How to Make Empanadas | So Delicious and Easy! 

Hi John, Im from Mendoza, Argentina. Here empanadas are onions, minced Meat and spices. And each province has its own particular recipe. If you want , I can send you our tradicional mendocinian recipe of empanadas. Love your recipes

I once went to an after rugby party. The host's wife was from Argentina. She made a ton of these empanadas and used WonTon dough and fried them. They were out of this world. Your recipe reminded me of it all. I will surely make them soon for a party. Thanks

Ingredients: *Garlic* (3 cloves, minced) *(Russet) Potatoes* (2, optional) *Carrots* (1/3 cup, optional) *Onion* (1, optional) *Celery* (1/3 cup or 45 grams, optional) (or you can make your own mix of veggies) *Olive oil* (1 tablespoon) *Any meat* (1/2 pound, John's using ground chuck) *Tomato paste* (1 tbsp or a generous tbsp) *Cumin* (1 tsp) *Chilli Powder* (1 tsp) *Cinnamon* (1/2 tsp) *Ground pepper* (1/2 tsp) *Frozen peas* (1/2 cup or 75 grams) *Flour* (3 cups or 360 grams into a *food processor*) *Salt* (1/2 tsp) *Cold Butter* (3/4 cups or 170 grams) *Large Egg* (2) *Water* (1/3 cup)

For those who don't want to make the dough, Goya makes frozen discos that are for baking rather than frying and they work GREAT for empanadas. If you have a Latin grocery nearby they should have them. My recipe is similar to this except it uses sofrito, which gives an amazing flavor. I love beef empanadas!!

I lived in Argentina and learned how to make empanadas from the experts - las abuelas (the grandmas). Que rico! We did both of your methods of sealing plus one other. We pinch the curved edge with thumb and index finger both hands and make a z fold. Then pinch it secure and move over a touch. About 4-5 of these along the curved edge does the trick. Place the empanada on your tray with the sealed edge up. Sealing empanadas is an art form. When making the filling we also started with the fat, seasoning, and garlic. Cook just until the garlic lightly browns. Immediately add the meat to stop burning the garlic. Careful, garlic turns fast and sudden. As the meat cooks, add the vegetables, then tomato. The recipe you shared is what we made in Córdoba, Argentina. Make it sweeter without the vegetables; add raisins to the mix. As you fold them, add a green olive and a wedge of hard boiled egg. This is how they make them in Mendoza. I think this is what your mom described; I couldn’t hear her well. I ❤ empanadas. I’ve made them for over 35 years now. Never even thought about the meaning of the word. Thanks. It’s always great to learn something new.

We have Cornish pasties in UK, very similar recipe and shape but maybe a bit bigger. Ideal lunch packed in an edible casing for farm workers out all day on the land. Some of the earlier ones were savoury at one end and sweet ( apple , fruit etc) at the other . Love these .

I also put in raisins - this is what I learned from a Filippina friend in San Francisco - and it is absolutely delicious!

Missing my mom after watching you talking to your mom...continue to savor the moment with her 💛 God bless 🙏

My mom was from spain! She made a mean empanadas on a home made red sauce, green and red peppers pieces of hard boil eggs and the star of the show salted cod(she would soak and added her own salt (she would saute garlic onion and roasted peppers on olive oil) yummy

I like that you use other items like a bowl to cut with. That is what a real home cook does. 🙌🏻💕

Thank you John for sharing your unique way to make “Empanadas”. Kudos to your mom for racing such a wonderful cook! As you mentioned “Empanadas” were brought from Spain and Portugal. Around the world they took their unique multi-cultural flavors to make them more delicious! Great work, keep it up! God bless you for sharing your talents!!!🙏🙏🙏😘

We love the beef ones with raisins, chopped olives & chopped boiled eggs! So delicious! Thanks for this great dough recipe!

