16 Best Mexican Empanada Dough Recipe Discover Culinary Perfection!
Published on: Apr 5, 2024
Empanadas are a popular dish in Mexican cuisine, and the key to making the perfect empanada lies in the dough. While there are many variations of empanada dough, the best Mexican empanada dough recipe is one that is versatile, easy to work with, and produces a flaky and flavorful crust. Whether you prefer sweet or savory empanadas, this dough recipe will be your go-to for all your empanada needs. So let's dive in and learn how to make the best Mexican empanada dough!
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Cornmeal, Sugar, Salt, Vegetable
Empanadas are a delicious and versatile dish that can be found in many Latin American countries. While there are many variations of empanadas, one thing that remains consistent is the use of a flaky and flavorful dough. In this article, we will explore 20 different recipes for empanada dough that will take your empanada game to the next level.
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Barcelona Restaurant Empanada Dough
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Kosher Salt, Baking Powder
If you've ever been to Barcelona, chances are you've tried their famous empanadas. These savory pastries are a staple in the city and are known for their unique and delicious dough. You can now recreate the Barcelona experience at home with this authentic empanada dough recipe straight from the kitchens of the city's top restaurants.
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How To Make Empanada Dough For Baking
Main Ingredients: Flour, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Egg, Water
Empanadas are typically fried, but if you're looking for a healthier option, baking them is a great alternative. However, not all doughs are suitable for baking. This recipe will show you how to make a dough specifically designed for baking, resulting in perfectly crispy and flaky empanadas.
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How To Make Sweet Empanada Dough
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sugar, Salt, Butter, Eggs, Cold Water
While most empanadas are savory, there are also sweet versions that make for a delicious dessert or snack. This recipe for sweet empanada dough adds a touch of sweetness to the dough itself, making it the perfect base for any sweet filling you desire.
Cornbread is a classic Southern dish, but did you know it also has a Mexican version? This recipe for Mexican cornbread incorporates traditional Mexican flavors like jalapenos and cilantro, making it the perfect accompaniment to any Mexican-inspired meal.
No Mexican meal is complete without a side of rice, and this recipe for Mexican rice is a must-try. It's packed with flavor from ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and spices, and is the perfect complement to any dish.
Tacos are a staple in Mexican cuisine, and street tacos take them to a whole new level. These small, handheld tacos are bursting with flavor and are perfect for a quick and easy meal. This recipe for Mexican street tacos includes a homemade empanada dough that takes these tacos to the next level.
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Empanada Dough 2.0
Main Ingredients: Dry White Wine, Water, Unsalted Butter, Vegetable
If you're looking to take your empanada dough to the next level, this recipe is for you. It includes a secret ingredient that adds a unique flavor and texture to the dough, making it stand out from traditional empanada dough.
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Skinny Mexican Casserole
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Garlic, Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Green Bell
This casserole is a healthy and flavorful twist on traditional Mexican dishes. It's made with lean ground turkey, black beans, corn, and a homemade empanada dough that adds a delicious and unique element to the dish.
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Easy Empanada Dough!
Main Ingredients: Vegetable Shortening, Cane Sugar, Baking Powder, Salt
If you're short on time but still want to make homemade empanadas, this recipe is for you. It uses a shortcut ingredient to make the dough-making process quick and easy, without sacrificing flavor.
Mexican street corn, also known as elote, is a popular street food in Mexico. This salad takes all the delicious flavors of elote and combines them with a homemade empanada dough to create a unique and tasty dish that is perfect for summer.
For a sweet and decadent dessert, try making Mexican flan. This recipe uses a homemade empanada dough as the base for the flan, adding a unique twist to this classic dessert.
If you're looking for an authentic Mexican rice recipe, look no further. This recipe is straight from the kitchens of Mexico and includes a special ingredient that adds a depth of flavor to the dish.
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Whole Wheat Empanada Dough
Main Ingredients: White Whole Wheat Flour, Salt, Unsalted Butter, Egg
If you're looking to make a healthier version of empanada dough, try using whole wheat flour. This recipe for whole wheat empanada dough is just as delicious as traditional dough but with the added bonus of whole grains.
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Homemade Vegan Empanada Dough
Main Ingredients: Unbleached Flour, Salt, Vegetable Shortening, Apple
For our vegan friends, we also have a recipe for homemade vegan empanada dough. It uses a special ingredient to mimic the buttery and flaky texture of traditional empanada dough, making it a great option for those with dietary restrictions.
Pinto beans are a staple in Mexican cuisine and are perfect for adding to tacos, burritos, and other dishes. This recipe for Mexican pinto beans uses a homemade empanada dough to create a unique and delicious empanada version of this classic dish.
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Empanada Dough For Frying
Main Ingredients: All Purpose Flour, Sparkling Water, Orange Juice
If you prefer your empanadas fried, this recipe is for you. It includes a special ingredient that guarantees a perfectly crispy and golden crust every time.
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Gluten Free Empanada Dough
Main Ingredients: Almond Flour, Coconut Flour, Xanthan Gum, Kosher Salt
For those who follow a gluten-free diet, making empanadas may seem out of reach. But fear not, this recipe for gluten-free empanada dough is just as delicious and versatile as traditional dough, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Mexican Black Bean & Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Main Ingredients: Bell Peppers, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Cilantro
Stuffed peppers are a tasty and healthy meal option, and this recipe puts a Mexican twist on the classic dish. Using a homemade empanada dough to encase the filling adds a unique and delicious element to this already flavorful dish.
Casseroles are a great option for busy weeknights, and this Mexican chicken and rice casserole is no exception. With the addition of a homemade empanada dough, this casserole is taken to a whole new level of deliciousness.
Ingredients for the Perfect Dough
Flour
The base of any good dough is flour, and for empanadas, we recommend using all-purpose flour. It provides the right balance of gluten and starch, giving the dough a tender and flaky texture.
Fat
The second crucial ingredient for empanada dough is fat. Traditionally, lard is used, but for a healthier option, we recommend using butter. It adds a rich flavor and flakiness to the dough.
Water
Water is needed to bind the dough together, but it's essential to use cold water. The cold temperature helps prevent the fat from melting, ensuring a flaky crust.
Salt
Don't underestimate the importance of salt in empanada dough. It enhances the flavor of the dough and also helps to control the gluten development.
Eggs (optional)
While not necessary, adding eggs to the dough can make it richer and more flavorful. If you choose to add eggs, make sure to use cold, beaten eggs.
The Process
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to make the dough. Start by mixing the flour and salt in a large bowl. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Next, slowly add in the cold water, a few tablespoons at a time, and mix until the dough comes together. If you are using eggs, add them in at this stage. Once the dough is formed, turn it out onto a floured surface and knead for a few minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the gluten to relax and prevents the dough from shrinking during baking.
Tips for Working with Empanada Dough
Here are a few tips to ensure your empanada dough turns out perfect every time:
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to prevent it from sticking.
For easier handling, divide the dough into smaller portions before rolling it out.
Chill the dough between each step to keep it firm and prevent the fat from melting.
Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into circles for your empanadas.
Now that you have the perfect Mexican empanada dough recipe, you can get creative with your fillings. From traditional beef and cheese to sweet versions with fruit and chocolate, this dough will elevate any empanada filling. So go ahead and impress your friends and family with your homemade empanadas using this delicious and versatile dough recipe.