National Dish Mexico: Empanadas de Plátano (Recipe)
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Say hello to Empanadas de Plátano, Mexico’s sweet little parcels of ripe banana wrapped in a crisp, golden pastry. These moreish treats strike the perfect balance between a crunchy shell and a soft, naturally sweet filling, making them just as welcome as an afternoon snack as they are a relaxed pudding. Easy to put together and impossible to resist, they bring a touch of tropical warmth to any table — whether you are celebrating with friends or simply treating yourself on an ordinary day.
About Empanadas de Plátano
Empanadas de Plátano are a traditional speciality of Mexican cuisine that can be made both sweet and savoury. In this version, ripe bananas take centre stage, lending the empanadas a wonderfully sweet character. The crisp pastry provides the perfect contrast to the soft filling, turning this little treat into an ideal snack or dessert. Just right for celebrations or as a small everyday indulgence, empanadas de plátano are a much-loved dish that delights young and old alike.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 2 ripe bananas
- 150 g flour (or gluten-free flour)
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 pinch of salt
- 60 ml water
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
When shopping for empanadas de plátano, choose fresh, ripe bananas, as they offer the best flavour and just the right sweetness. Your supermarket will also stock a range of flours; if you would like to cook gluten-free, there are now plenty of alternatives available. Do not forget to have sugar and oil to hand too — these ingredients are essential for both the dough and the frying. Opt for good-quality produce wherever you can to bring out the best possible taste.
Preparing the dish
Preparing empanadas de plátano is simple and takes only a few steps. First, peel the bananas and mash them in a bowl until you have a smooth purée. Next, combine the dry ingredients — flour, sugar and salt — before slowly adding water to form a supple dough. Once kneaded, let the dough rest briefly so the flavours have a chance to develop and the pastry becomes easier to work with.
Step-by-step instructions
- Mash the bananas in a bowl until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine the flour, sugar and salt.
- Slowly add the water and knead to a smooth dough.
- Divide the dough into small portions and roll each one out.
- Spoon the banana into the centre of each round and seal the edges firmly.
- Heat the oil in a pan and fry the empanadas until golden brown.
- Drain on kitchen paper and enjoy warm.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
For a gluten-free version of empanadas de plátano, simply swap the ordinary flour for gluten-free flour. Take care to check that all the other ingredients are gluten-free too. For a lactose-free preparation, frying in plant-based fats is the ideal choice. That way you can be sure that anyone with particular dietary needs can still enjoy this delicious treat.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Empanadas de plátano are naturally vegan, as they contain no animal products at all. Even so, take care to choose your ingredients thoughtfully, especially processed items such as sugar, to make sure they are suitable for a vegan diet. If you fancy extra fillings, you could add vegan chocolate or nuts. Tweaks like these not only add variety but also bring exciting new layers of flavour, much as you would find in Sweet Tamales.
More tips and tricks
When frying, it is important to bring the oil up to the right temperature. If the oil is too cool, the empanadas turn greasy and soggy. Use a wooden spoon to test it: when bubbles rise around it, the oil is ready. To give your empanadas de plátano an attractive shine, you can roll them in a sweet sugar glaze once they have cooled. This not only adds an extra kick of sweetness but also makes them look all the more tempting.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
There are countless ways to adapt empanadas de plátano to your own preferences. For a richer version, add cheese, or warming spices such as cinnamon and vanilla to the filling. Experiment with different doughs, too — try wholemeal flour or ground almonds to create fresh flavours. Every adjustment can make your empanadas that little bit more distinctive and delightful to the palate.
Ingredient substitutions
When making empanadas de plátano, it is easy to swap out some ingredients depending on what you have available. Instead of sugar, you could use honey or agave syrup for a more natural sweetener. For the flour, try almond or coconut flour. These changes give the empanadas not only a different flavour but also varied nutritional benefits — the same spirit of resourcefulness that shapes much of Mexican cuisine.
Drink pairing ideas
Many drinks pair beautifully with empanadas de plátano and complement their sweet notes. A refreshing fruit cocktail or a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice offers a lovely fruity contrast. If you prefer something alcoholic, consider a margarita or a tequila sunrise. These drinks not only enhance the flavour but also set a lively, festive mood — and a cooling glass of Horchata makes an equally inviting choice.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation plays an important part in making empanadas de plátano look even more appetising. Serve them on an attractive plate, perhaps with fresh fruit or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. A light dusting of icing sugar lends them an elegant finish. You could also add a few fresh mint leaves, which provide a pretty splash of colour and make the empanadas all the more enticing.
A bit of history
Empanadas trace their origins to several cultures that embraced the idea of filled pastry. In Mexico, the version made with bananas and other fruits has grown into a popular snack, often served at fiestas and on holidays. The use of bananas reflects the tropical abundance of Mexican cooking and the creativity at the heart of its preparation. Historically, the many different fillings mirror the regional flavours that enrich the country’s culinary culture, from the fruit-filled Capirotada Tradicional to the simple pleasure of Fried Plantains.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Empanadas de Plátano
In short, empanadas de plátano offer a delicious and versatile option that can be enjoyed as both a snack and a dessert. These tempting little banana pastries capture the sweetness of tropical fruit and pair it with a crisp shell in a dish that is as simple to make as it is adaptable. Whether you favour a sweet or a more savoury version, the preparation opens up endless possibilities. Let Mexican cuisine inspire you and give this irresistible recipe a try!
