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This authentic Argentinian empanadas recipe is for an iconic Argentina food of pure deliciousness wrapped up in a pocket of dough. Filled with a mixture of ground beef, green olives, hard boiled eggs and spices, simply bake until golden brown. This recipe is for the best Argentina empanadas you’ve ever tasted and ones the entire family will love.
What is an Empanada?
The name empanada is derived from Latin, in panis or in bread. In Spanish, empanar means to “put in bread.” Therefore, empanadas are little pockets, easy to hold in the hands, stuffed with an array of fillings.
Argentinian empanadas have an international reputation and Argentines have made it one of the crown jewels of their cuisine.
This recipe for empanadas from Mendoza or empanadas Mendocinas is for some of the best traditional Argentine empanadas.
History and Origins of Empanadas
The precise origins of empanadas are not entirely clear. Some trace the origin of hand-held pies to Persia.
Much later, when the Moors moved to the Iberian Peninsula, they are said to have brought the empanada with them. The Spanish took a special fondness to it and adapted the recipe making it their own.
In the 16th Century, when the Spanish conquistadors conquered South America, they brought empanadas with them.
Empanadas are loved all over the world, and are eaten in Latin America, the Caribbean, Philippines and Portugal.
Even though they go by different names, they are mostly the same – a stuffed delicious little pastry.
Argentina Empanadas
Argentinian empanadas is one of the country’s culinary specialties.
You can’t talk about the authentic food in Argentina without talking about these tasty and delectable wrapped pastry pies.
Traditionally, Argentina empanadas were known as a “working man’s meal” because they were filling and easy to carry.
Argentine empanadas are a national symbol and they are eaten all across the country.
However, recipes vary and each region and province take the preparation of empanadas very seriously.
Empanadas Argentina have a special fold or seal which usually indicates the type of flavor.
This technique is called repulgue and comes in handy for distinguishing the various types
The most common is “carne” or beef empanadas mixed with onions, vegetables, and in some cases eggs or potatoes.
The types of empanadas you’d find in Buenos Aires are not exactly the same as the ones in the rest of the country.
RELATED: Argentina Food Guide – Top 15 Authentic Food You Must Try
Discovering Argentinian Empanadas
When we arrived in Argentina, we quickly fell under the “empanada spell”. These delightful little savory pies tantalized our taste buds and satiated our stomachs.
Everywhere we went, from local eateries to restaurants, we always started our meals with empanadas.
We loved empanadas stuffed with spicy chopped tenderloin or lomo picante, ham and cheese or jamon y queso.
And, our absolute favorite ones were Argentina empanadas stuffed with Roquefort cheese.
To help us understand Argentinian empanadas, we spoke to porteños or locals from Buenos Aires. Our local friends recommended empanadas from the provinces of Salta and Tucuman.
Top chef, Francis Mallman, whom we had the opportunity to meet, spoke highly of empanadas from Mendoza or empanadas mendocinas.
Given the recommendations, we traveled to four different regions in Argentina to explore the local food specialties.
After Buenos Aires, we traveled to Mendoza, the Andean Northwest, and Patagonia & the Lake Region.
In each region we sampled different Argentinian empanadas, discovering the nuances and tastes of the recipes and fillings.
Different Types of Argentinian Empanadas
There are many different styles of Argentine empanadas. For example, when visiting Salta, we ate at a restaurant that had 14 different types of empanadas on their menu.
Following is a brief description of popular Argentinian empanadas and their preparation styles.
Baked versus fried Argentina empanadas – Argentine empanadas are either baked or fried. We preferred the baked empanadas which are absolutely delicious. And, this Argentininian empanadas recipe is for baked empanadas.
Empanadas Mendocinas or Mendoza-style Empanadas – Empanadas Mendocinas are baked rather than fried. And, the typical filling is seasoned ground beef with a slice of green olive and a slice of hard-boiled egg.
Empanadas Arabes
These empanadas have a unique triangular shape. The ground beef filling is cooked with lemon, onions, red peppers, tomatoes, olives with salt and pepper. These are absolutely delightful with Middleastern flavors.