I get war flashbacks every time I see an empanada lol. One time, my Abuelita took me to her Puerto Rican friend’s house just to get something. I was waiting in the car for over half an hour already and then she told me to come inside because her friend wanted to meet me. Her friend served me a whole meal of empanadas and pineapple juice. I’ve never been so full in my life. I actually thought I was going to pass out. 🤢

Hello John, if I making two empanada fillings (beef & cheese) I use the folding method for the beef empanadas and the fork method for the cheese empanadas, that way I can distinguish which one is which 😅 Love your work and everything you do for this community, thank you... 🤗👍

I love Argentinian empanadas! It’s a traditional food just meat onions garlic and spices. Baked or fried. Then you have lot of fillings options of empanadas. Thank you for your recipes Preppy!💜

"I usually use a fork but I want them to be cute for you" 😊 ahhhh that energy ... this is what keeps me hooked on your videos! You are so adorable

John, I absolutely love all of your recipes! Every single one I’ve tried is a hit. You never fail me! I am a huge foodie and serious home cook. I really appreciate your recipes and I can’t wait to try this one out!!

Hi John---great video! For a secret on the amazingly perfect roll on the dough to seal the empanadas, lay it on the table or mat where you are working, and use both hands to roll the crust, as opposed to holding it in your hand. You Can Do It!!!

Empanadas can be filled with so many ingredients, so this recipe is great to know 💜

I'm definitely buying your cookbook asap, and shall await it eagerly! Everything I've ever made with your recipes has been incredible, thank you for doing what you do 💕

I'm from Puerto Rico and we call them empanadillas. They are fried and the pastry is flakey. Haven't made them in a while but now I want some.

I have been craving empanadas and have been living away from Miami for a year can’t wait to go back in a month however I will be making empanadas for first time this week thanks to you. I appreciate it.

John, your videos always make me laugh, love how you look at the cameras and always know what to say and know we are laughing at you! Thank you for the videos, and can’t wait for the cookbook!!

I bought the dough already made. I couldn't take too much time making these since I'm in the middle of exams. Thank you John for the recipe they were good! Greetings from the eternal city of Rome.

Thanks for teaching us this. This is such a great idea to use when you have lot of left-over meats. This way, we won't waste and can eat it later in week in a different form.

I was taught to make them with just ground beef and spices. The spices are cumin , oregano, sage and a whole teaspoon of red ground Chile peppers. They are hot but delicious. This was from someone who served in Panama back in the early 1980's there. The pastry dough also had white wine in it. They are good. The one thing I wish I knew to make is the hash burrito that I got while in El Paso from a family restaurant. Man they were so yummy. Idk what all spices and or aromatics . I wish I knew. I know the owners were of Mexican decent and wish I had asked being a mid western girl. After eating there, I never wanted to eat at Taco Bell again! This was YEARS ago but I can still remember them fondly!!!

That is amazing it reminds me Ramadan that is number one food comes to my mind when I am fasting thanks for sharing your wonderful food recipes keep going

Am Peruth from Uganda I like to watch you things and I am doing them thank you so so much

Love the editing saying "I'm John. I'm a Virgo." 🤣 This looks so yummy! I haven't had empanadas before I might need to try this recipe. I can't wait to get your cookbook it is going to be here when it's almost my birthday so it's my present to myself. ❤

Him and his mother are just the sweetest!

Your relationship with your mom is precious!!

HA! SO glad you called your Mom during this !! Was hoping she would make an "empanada" appearance !! Look forward to trying this recipe very soon!!

I've never tried this type of empanada 🥟 but it looks delicious! In Colombia, we make the dough with cornmeal similar to an arepa and it's very thin to get as crispy as possible when deep fried. Fillings vary but my favorite is just sofrito (sautéed onion and tomato) with potatoes. Serve with a spicy dipping sauce similar to salsa. Thank you for sharing such wonderful recipes! ❤

I was skeptical of the peas, celery, and carrots but it tasted really good and my family loved it, the seasoning really comes through. Great recipe to have with some ancho chili sauce.

Ive always wanted to try making these, so thanks for the instructive lesson.

Hey John, I’m a recent subscriber and just wanted to say you’re killing it with these recipes! I’m Spanish and I never make the masa from scratch. It never even occurred to me, I always end up buying the Goya pre made rounds. Anyway, thank you for this recipe and you should consider a Peruvian version. We put powdered sugar and lime on top. Might sound a little strange but the combination is perfection! Richard 🇨🇴🇵🇪

You have become my new Martha Stewart, your recipes and techniques are spot on. I've made a few of your cakes and will use you as an automatic reference.

