Cajun Spiced Beef Empanadas

Ingredients

While the original Curry Beef Triangle from Hong Kong cuisine features a curry-flavored filling wrapped in a flaky pastry, this Cajun adaptation takes inspiration from the bold and spicy flavors of Cajun cuisine. The filling is seasoned with Cajun spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme, giving it a distinctively spicy and aromatic profile. Additionally, the empanadas are baked instead of deep-fried, resulting in a lighter and healthier version of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Curry Beef Triangle, so you can check it out.

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped 1 small green bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts) 1 package (14 ounces) refrigerated pie crusts (2 crusts)
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash) 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 380 kcal / 1590 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 9g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 24g, 1g
• Protein: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the ground beef, Cajun seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. 3.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté until the vegetables are softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
4. 4.
   Add the seasoned ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
5. 5.
   Roll out the refrigerated pie crusts on a lightly floured surface. Using a round cookie cutter or a glass, cut out circles approximately 4 inches in diameter.
6. 6.
   Spoon a generous amount of the beef filling onto one half of each dough circle, leaving a small border around the edges.
7. 7.
   Fold the other half of the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal the empanadas.
8. 8.
   Place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.
9. 9.
   Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden brown and crispy.
10. 10.
    Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground beef — Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option. If desired, you can substitute ground turkey or chicken.
• Cajun seasoning — You can either use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own by combining paprika, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the beef filling.
• Serve the empanadas with a side of sour cream or salsa for dipping.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the Cajun seasoning.
• Experiment with different fillings such as cheese, corn, or black beans to create your own variations of Cajun empanadas.
• Make a large batch of empanadas and freeze the extras for a quick and convenient meal option.

Serving advice

Serve the Cajun Spiced Beef Empanadas hot as an appetizer or main course. They can be enjoyed on their own or paired with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the empanadas on a platter, garnished with fresh parsley or cilantro for a pop of color. Serve them alongside a bowl of salsa or hot sauce for dipping.