Empanadas from Salta or Empanadas Salteñas – These empanadas are small in size and incredibly flavorful. The empanada filling consists of beef with green onions, potatoes, boiled eggs and red pepper. A spicy picante red sauce accompanies these empanadas.
Empanadas from Tucuman – The famed empanadas from Tucuman do not have potatoes. The beef is diced by hand and cooked in a broth with green onions, cumin, paprika, garlic and red and white pepper. Raisins are often added to the empanadas.
Sweet Empanadas – While the vast majority of Argentinian empanadas are savory, there are some sweet or sugary ones. While in Salta, we had the opportunity to try a local sweet empanada filled with dulce de cayote or sweet squash. The empanadas had a glazed sugar coating and the coyote filling was very sweet. We much preferred the savory ones.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: To make the best tasting Argentinian empanadas at home, consider using high-quality ground beef from Snake River Farms. Snake River Farms are the pioneers of American Wagyu beef and their wagyu ground beef is outstanding. Find out more about Snake River Farms and use code AFQ10 at checkout to save 10% OFF all orders $50+.
How To Eat Empanadas – Advice from Top Chef, Francis Mallmann
In our quest to understand authentic food from Argentina, we had the opportunity to meet Francis Mallmann, Argentina’s top chef.
In our discussion we discovered that there is in fact a technique to eating empanadas. So, if you would like to eat empanadas like an Argentine, apply these 3 tips shared by Francis Mallmann.
- First you don’t use a knife and fork. It is a “sacrilege”. An empanada is to be eaten with your hands to appreciate it to its best.
- Second, when you bite your empanada, you don’t want to let anything fall on your plate. You want to show that you really enjoy the empanada which means nothing is to be omitted. However, that presents a dilemma. The baked empanadas from the clay oven are served hot and you are likely to burn yourself. It takes skill, delicacy and patience to apply this particular tip.
- Third, you want to get your empanada cooked in the horno de barro or clay oven. These are said to be the best. To be sure the empanadas were cooked in a horno de barro, you’ll notice that the dough on the empanada “bubbles” up at the surface. This is the signature of a “real” empanada.
RELATED: The Best Guide To The Seven Fires With Francis Mallmann
While visiting Mendoza, we had the chance to learn how to make mendocinas empanadas.
Together with chef Matias from Siete Fuegos, Francis Mallmann’s restaurant in Mendoza, we made empanadas from scratch.
This recipe for Argentine empanadas is adapted slightly from the mendocinas empanadas we made.
Argentinian Empanadas Recipe Tips
Dipping Sauces For Empanadas
You don’t really need a sauce with Argentine empanadas as they are moist and flavorful on their own.
However, some people, including Argentines, do like a dipping sauce with their empanadas. In this case we recommend the most quintessential Argentine sauce.
Chimichurri sauce is often served alongside grilled meats and is easy to make at home. This simple recipe for authentic Argentina chimichurri sauce takes only 10 minutes to assemble.
Get the Chimichurri recipe below and make some to go with your Argentine empanadas.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST RECIPE: Authentic Argentine Chimichurri Recipe
Wines For Empanadas Argentina
These empanadas mendocinas pair very well with the signature Malbec wines from the Mendoza wine region in Argentina.
Have this elegant Malbec wine from a single vineyard in Mendoza, delivered to your home to enjoy with your empanadas.
How to Seal Empanadas – Repulge Empanada
In Argentina empanadas have a special fold or seal which usually indicates the type of flavor.
This technique is called repulgue and comes in handy for distinguishing the various types.
The presentation of empanadas is key and is part of the experience. You want to seal the empanadas using a little egg white. And, then roll the edges to give a spiral pattern.
How To Reheat Empanadas
Any leftover empanadas can be refrigerated overnight. If you would like to keep them for a longer time, empanadas can be frozen for 2 weeks.
Once you’re ready to eat your empanadas, bake the frozen empanadas in the oven at 350°F or 175°C for about 20-25 minutes.
