Introduction

However, the Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe is my favorite appetizer that makes me feel happy no matter the occasion. Crispy, golden-brown pastry purses stuffed with savory, spiced beef and a bit of island flair, these empanadas are a dream bite.

They are the type of food that puts you immediately in the tropics with a frozen mojito or a fruity sangria as an appetizer. The first time I had them at Bahama Breeze, I said to myself, “Well, it is not just food, it is a vacation on a plate.

And since I could not forget about them, I had to replicate them at home. Spoiler alert: they are surprisingly achievable, and once you prepare them, you will be addicted to them as well.

What is the Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe?

Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas is all about a flaky pastry and the filling that is bold and of the Caribbean-inspired type. They are served at the restaurant as golden-fried turnovers filled with spiced ground beef, onions, peppers, and a bit of cheese.

It is comfort food, but with a tropical flavor. The beef is salty, a bit smoky, and even a bit tangy according to the spices. It is the ultimate snack, strictly speaking, because it is wrapped in dough and fried (or baked in case you feel like having a lighter version). Imagine street food in Latin America, an island holiday.

How I Discovered Them

Bahama Breeze came across my path a few years ago when my friends and I needed to go out on a dinner date and decided to go to a new place. I didn’t have high expectations; I thought it was going to be all fun, tropical chain food.

But the beef empanadas? Total game changer. Out they came hot and flaky, and when you broke them open, the steam came out.

I had to order another plate to the table, but to be honest, I shared the plate with almost no one. I have been on a quest to master a homemade recipe of Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe since then in order to experience the same island experience whenever I wish, without the need to have a plane ticket.

Equipment You’ll Need

There is no need to get a professional kitchen to pull this off, you know. Just a few basics:

Big skillet (to make the filling)
Wooden spoon or spatula
Mixing bowls
Rolling pin (assuming that one is making dough)
A round cutter or a bowl to form the empanadas.
baking sheet or pan with frying oil.
Slotted spoon (if frying)
Cooling rack

Ingredients

The magic consists of the following:

For the Filling:

1 lb ground beef (lean is the best)
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 red or green bell pepper, chopped.
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp chili powder (only optional to make it hot)
½ tsp oregano
Salt and black pepper, to taste.
1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese.
2 tbsp tomato paste
2 tbsp olive oil

The Dough (Shortcut Option: buying empanada discs or pie crust):

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
5 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cubed.
1 egg
½ cup cold water (more if needed)

For Frying or Baking:

Frying oil (neutral, such as canola)
Or 1 egg (beaten, to make egg wash in case of baking)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough (when home-cooked)

Prepare a bowl of flour and salt.
Chop cold butter into bits.
Add egg and cold water slowly till it is mixed into the dough.
Chill (at least 30) in the fridge.
(Or, save yourself the trouble and get empanada discs in a store. No judgment here.)

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

Heat olive oil in a skillet.
Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic- cook till they have softened.
Add ground beef, which is broken as it becomes brown.
Add cumin, paprika, chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add tomato paste and cook till the beef mixture turns rich and fragrant.
Take it out of the heat and add in shredded cheese.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

Prepare a 1/8 inch thick rolled out dough and cut into circles (approximately 4-5 inches in diameter).
Put a spoonful of stuffing in the middle of the circles.
Turn and roll out the dough into a half-moon and use forks to push the sides together.

Step 4: Cook

Fry: Heat oil to 350 °C and fry empanadas until golden, 3-4 minutes per side.
Bake: Brush with egg wash and bake in a 400 Degree oven for 20-25 minutes till golden brown.

Secrets to Success (My Empanada Tips)

Don’t overstuff. The temptation is great, yet excessive stuffing would lead to spillages.
Seal well. Keep them tight using a fork or even a little water along the edge.
Chill before frying. Put them in the fridge to allow them to maintain their shape for 15 minutes.
Add a dip. These are topped with cilantro sauce, which is creamy or spicy aioli or even sour cream.

Flavor Explosion- What Makes These Special.

The Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe is not only based on beef and dough. They are seasoned, which makes them unique. The cumin and smoked paprika provide that groundy flavor, as the cheese turns into ooey heaven. The dry outer layer is a contrast to the juicy inner one. It is a heaven in texture and taste with every bite.

The Reason Why You Will Never Stop Loving This Recipe.

Empanadas are a kind of food that unites people. Prepare a batch, and before long, your kitchen is filled with people buzzing around just to grab one out of the fryer. They can be taken anywhere, used in any way, and they freeze well.

The Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe can serve as an appetizer, a game day snack, or a light meal combined with a tropical salad. It is comfort food but in a festive, island-style twist.

Final Thoughts

Each time I prepare such empanadas, I seem to have taken part of Bahama Breeze to my kitchen. They are golden, crispy, savory, and simply enjoyable to eat.

Therefore, the next time you need a bite to eat that will be like a mini vacation, prepare the Bahama Breeze Beef Empanadas Recipe. You can match with a fruity cocktail, and you will live on that island life in the comfort of your own house.