These look so delicious! 🤤 Thank you for sharing with us 😊

Hola!! I am from Spain, you are doing in excellent job with the empanadas. I'm hooked on your recipes. Thank you very much.

I like the relationship you have with your Mom. God bless you

You are my favorite! Quick tip on the onion. For no tears keep a small bowl of water near the onion you're cutting & the onion will go to that moisture spot instead of those awesome eye's of yours. Much love to you and the family.

I forgot how much this ditch means to me. I will try to make it for my fuzzy kids. This can be the answer to my prayers. Also in Cuba my mum used to seal the empanadas with a fork. I think is better because the edges are less thick and one can enjoy them mejor 🥰...Oh and FRY. They taste better fry 😝

I love your relationship with your mother. so nice of both of you

Oh, they look SO good! I lived in Paraguay/Argentina for years….so I DO love empanadas! 😋💕

I have leftover filling for a chicken pot pie I had made. So I came here to see at what temp for how long to bake. Thought I'd also use the leftover dough from the pie to make an Empanada since I have never made them before. Thank you, John. You're my go-to guy!

We were raised vegetarian and my mom would make empanadas with cooked onions, corn, mozzarella and ricotta! She uses an egg as a binder so all the filling stays together. They are delicious! My mom rolls the edges but she leaves them on the counter to do the roll. She is way better at it than I am, so don’t feel bad 😂

The simplicity of the recipe looks so appealing ! Changing up the filling looks like an easy thing for endless variety too.😃👍

EXCELENT I am so thankful to you!!! I am from Argentina and these empanadas bring me a lots of memories. Blessings!!!

Yum, John! Empanadas are delicious. Especially beef and chicken! Empanadas go great with meals, and make great snacks. I want one right now! 😋 😋

Made these last night with some Mexican corn salad and rice. So good!🥰

I put the dough in an empanada mold 😊 plus after mixing the filling, I ad just a smidgen of brown gravy...... it's awesome!!

Thank you, John. I made my own filling but used your dough recipe and they turned out perfectly! Appreciate your videos!

Hi John thank you so much for sharing your Empanadas recipe, it looks delicious, I’ll be making them soon❤

Hi john tried this recipe and my husband loved them ! Can you make A sweet empanada recipe next ?? probably dulce de leche or pumpkin filled yumm! thank you for your delicious recipes, much love! 🥰🥰

From time to time I made this Empanada with this pastry dough.. it reminds me when I was young and studying in DC- and my kids love them so much even I made the filling so they may eat with anything available, tortilla, mashed potato, bread and sandwich them and definitely over slightly cook scrambled eggs

Great job... Looks stunningly delicious! Thank you so much!

Been trynna find a good recipe for this, it Looks so good, will definitely be trying this!

MIL empanadas were made with ground beef, green onion, red pepper flakes, hard boiled egg and green olive. Very delicious. So many options.

I love how you teach why things have to be done a certain way. I'm the type of person that needs to know why.

John you did great sealing the empanadas, I like the traditional fold but like the design the forks makes too!

These look soooo good!! I've never had an Empanada. I will definitely try these! Thank you ❤️

This literally went up as I was frying some empanadas!!!! 😂😂❤❤❤🎉 so cool!

Love from INDIA 🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳🇮🇳... this dish just like our samoosa....

I wish you would make hand fruit-filled pies. My late grandmother who lived in the country, would make them from dried fruit she harvested from apple trees in her yard. They were shaped just like your empanadas and they were sooooooo good.

I actually used your spinach pie recipe as filling for the empanadas. They we’re delicious and worked out perfectly!

John, you are such a great teacher. I love how you explain what to do (and also why to do it!!)😁

They are so cute! I like the pretty fold better! Thank you, love empanadas! I’m going to make these for sure!

I literally did the mashed potatoes recipe from this man and my man loved it. Very simple too. I will continue to use ur recipes.

Yum savory empanadas, they look delicious!! Have you a recipe for the o’l Mexican panadería pumpkin empanadas I grew up with? I’d love *YOUR* version. I love all your ideas/recipes. 🥹🫶🏽

Hi John, as an Argentinian I love empanadas, lots of love for you and you family ❤️🌻

i've made this so many times and each time it was perfect love the clear and simple instructions ❤❤❤

All your recipes are great ! You make my day best cook ever !!!