Argentinian Empanadas Recipe
Ingredients
For the dough
- 2 ⅜ cups flour
- ¼ cup lard or butter
- 1 cup water
- Pinch salt
For the Filling
- ½ pound beef lean ground beef or finely chopped sirloin
- ½ pound onions about 1 to 1-1/2 medium white onion sliced
- ¼ cup lard or butter
- 1 tbsp paprika
- ½ tbsp cumin
- ½ tbsp chili peppers
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano
- 1 Hard boiled egg
- 6 green olives chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling
- 1 egg separate the white from the yolk; use the white for sealing and the yolk for glazing
Instructions
Instructions For Empanadas Dough
- To make the dough Argentine style, add the salt to the water and bring it to a boil in a small saucepan
- When the water boils, add the lard or butter and stir until it melts
- Pour into a large bowl
- Cool to room temperature
- Once cooled, add the flour gradually while mixing with your hands continuously until the dough forms a ball
- Knead the dough by hand onto a clean surface with flour until the dough is non sticky and smooth. Add more flour as needed
- Set aside to rest while preparing the filling for at least 30 mins to 24 hours
Instructions For Making the Filling
- Combine the beef, paprika, chili pepper, cumin, salt and pepper in a large bowl, mix all the ingredients together with your hands. Set aside until ready to use
- Melt the lard in a large frying pan or sauté pan, add the onions and salt, cook until the onions are soft
- Add the meat mixture to the onions and cook on medium heat until the meat is done, stir frequently
- Let the meat mixture cool down, and then mix in chopped oregano
- Instructions For Assembling the Empanadas
- Preheat the oven to 400F or 200C
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper
- Cut the dough in half
- Roll the dough using a rolling pin or a pasta machine onto a floured surface to get a rectangle shape of about 7 inch by 14 inches, ⅛ inch thick; 18cmx 36cm and 3mm thick
- Cut empanada discs about 3 inches or 7.5cm using a cookie cutter or a small pyrex bowl
- Make about 6 circles, save the scraps and use them for the remaining dough
- Repeat with the second half of the dough
- Assemble the empanadas by adding a tablespoon of the meat mixture on the center of the empanada disc, add a slice of egg and olive.
- Brush the edges of the empanada discs with the egg white to seal it
- Make the empanada fold, called repulgue. Seal the edges gently with your fingers, twist and fold the edges of the empanadas with your fingers until you make a full spiral pattern on the edge.
- Brush the top of the empanadas with the egg yolk
- Bake for about 20 minutes until brown on top. Turn the empanadas around and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve hot
Notes
Nutrition
Looking for More Argentinian Local Food Experiences
Our book, Authentic Food Quest Argentina takes you on a journey through food in four main regions of Argentina. Buenos Aires, Mendoza & the Wine Regions, the Andean Northwest, and Patagonia & the Lake Region.
In it, you’ll find descriptions of the typical dishes, desserts, beverages, street food and unique produce not to miss. Also included is an overview of the farmers markets and local stores, restaurants, wineries and local producers worth visiting.
Throughout the guide, are stories and insights shared by local experts including Argentina’s most renowned Chef, Francis Mallmann.
By combining storytelling with local information, this unique guidebook that inspires intrepid and armchair travelers to savor their adventures in Argentina.
Available on Amazon
More Local Food Experiences and Recipes
10 Popular Argentinian Street Food To Feast On
Top 7 Most Authentic Desserts in Argentina
10 Best Authentic Food in Patagonia You Don’t Want To Miss
10 Authentic South American Dishes You’ll Want To Try (With Recipes)
The Best Dulce de Leche in Argentina | Authentic Homemade Recipe
Best Ilocos Empanada Recipe: How To Make Filipino Batac Empanadas
Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
I have a deep appreciation for empanadas. There’s truly nothing quite like the explosion of delightful flavors encapsulated within a single bite.
Thank you
These empanadas appear incredibly appetizing. While I’ve had some local Filipino empanadas from the northern provinces, which are distinct from South American empanadas, I am currently craving the latter.
Awesome to hear. Please let us know when you make the Argentinians ones 🙂 Cheers
Boyfriend loves empanadas. This is a delicacy to surprise him.
Great to hear, Joyce!! Cheers
I’ve never given these a try until now and I am sure glad I did! Both hearty and delicious; easily, a new favorite recipe in my house!
