It is hard to say which food is better when comparing empanadas and beef patties. Both have their own unique flavors and textures that make them enjoyable to eat.
However, there are some differences between these two dishes that set them apart. In this post, we will explore the differences between empanadas and beef patties so you can decide which one is your favorite.
Let’s get started!
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What are empanadas?
Empanadas are stuffed pastries that are popular in many Latin American countries. They are made of dough that is folded over a stuffing of meat, cheese, or vegetables.
Empanadas can be baked or fried, and they are often served with dipping sauces such as salsa or chimichurri. I really like empanadas because they are a fun and festive dish that is perfect for parties or gatherings.
What are beef patties?
Beef patties are a type of burger that is popular in the Caribbean. They are made with ground beef that is seasoned with spices and then formed into patties.
Beef patties are usually grilled or fried, and they are often served on buns with condiments such as ketchup, mustard, or mayonnaise. I love that beef patties are easy to make and are really tasty!
The Main Differences Between Beef Patties and Empanadas
Taste
When it comes to taste, empanadas and beef patties are quite different. Empanadas tend to be sweet because of the dough, while beef patties are savory because of the spices.
Texture
Empanadas have a soft and flaky texture, while beef patties have a chewy and meaty texture. These qualities make each of them enjoyable to eat but in different ways.
Shape
Empanadas are typically round or triangular in shape, while beef patties are usually flat and round. I find the shapes of both to be equally appealing.
Fillings
Empanadas can be filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, while beef patties are usually only filled with ground beef.
Cooking method
Empanadas can be baked or fried, while beef patties are usually grilled or fried. This difference in cooking methods also results in different textures.
Preparation time
Empanadas take longer to prepare because the dough needs to be made and the filling needs to be prepared.
Beef patties are quicker to make because you just need to mix the ground beef with the spices and form them into patties.
Ingredients
Empanadas usually require flour, water, salt, fat, and fillings.
Beef patties require ground beef, spices, and other ingredients such as bread crumbs or eggs (if you are making them from scratch).
Health benefits
In terms of nutritional value and health benefits, empanadas and beef patties are quite different.
Empanadas tend to be higher in calories and fat because of the dough, while beef patties are leaner because they are made with ground beef.
Empanadas also usually have more carbohydrates, while beef patties have more protein.
How to make empanadas
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sptZrwU60GA[/embedyt]
Follow this recipe for delicious beef empanadas.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can corn, drained
- 1 cup salsa
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into cubes
- 3/4 cup ice water
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned.
- Add the onion, garlic, green pepper, red pepper, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the black beans, corn, salsa, and 1/4 cup of water. Cook for 5 minutes.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the butter, and mix until the butter is in pea-sized pieces.
- Stir in the ice water until just combined.
- Place 1/2 cup of the dough on a floured surface and roll out to a 1/8-inch thickness.
- Cut out 4-inch circles.
- Re-roll the scraps and cut out more circles.
- Place 1 tablespoon of the filling in the center of each circle.
- Moisten the edges of the dough with water, and fold over to form a half-moon shape.
- Crimp the edges with a fork.
- Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve warm.
How to make beef patties
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eUPYFt52FBE[/embedyt]
Follow this recipe for delicious beef patties.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 1 red pepper, diced
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, onion, garlic, green pepper, red pepper, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Shape into patties.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the patties for 5 minutes per side.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
FAQs
Why are Jamaican beef patties orange?
Some Jamaican beef patties are orange because they are made with a special spice called annatto, which gives the patties an orange color and a slightly sweet flavor.
What sauce is good with Jamaican patties?
There are many sauces that go well with Jamaican patties, but some of the most popular ones are ketchup, mayonnaise, and mustard.
Are beef patties unhealthy?
No, beef patties are not unhealthy. In fact, they are a very healthy choice because they are made with ground beef, which is a lean protein.
They also have many nutrients such as vitamins and minerals.
What kind of dough is used in empanadas?
The dough that is used in empanadas is called masa. Masa is a type of corn flour that is used to make tortillas and tamales.
Empanada dough is usually made with masa, water, salt, and fat.
How do you keep empanadas from getting soggy?
There are a few ways to keep empanadas from getting soggy.
One way is to cook them for a shorter amount of time. Another way is to brush them with egg whites or oil before baking. And finally, you can also serve them with a dipping sauce.
What are the filling options for empanadas?
The filling options for empanadas are endless. Some of the most popular fillings include ground beef, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables. However, you can also use any type of cheese, sauce, or meat in them.
How long do empanadas take to make?
Empanadas usually take about 20–30 minutes to make. This includes the time it takes to make the dough and the filling as well as the time it takes to bake them.
Empanadas vs beef patties: which is better for you?
There is no clear winner when it comes to beef patties vs empanadas.
It depends on your personal preferences and dietary needs. If you are looking for a leaner option, then beef patties are the better choice. If you are looking for something with more carbohydrates, then empanadas are the better choice.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you prefer!
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