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Empanadas Dominicanas

Golden-fried pastries filled with seasoned ground beef and cheese, a trending Dominican street food and appetizer with savory and slightly sweet flavors.

45 minMediumServes 10280 cal/serving

DominicanAppetizerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

  • 20 empanada wrappers
  • 1/2 lb ground beef
  • 1/2 yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced
  • 2 tbsp green olives (pitted), chopped
  • 2 tbsp raisins
  • 1/4 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 1 tablespoon 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying) in a skillet over medium heat. Cook 1/2 lb ground beef, breaking it apart as it browns, about 5-6 minutes. Drain excess fat.

  2. 2

    Add 1/2 finely diced yellow onion and 2 cloves minced garlic. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened.

  3. 3

    Stir in 1/4 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp dried oregano, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook 1 minute. Remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Fold in 1/2 cup diced mozzarella cheese, 2 tbsp chopped green olives (pitted), and 2 tbsp raisins. Let cool slightly.

  5. 5

    Place one empanada wrappers on a work surface. Spoon 1 tablespoon filling onto center of wrapper.

  6. 6

    Wet the edges of the empanada wrappers with water, then fold in half and seal by pressing edges with a fork.

  7. 7

    Heat 3 cups vegetable oil (for frying) to 350 degrees F in a deep pot or skillet.

  8. 8

    Carefully fry empanadas in batches 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd.

  9. 9

    Drain on paper towels and serve hot with marinara sauce or hot sauce for dipping.

Questions

Can I make Empanadas Dominicanas dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in this entry is 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, diced. Swap the cheese for a plant-based melting cheese (expect a milder flavor). The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How long does Empanadas Dominicanas keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat uncovered in a 400 F oven (or an air fryer) for a few minutes to bring the crust back; the microwave softens it.

Can I halve or double Empanadas Dominicanas?

Yes. As written it serves 10. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

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