So wonderful to hear, Sara. Empanadas do make a tasty snack for any occasion. Glad they are a hit at home. Cheers.
The spices in the filling make this so delicious! I love how flavorful this is, thank you!
You are most welcome, Jamie. Easy and delicious while flavor packed. Glad you enjoyed the recipe. Cheers.
These are so incredibly yummy! I follow your tips and they turn out so pretty every time. Thanks for the great recipe and tips!
You are so welcome, Beth. Glad to know the recipe and empanadas worked out for you. True, quite tasty indeed. Cheers.
I love empanadas and cannot wait to give this recipe a try! They look so delicious!
Yay….please let us know how they turn out Gwynn, when you make them. Cheers
I love empanadas and we actually have a few versions here in my country. I’d definitely want to try Argentinian empanadas, too. They look so flavorful and delicious.
Great to hear, what kind of empanadas do they have in your country? Argentine ones are delicious. Thanks for stopping by.
I do love empanadas. They are so versatile and easy to make. I made some myself years back. Yours sound delicious!!!
You are right, Melanie. Empanadas are incredibly versatile and tasty. Glad you like this recipe. Cheers.
I’ve never heard of these until now. They sure do look amazing. I have got to give them a try. They look so delicious.
Wow! These empanadas look really good and tasty. I’ll be saving this recipe and will do it this weekend.
Great to hear, Gervin. Please do let us know how they turn out. Cheers.
I love empanadas so much! It’s so great to make them at home!
Love empanadas too. Do you have any favorite kinds? Cheers.
Looks so savory, but I haven’t tried baking empanadas I’m used in frying it.
Baking empanadas is another level. The Argentine baked ones are fantastic. How do you usually stuff yours? Cheers.
Looks so savory, I haven’t tried baking empanadas I’m used in frying it.
Try baking them next time, Rose. You’ll be surprised by the difference in flavors. Cheers.
Seems so delicious, I would really love to try this but it seems like a little hard work for me hehe
We really loved it here in the Philippines and we have tons of different versions and fillings for it hehe
That’s interesting to read, Richelle. What’s your favorite Filipino empanadas? Thanks for stopping by. Cheers.
This is something that I would love to try making. They look so delicious.
I’ve never had authentic Argentinian empanadas before, I would love to try this recipe.
Great to hear, Tasheena. Hope you try making them soon. Cheers.
It is my dream to make it over to Argentina but in the meantime, I’m going to have to live and eat vicariously through this post!
You will love the empanadas, Talya. A great way to get started until you travel to Argentina. Thanks for stopping by.
I love how almost every culture has a dish of stuffed bread or pasta (ravioli, perogi, empanadas, etc.) these look delicious. I’ve never had any traditional argentine food, but I might try!
You are right Linsday, the cultural stories of food are fascinating. Hope you make these tasty empanadas Mendocino style soon. Cheers.
Those empanadas look so fresh and tasty. I do not bake much but if I did I would surely love to bake these for the family.
I love empanadas and this version looks delicious. Thanks for all the tips!
You are welcome, Dannii. Excited for you to try making them. Cheers.
Oh yum, I love empanadas and these look incredible. I am all about chimichurri sauce.
Yes, the chimichurri sauce can be used on a lot more dishes. A simple and fun sauce to try. Thanks for stopping by.
I love empanadas but I’ve never tried making them before. This recipe seems do-able, I especially like that I can easily bake them in the oven. Can’t wait to try it!
Great to hear Jenny. Indeed, the recipe is simple and the results fantastic. Can’t wait for you to try making them. Cheers.
I was worried that making empanadas would be really hard but I love your detailed instructions and step by step recipe! I can’t wait to make these!
Great to hear, Liz. Please do tag #authenticfoodquest when you make them. Would love to see how they turn out. Cheers.
Wow, these are gorgeous! I think I need to set aside a whole day to make these, but I definitely think it would be worth it! Thanks so much for the recipe 🙂
I love getting to know a country’s food staple! And I also especially love how cooking style and ingredients vary from region to region! I ate way too much empanadas with all the time I spent in Argentina and enjoyed EVERY SINGLE BIT OF IT. I discovered my love for cooking whilst being on the road and I’m quite excited to try making empanadas myself now that I have temporarily back home in the Philippines. We also have our own version of empanadas here!