Recently I had moved to Germany to Study Abroad (coming from the U.S.) and I was stuck in a hotel for a month due to issues with the university. But I got addicted to your channel. Since I moved in to my legitimate accommodations, I have probably used two of your recipes a week and have been completely inspired to cook. I really enjoy the way you explain everything and how flavorful all of your food is. Thank you for posting to this day, and also I have some cinnamon rolls baking right now (based on a video you uploaded I think two years ago!)

The filling that is used in this recipe is quite similar to the filling of a common indian dish known as the samosa.(also pronounced as sambusa by the indo-africans) Samosa filling can be made the same way or u can skip the meat in the recipe. You should also try making the famous indian samosa as its a very common dish not only made in india but also common amongst the Kenyan and Tanzanian communities.

You are killing me with your great recipes and you make it seem so simple. Making the Empanadas for sure. P.S., I just now ordered your cook book. What was I waiting for!

Yum! We have empanadas too in the Philippines🇵🇭 😋

I'm supposed to be looking how to make a cake (I need to donate one home made cake next week) and I couldn't stop watching this video. I'll definetly try to make this for my kids lunch! Thank you John!

In our country, we make the filling with just onion and meat (of course spices included). That's my mother's favorite.

I love your spirit and your sweet vibes. I love your food creations. ❤

I’m a Virgo too and I love your show and recipes. I have tried many of your recipes and they came out great ! You make it so easy Bravissimo !

My mom makes amazing empanadas. She makes the pastry crust with lard, and I think it makes a difference. Same with all of her hand pies. You can also make these in an air fryer and they are super good!

I feel like I’m hanging with a friend making delicious Empanadas. Thanks for the recipe and tips! Definitely going to make this 😋

Love how you called your mom ❤️ so sweet!

I'm making these again today. The first time I made them exactly as in the recipe and they were delicious! 👍 This time the filling is chicken in green sauce because I wanted to try something different. They are scrumptious! It really goes great with the pastry. Thanks again for sharing 💕

Yum! My 3 year old is obsessed with cooking videos on RU-vid and her go-to request is Preppy Kitchen! She always asks for a whisk and then inevitably ends up in her toy kitchen “whipping” something up ☺️

OMG your videos always make me hungry! I need an empanada right now! So delicious! Thanks for another amazing recipe

I really love your cooking show because you use fresh ingredients and simple. You are my favorite RU-vid. Thank you 😊 💓

Thanks for sharing this recipe. Easy and delicious. The dough came out really nice.

In the UK we have a dish called a Cornish pasty which is kind of similar but which uses raw beef, namely skirt steak. I have never tried to make them but I have eaten them and they are delicious, they have a very traditional recipe including potato , turnip ,onion and steak and pastry similar to the empanada , how do you feel about cooking it with raw chopped steak?

I've have wanted to make these for a long time, but I thought it was too difficult. You have made it look so easy I'm going to try them this weekend. Thank you for all the great recipes you have given to us.

These seem like the Argentinian way to make empanadas . Love it!❤

I have just recently found your videos. I love watching you cook, you make it look like so much fun. I myself am not a good cook but I am for sure going to try your recipes and I will let you know how they come out. I am going to try this one for sure, looks so yummy! Thanks

I make empanadas a lot but I need to learn how to make the dough. They look amazing😋 Love your cooking videos John!👍

Very similar to a Cornish Pasty here in the UK xx

These look so delicious! Thank you for sharing with us..

Wonderful thank you for sharing

Hi John I love your channel and have made several things that you demonstrated. My first husband was from Argentina and 40 years later I can still recall the delicious flavor of his mother’s empanadas. I don’t know her recipe but I know they had raisins and green olives and I suspect cinnamon s well after watching this video. 🥟🥟❤️

Looks delightful, John! I like the fancy fold, but when I make them, I settle for the fork method:) I also make pastelitos, which is basically the same thing except the dough is made from corn flour and I don't bake them, I fry them...so yum too!!

I am from South America and this is a very very good recipe, I will try it with a food processor next time. In Chile and Argentina some recipes add olives, raisins and hard boiled eggs…and a glass of wine to enjoy it! Wonderful to have landed in your channel thank you!

Oh gosh! Looks DELICIOUS ! Will give it a try! Thanks for explaining like you do!