National Dish Panama: Empanadas (Recipe)
In this article
Meet Empanadas, the golden, savoury pastry pockets that hold pride of place in Panamanian kitchens. Crisp on the outside and generously filled with spiced meat, fresh vegetables and melting cheese, they are the kind of snack that turns any gathering into an occasion. Loved across Latin America and far beyond, they are wonderfully easy to make your own — and bringing the flavours of Panama to your table is simpler than you might think.
About Empanadas
Empanadas are savoury pastry pockets that play a central role in Panamanian cooking. They are beloved not only in Panama but across much of Latin America and further afield, appearing in countless regional variations. The winning combination of tender meat, fresh vegetables and melting cheese makes empanadas an irresistible highlight of any meal, whether served as a quick snack or as part of a larger spread.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 250 g plain flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 100 g cold butter
- 1/2 cup cold water
- 200 g minced meat (beef or chicken)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 small pepper, diced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
For an empanada recipe to really sing, it pays to use good-quality ingredients. Visit a local market or a shop that specialises in international foods to track down the freshest produce. Choose meat that is nicely marbled, as this makes all the difference to both flavour and tenderness. Don’t forget to buy your spices fresh too, since they lend the empanadas their special character.
Preparing the dish
Before you begin, gather and prepare all of your ingredients. Combine the flour, salt and cold butter in a large bowl and rub together until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Slowly add the cold water until a smooth, pliable dough forms. Let the dough rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes — this gives a much better consistency and makes it far easier to handle.
Step-by-step instructions
- Take the dough from the fridge and roll it out thinly on a floured surface.
- Cut out circles roughly 10 cm in diameter.
- Sauté the onion and pepper in a little oil until soft.
- Add the minced meat and brown well, seasoning with cumin, salt and pepper.
- Place a tablespoon of the filling in the centre of each dough circle.
- Fold the edges over and press firmly to seal the empanadas.
- Heat oil in a pan and fry the empanadas until golden brown.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
To make empanadas gluten-free, swap the wheat flour for gluten-free flour such as rice flour or a dedicated gluten-free blend. The remaining ingredients are usually naturally lactose-free, provided you replace the butter with a lactose-free alternative. Opt for a lighter or plant-based filling to suit a range of dietary needs. Gluten-free empanadas are every bit as delicious and are a wonderful way to make this Panamanian treat accessible to everyone.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
Empanadas adapt easily to vegetarian or vegan diets. In place of minced meat, use vegetables such as courgette, spinach or aubergine to achieve a similar texture. Tofu and tempeh are excellent protein sources that work beautifully in the filling too. Experiment with different spices and herbs to deepen the flavour and build an aromatic, satisfying result. For another meat-free idea, try the classic Quesadillas.
More tips and tricks
A successful empanada dough depends largely on the temperature of your ingredients. Cold butter and cold water are the secret to the perfect consistency. If you don’t want to fry the empanadas straight away, you can keep them in the fridge or freeze them — just wrap the dough well to stop it drying out. Frying in small batches ensures even browning and keeps the oil temperature from dropping, which would otherwise leave you with greasy empanadas.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
One of the best things about empanadas is their versatility. You can adjust the filling to suit your own taste and try out new combinations whenever you like. Add diced vegetables, olives or even dried fruit for interesting flavour contrasts. When it comes to seasoning, feel free to experiment and weave in different regional influences — chilli, oregano or garlic all add new dimensions to the aromas.
Ingredient substitutions
For a lighter take on empanadas, replace the minced meat with Quorn or another plant-based protein. Instead of butter, reach for olive oil, a healthier and pleasantly flavourful choice. When it comes to cheese, a low-fat cheese helps cut the calories without sacrificing taste. Depending on your preference, a gluten-free dough — much like the one behind Empanadas De Yuca — can also be used, and is available from specialist shops.
Drink pairing ideas
Empanadas pair wonderfully with a wide range of drinks. A classic Panamanian drink such as a fresh fruit smoothie or an ice-cold Panama beer complements their flavours beautifully. If you fancy something special, try a rum-based cocktail, which brings out the fruity, spiced notes of the empanadas. Homemade lemonade is another refreshing accompaniment that is easy to prepare and perfect for warm days — much like a cooling Chicha De Pina.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can make a real difference to your empanadas. Serve them on a large, colourful platter, garnished with fresh herbs such as coriander or parsley. Add a small bowl of spicy sauce or, for an extra kick, a fiery salsa. An attractive arrangement heightens the anticipation and gives your dish an inviting, welcoming touch. They sit especially well alongside crisp Patacones.
A bit of history
The tradition of empanadas has its roots in Spain and spread quickly to many of its former colonies, Panama among them. Over the centuries countless recipe variations have developed, often reflecting local ingredients and cooking methods. Empanadas are not only a popular snack but also a fixture at festivals and celebrations throughout Panama. They stand for community and are frequently the fruit of shared family recipes handed down from one generation to the next — a cornerstone of Panamanian cuisine.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Empanadas
Empanadas are a delicious and endlessly versatile dish, a firm favourite among snack lovers and food enthusiasts alike. Their adaptability makes them a fantastic choice for any diet — meaty, vegetarian or vegan. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can bring the flavours of Panama straight into your own kitchen. Enjoy the pleasure of crafting empanadas yourself and treat your family and friends to a taste of Panamanian culture!
