The appeal of empanadas is immediate — who doesnt like a tasty filling covered in a blanket of dough? A dish fusing global influences, the pastry first emerged in the Middle East. Then, Moors introduced it to Spain — specifically in the Galicia region — where it morphed into the empanada-preparation technique still popular today. From there, colonial expansion carried the creation to Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Philippines, where it took on even further local deviations.
In Venezuela, empanadas became a cornerstone of local gastronomy by the mid-19th century. Stuffed with components ranging from chicken to tuna, to beans and beef, they boast fillings inspired by neighboring countries. However, like arepas — the countrys other renowned gastronomic creation — Venezuelan empanadas employ a corn-based dough. Such a distinct technique lends their empanadas a unique flavor and texture, not to mention making them gluten-free. So, what exactly is the corn flour employed for the job?
Basically, a Venezuelan empanada is made with corn dough, then stuffed with anything you can imagine (chicken, meat, cheeses, Cazón/shark), and then deep-fried.
What is pre-cooked corn flour?
Venezuela empanadas reach for pre-cooked corn meal, utilizing either the white or yellow variety. The same base as arepas, its vital the empanadas flour has gone through the extra processing step — normal corn meal wont work.
Also known as masarepa, this flour is produced through a process without nixtamalization. Instead of using lye, dried corn kernels are soaked, pounded, and then heated, all before being ground to completion. Such a process yields a finer flour that tastes starchier and has a distinct mouthfeel.
While some cooks continue to create the flour from scratch, industrialization has eased the process. Since this cornmeal variety is pre-cooked, it doesnt need a leavening agent — only mixing with water and salt makes it ready for use. So search for common brands like Harina PAN or Goya, verifying its the pre-cooked variety by checking for the words “refinada precocida.” Venezuelan empanadas wont be the same without such flour.
The filling and the dough can be both made in advance but assembly is better done last minute. You will see how easy they are to make. I use the meat filling in all sorts of dishes like pasta, shepherd’s pie and more. That’s why I always make a double batch and freeze half. So next time I am craving Empanadas my filling is already done.
I found El Yucateco Hot Sauce and my Corn Flour at Publix because they always have everything and that’s where I usually do all my food shopping. El Yucateco Hot Sauce was located in the Ethnic Aisle were all the Hot Sauces usually are. Venezuelan Beef Empanadas Recipe With Hot Sauce
Venezuelan Beef Empanadas are ideal for parties, family get-togethers or just a weeknight dinner. You can make them any size you like, from little ones to big ones. For this recipe, I made big ones because each one is one whole meal, well for me anyway. My hubby ate all 3 you see in the picture. Thankfully I made an extra one for me. I spread El Yucateco Sauce on the bottom of the plate so the freshly fried Empanadas can absorb as much flavor as possible.
These amazing Venezuelan beef empanadas are super easy to make. Gluten Free and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner idea. Kid approved as well!
Each one focuses on a different pepper and you can see it on the coloring of each liquid. Personally, for me, the Black Label Reserve Chile Habanero (only available at Walmart) is the best hot sauce I’ve tried in a long time, because it has deep smoky flavor along with the mild heat that hits the top of your tongue, absolutely amazing.
How to make Venezuelan Empanadas
FAQ
What is the difference between Colombian and Venezuelan empanadas?
What are empanadas made from?
Why are empanadas popular in Venezuela?
What is the difference between Argentina and Venezuela empanadas?
What are Venezuelan empanadas made of?
Venezuelan empanadas are all about the filling. In Venezuela, empanada fillings can be made of pretty much anything imaginable and as shown here, are often layered. It uses masa harina for the shell, and is filled with anything from seafood to beans with onion, garlic, sweet peppers and cumin often used to flavor the fillings.
What is the star ingredient in empanadas Venezolanas?
In the preparation of the Empanadas Venezolanas, the star ingredient is precooked cornmeal. Although this flour is mainly used, some cooks add a small amount of wheat flour to improve the elasticity of the dough and make it easier to handle. Also, in certain recipes, a bit of sugar is incorporated to provide a hint of sweetness.
What fillings are used in Venezuelan empanadas?
The most popular filling is picadillo, but chicken, seafood and even vegetarian fillings have become more and more popular in recent years. Don’t forget the mayo-ketchup for dipping! Venezuelan empanadas are all about the filling. In Venezuela, empanada fillings can be made of pretty much anything imaginable and as shown here, are often layered.
How to make Venezuelan beef empanadas at home?
Incorporate the hot sauce, Worcestershire, garlic powder, tomato paste, and ketchup. Cook for 2 more minutes. Check for seasoning and adjust if needed. Enjoy with more Hot Sauce on top! I hope you can try this delicious Venezuelan Beef Empanadas Recipe at home.