Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Name: Authentic Colombian Empanadas
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Colombian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Scallions (finely chopped); 1/3 cup Cilantro (finely chopped); 1/4 cup Roma tomato (diced, about 1/2 a tomato); 1/4 cup Frank's red hot sauce (or to taste); 1/2 cup Water; 1/4 cup White vinegar; Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper); 1 lb Steak (chuck); 3 Russet potatoes; 1/2 cup Red onion (diced); 1/4 cup Red bell pepper (diced); 3 Garlic cloves (minced); 2 Roma tomatoes (chopped); 1 teaspoon Cumin; 1 teaspoon Paprika; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard; 2 cups Precooked corn meal (Harina PAN brand); 2 cups Water; 1 teaspoon Salt; 1 teaspoon Better than bouillon (Chicken bouillon); 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch; 1 Tablespoon Neutral vegetable oil (e.g., avocado oil)

Published: December 13, 2025

by Aileen Reed

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold flavors: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates an unforgettable taste experience.
Versatile option: Perfect for appetizers, snacks, or main dishes, these empanadas fit any occasion.
Easy to customize: Feel free to adjust the filling based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Fun to make: Involving family or friends in the preparation process makes for a fun cooking experience.
Satisfying meal: With hearty fillings, these empanadas will leave you feeling full and content.

Tools and Preparation

To create your Authentic Colombian Empanadas, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Rolling pin
Frying pan or deep fryer
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl helps combine ingredients effortlessly without mess.
Rolling pin: Ensures even thickness of the dough for perfect empanada shapes.
Frying pan or deep fryer: Helps achieve that crispy, golden finish while cooking the empanadas.

Ingredients

For this delicious recipe of Authentic Colombian Empanadas, gather the following ingredients:

For the Filling

1/2 cup Scallions (finely chopped)
1/3 cup Cilantro (finely chopped)
1/4 cup Roma tomato (diced, about 1/2 a tomato)
1/4 cup Frank’s red hot sauce (or to taste)
1/2 cup Water
1/4 cup White vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper)
1 lb Steak (chuck)
3 Russet potatoes
1/2 cup Red onion (diced)
1/4 cup Red bell pepper (diced)
3 Garlic cloves (minced)
2 Roma tomatoes (chopped)
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Paprika
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

For the Dough

Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups Precooked corn meal (Harina PAN brand)
2 cups Water
1 teaspoon Salt
1 teaspoon Better than bouillon (Chicken bouillon)
1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
1 Tablespoon Neutral vegetable oil (e.g., avocado oil)

How to Make Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Step 1: Prepare the Filling

Start by cooking your filling:
1. Peel and dice the Russet potatoes into small cubes.
2. In a pot, boil the diced potatoes until tender—around 10-15 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, add some oil and sauté the diced steak until browned.
4. Add in red onion, red bell pepper, garlic, scallions, cilantro, cumin, paprika, and chopped tomatoes.
5. Stir well until everything is cooked through—approximately 5-7 minutes.
6. Mix in the boiled potatoes and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Make the Dough

Create your empanada dough:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine precooked corn meal with water, salt, and chicken bouillon.
2. Knead until smooth; let it rest for about 10 minutes.

Step 3: Assemble Empanadas

Now it’s time to put everything together:
1. Divide the dough into equal portions; roll each piece into a thin circle using a rolling pin.
2. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle.
3. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape; press edges firmly to seal.

Step 4: Cook Empanadas

Cook your empanadas:
1. Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer over medium-high heat.
2. Fry empanadas until they turn golden brown—about 3-4 minutes on each side.
3. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Enjoy your delicious Authentic Colombian Empanadas as they bring authentic Colombian flavors to your table!

How to Serve Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Authentic Colombian empanadas are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways. They make a perfect snack, appetizer, or even a main dish. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your empanada experience.

Pair with Sauces

Aji Sauce: A spicy Colombian sauce made with cilantro, garlic, and lime. It adds a zesty kick to your empanadas.
Salsa Criolla: A fresh relish of diced onions, tomatoes, and peppers, offering a crunchy contrast to the crispy empanadas.

Accompany with Sides

Rice: Serve alongside plain or seasoned rice for a heartier meal.
Salad: A light green salad can balance out the richness of the empanadas.

Enjoy as Finger Food

Street Style: Serve them warm in a paper cone for a fun street food vibe. Perfect for parties or gatherings!

How to Perfect Authentic Colombian Empanadas

To achieve the best results when making authentic Colombian empanadas, follow these essential tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables and spices to enhance flavor.
Achieve the Right Dough Consistency: The dough should be pliable but not sticky. Adjust water as needed.
Seal Properly: Make sure to press the edges of the empanada firmly to avoid any filling leakage during frying.
Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for even cooking and crispiness.

Best Side Dishes for Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Serving authentic Colombian empanadas is an excellent way to showcase their flavor. Here are some side dishes that pair well with them.

Colombian Potato Salad: A creamy mix of potatoes, peas, and mayonnaise that complements the crispy texture of empanadas.
Arepas: Cornmeal cakes that can be grilled or fried, providing a delicious starchy side.
Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains offer a delightful contrast to savory empanadas.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn with butter makes an easy and tasty accompaniment.
Black Beans: Seasoned black beans add protein and depth of flavor to your meal.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and onions drizzled with vinegar dressing enhances your meal’s freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Authentic Colombian Empanadas can be simple, but a few common mistakes may affect your results. Here are some tips to ensure your empanadas turn out great.

Skipping the dough rest: Allowing the dough to rest helps it become more pliable. Wrap it in plastic wrap for at least 30 minutes.
Overfilling the empanadas: Adding too much filling can cause them to burst during cooking. Stick to about 2 tablespoons of filling per empanada.
Inconsistent dough thickness: Uneven dough leads to uneven cooking. Aim for a uniform thickness of about 1/8 inch when rolling out your dough.
Not sealing properly: A good seal prevents the filling from leaking out. Use a fork or your fingers to crimp the edges securely.
Using cold oil for frying: Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. This ensures crispy empanadas rather than greasy ones.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Place parchment paper between layers if stacking to avoid sticking.

Freezing Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Freeze uncooked empanadas on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag, lasting up to 3 months.
Label and date bags for easy identification.

Reheating Authentic Colombian Empanadas

Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Microwave: Heat for about 1-2 minutes, but note that this may result in softer dough.
Stovetop: Heat on medium in a skillet with a little oil, flipping until warm and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Authentic Colombian Empanadas.

Can I use other meats in Authentic Colombian Empanadas?

Yes! You can substitute beef with chicken, turkey, or lamb for different flavors while keeping the recipe authentic.

What is the best way to serve Authentic Colombian Empanadas?

They are best served warm with a side of salsa or hot sauce for dipping. Pair them with fresh avocado or salad for added freshness.

How can I customize my filling for Authentic Colombian Empanadas?

Feel free to add vegetables like corn or beans or experiment with spices like chili powder or oregano for extra flavor.

Are Authentic Colombian Empanadas gluten-free?

Using precooked cornmeal makes these empanadas naturally gluten-free, perfect for those avoiding gluten in their diet.

Final Thoughts

Authentic Colombian Empanadas are not just delicious; they are also versatile and easy to customize according to your taste preferences. Whether you stick with traditional beef and potatoes or try new fillings, these empanadas will surely impress family and friends. Give this recipe a try and enjoy the delightful flavors of Colombia!