That’s great Trisha. Truly the empanadas in Argentina are outstanding. How do the empanadas in the Philippines compare with the ones in Argentina?
Tasting empanadas is a tough job, but someone has to do it, right?!
You are so right…cheers Dave! Honestly, so fascinating to learn about all the different exotic ones and the regional pride! A job we are happy to do 🙂
Thanks for the detailed descriptions and then tips for how to eat like a local! I haven’t yet made it to Argentina and haven’t before tasted an Empanada but it’s on my list now. Very cool that it’s essentially a national specialty but regional in what goes inside it. Llama meat would have been interesting to try for sure.
Thanks for the tip on not using a knife – and I’ll be mindful when we get there not to let any drop on my plate …. don’t want to offend anyone!
Glad you enjoyed learning more about the empanadas in Argentina. Think of this as your advance tips on how to eat empanadas in Argentina. True, the llama meat was one of the most fascinating…followed by quinoa! Hope you get to Argentina soon and try them out for yourself! Cheers!
I’ve never tried empanadas, to be honest (well, I also haven’t been to Argentina yet). After reading your post, I have to say – they look delicious!! And there are so many different kinds you can try. Definitely will eat all of them if I travel to Argentina.
Hi Kathrin, glad you enjoyed reading the post and discovering all the different types of empanadas you can have in Argentina. One thing you can always do prior to a visit to Argentina is to try out a local Argentinean restaurant in your area. You will not only enjoy the empanadas, but get a slice of the culture as well. Best!
Hot, fresh off the oven empanadas never fail! I like the ones stuffed with meat and potatoes. 🙂
You are so right Anne. Empanadas never fail. They are so easy to eat as a snack or a meal. A nice treat to have around. Cheers!
Wow! I really love empanadas. Although I must say, the empanadas from La Tacitas look a bit too burnt for me.
Thanks Karla for your comments. Actually the empanadas from La Tacitas are not burnt, they are just crispy from the oven. They are absolutely delicious. If you get to Salta, Argentina, do give them a try. Cheers!
wow, it’s almost lunch time here in Italy and I’m hungry after reading this post 🙂 I’ll try to make the ones with quinoa waiting to go to Argentina and try!!
Thanks Sabrina and glad the post got you hungry. You will have a great time in Argentina. We’ll be curious to know what you think of the quinoa ones. Cheers!
Those empanadas looks so amazing. I’ve had some local Filipino empanadas from the northern provinces here and they’re definitely different than South American empanadas. I could really go for some of that right now though!
Interesting to think about Filipino empanadas. I’d love to try them. Agree, love empanadas quite a lot:)
I love empanadas. We have quite a few Argentinian restaurants in London and they are always on my choice of menu. Never knew about the different folds though
Thanks Fiona. Glad you learned something new about the different folds and their significance. What’s your favorite empanada? Do they have exotic ones like quinoa or llama in London?
Never been to Argentina but I do like empanadas. Anytime you wrap dough around meat and cook it it has to be good. The carne picante pictured looks really good.
You are so right…meat wrapped in dough is delicious and the empanadas from Argentina are some of the best we’ve ever had. The carne picante is exceptional:) Cheers!
I love empanadas. Great idea to seek out the different types via different cities. Nothing better than great flavor packed in one bite .
Thanks Keri! It’s been a great adventure to discover food all over Argentina. Empanadas are definitively a must do and surprisingly different from one province to another. Enjoy the quest!
Beautifully done! I was living in Argentina for the last couple years and then set out with my Argentine hubby in May for some world traveling. I came across this article and basically relived all of my experiences eating empanadas in Argentina, almost made me cry! haha. But not because of your article, because of how much I miss and love that country. We’ll go back soon though. Really enjoyed this article and just wanted to let you know. Cheers!
Thanks Stefanie! Glad you like the empanada quest 🙂 We are having a great time discovering Argentina through its foods specialties. And there is so much to discover! Is there anything else you recommend or would like to read about? Saludos!