 20

Authentic Mexican Rice

Main Ingredients: Cooking Oil, Rice, Garlic, Diced Onions, Chicken

If you want to take your Mexican rice to the next level, try this authentic recipe. The secret to this flavorful rice is cooking it in a tomato and chicken broth mixture. The result is a fluffy and flavorful rice that pairs perfectly with any beer can chicken recipe.

12 of 20

Mexican Pinto Beans

Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Water, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Garlic

Mexican Pinto Beans From Scratch Recipe - The Harvest Kitchen

Mexican Pinto Beans - Frijoles Charros, mash to make refried

No Mexican meal is complete without a side of beans. This simple and delicious pinto bean recipe is the perfect accompaniment to your beer can chicken. The combination of pinto beans, bacon, and spices creates a hearty and flavorful side dish that is sure to be a hit.

13 of 20

Mexican Street Corn

Main Ingredients: Corn, Butter, Kosher Salt, Mayonnaise, Lime Juice

Mexican Street Corn Salad - Cooking With Books

Mexican Street Corn- 2 Ways | Thai Caliente Mexican Recipes

This grilled Mexican street corn is the perfect side dish for your beer can chicken. Simply grill the corn on the cob and top it with mayonnaise, cotija cheese, and chili powder. The result is a sweet and savory corn that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

14 of 20

Mexican Lasagna

Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Ground Chicken, Chili Powder, Ground Cumin

Sugar & Spice by Celeste: Mexican Lasagne

For a twist on the classic Italian dish, try this Mexican lasagna. Layered with corn tortillas, ground beef, and beans, this lasagna is a delicious and hearty meal that is perfect for serving alongside your beer can chicken.

15 of 20

Mexican Beef Barbacoa

Main Ingredients: Beef Chuck Roast, Salt, Pepper, Olive Oil, Peppers

Barbacoa | Barbacoa recipe, Barbacoa beef, Mexican food recipes beef

BEST EVER Chipotle Beef Barbacoa (EASY Crockpot!) + VIDEO

Beef Barbacoa - Mexican Pulled Beef | RecipeTin Eats

This authentic Mexican Beef Barbacoa recipe is so flavorful and so easy ...

This slow-cooked Mexican beef barbacoa is a flavorful and tender dish that is perfect for pairing with your beer can chicken. The meat is marinated in a spicy and tangy sauce overnight, and then slow-cooked to perfection. Serve it in tacos, burritos, or alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.

16 of 20

Mexican Beef Quesadilla

Main Ingredients: Ground Beef, Flour Tortillas, Monterey Jack, Chili

Quesadilla Burger - Will Cook For Smiles

Beef and Cheese Quesadilla - Sweet Pea's Kitchen

For a quick and easy meal, try these Mexican beef quesadillas with your beer can chicken. Simply fill flour tortillas with shredded beef, cheese, and your favorite toppings, and cook them until crispy and golden brown. Serve with salsa and guacamole for a delicious and satisfying meal.

17 of 20

Mushroom Chorizo Empanadas

Main Ingredients: Masa Harina, Salt, Warm Water, Chorizo Sausage

Mushrooms and Chorizo Flatbread - DA' STYLISH FOODIE

Chorizo Empanadas | Chorizo empanadas, Empanadas, Food

Chorizo Empanadas | Recipe | Chorizo empanadas, Empanadas, Chorizo

Beef and Chorizo Empanadas | The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen

If you're looking for a vegetarian option, these mushroom chorizo empanadas are the perfect choice. The combination of portobello mushrooms, chorizo seasoning, and cheese creates a delicious and savory filling that is sure to please even the meat-eaters at the table.

18 of 20

Chorizo & Cheese Empanadas with Avocado Crema

Main Ingredients: Ground Pork, Dried Pasilla Chile Peppers, Guajillo

Chorizo avocado grilled cheese | A Zesty Bite

Homemade Chorizo Empanadas with Avocado Cream - Of Batter and Dough

Chorizo Empanadas | Recipe | Chorizo empanadas, Beef steak recipes ...

Avocado and Chorizo Breakfast Taquitos - Cooking and BeerCooking and Beer

For a twist on the classic empanada, try these chorizo and cheese empanadas with a side of creamy avocado crema. The spicy and flavorful filling is perfectly balanced by the cool and creamy avocado sauce. Serve alongside your beer can chicken for a delicious and satisfying meal.

19 of 20

Mexican Black Bean & Cheese Stuffed Peppers

Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Cilantro

Mexican Stuffed Peppers with Cheese | foodiecrush.com #beef #peppers # ...

mexican cheese stuffed poblano peppers

Mexican black beans. Cook 4-5 chopped garlic cloves in olive oil on ...

Mexican Black Bean Chili with a lime wedge | No bean chili, Mexican ...

Stuffed peppers are a classic dish that can be easily adapted to fit any cuisine. These Mexican black bean and cheese stuffed peppers are a delicious and healthy option to pair with your beer can chicken. Simply stuff the peppers with black beans, rice, and cheese, and bake until tender and cheesy.

20 of 20

Easy Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole

Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Nonstick Cooking Spray, Cooked Chicken

Easy Mexican Chicken Casserole Recipe - The Anthony Kitchen

Chicken Rice Casserole (Super Easy, Super Cheesy) - Kylee Cooks

Mexican Chicken Casserole - Amanda's Cookin' - Casseroles

Mexican Chicken & Rice Casserole

This easy Mexican chicken and rice casserole is a great option for a busy weeknight meal. Simply mix rice, chicken, beans, and salsa in a casserole dish and bake until bubbly and golden brown. Serve with your beer can chicken for a complete and flavorful meal.

The Perfect Dough: A Key Component of Authentic Mexican Empanadas

One of the most important elements of a great empanada is the dough. In Mexico, a simple dough made from flour, butter, salt, and water is typically used. The key to achieving the perfect texture is to carefully combine the ingredients, being careful not to overwork the dough. This will result in a flaky and tender crust that holds up well to the filling. For added flavor and richness, butter is the preferred fat, but lard or shortening can also be used.

Rolling and Shaping the Dough: Tips and Tricks

Once the dough is made, it's time to roll it out and shape it into the classic half-moon shape of empanadas. To prevent the dough from sticking to your work surface, lightly dust it with flour before rolling it out. It's important to roll the dough out evenly to about 1/8 inch thickness, as this will ensure a consistent texture throughout the empanadas. To create the signature crimped edges, use your fingers or a fork to press down and seal the edges of the dough.

Filling Options: Sweet or Savory?

One of the best things about empanadas is the endless possibilities for fillings. In Mexico, savory fillings such as shredded chicken, ground beef, or chorizo are popular choices. For a vegetarian option, black beans and cheese make a delicious filling. If you have a sweet tooth, try using fruit such as apples or peaches mixed with cinnamon and sugar. Whatever filling you choose, make sure it's well seasoned and not too wet, as this can result in a soggy crust.

Frying vs. Baking: The Debate

In Mexico, empanadas are traditionally fried in hot oil, giving them a crispy exterior and a soft and flavorful filling. However, for a healthier option, you can also bake the empanadas in the oven until golden brown. Whichever method you choose, make sure to preheat the oil or oven to the recommended temperature to ensure even cooking. Now that you have the perfect dough and filling, it's time to put it all together and enjoy the delicious flavors of authentic Mexican empanadas. Whether you're making them for a party or a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to take your taste buds on a journey to Mexico with these delectable empanadas.