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–+ servings

Easy Ilocos Empanada Recipe

Kristel Mae Baclaan
These easy Ilocos empanadas are crispy, golden, and stuffed with savory longganisa, fresh grated papaya, and egg—perfect for a tasty snack anytime!
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Course Lunch, Snacks
Cuisine filipino
Servings 4 empanadas
Calories 337 kcal

Ingredients
  

Empanada Dough

  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tablespoon annatto powder
  • 2 cups rice flour save ¼ cup for kneading
  • 1 teaspoon oil
  • ½ teaspoon salt

Filling

  • 2 cups green papaya seeded and shredded
  • 5 pieces longganisa
  • 4 pieces eggs 1 egg per empanada
  • salt and black pepper to season the fillings
  • oil neutral for frying

Instructions
 

  • Grate the green papaya, lightly salt it, let it sit for 20 minutes to release excess moisture, then squeeze out the water and set aside
  • Cook the longganisa fully, breaking it into small crumbles, and let it cool before assembling.
  • Combine annatto powder, salt, water, and oil, and bring to a rolling boil. Add the rice flour, stir until a lumpy mixture forms, then transfer to a bowl, let it cool slightly, and knead into a smooth dough.
    Note: Save ¼ cup for kneading.
  • Divide the dough into portions and roll each one thinly, about ⅛ inch thick. Place the papaya and longganisa on one side, season with black pepper, and make a small well in the center for a raw egg. Carefully fold the dough over, press out any air, and seal the edges securely
  • Heat oil to 350°F and fry each empanada for about 3 minutes per side, basting the top with hot oil before flipping to ensure even crispiness
  • Let the empanadas rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with spiced vinegar for dipping.

Notes

Notes:
  •  Set aside ¼ cup of flour and gradually add it to the dough while kneading.
  • To prevent sticking, lightly oil your hands before working with the dough.
  • Allow the dough to rest and cool slightly before kneading, which makes it easier to handle and shape.
  • The dough needs to be thin enough to get a crispy crust but still strong enough to hold the filling.
  • Place the empanadas in the pan immediately, as the filling may leak quickly.

Nutrition

Calories: 337kcalCarbohydrates: 71.7gProtein: 5.4gFat: 2.7gSaturated Fat: 0.6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.7gMonounsaturated Fat: 1.2gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 4.6mgSodium: 311.6mgPotassium: 192.7mgFiber: 3.1gSugar: 5.6gVitamin A: 671.3IUVitamin C: 42.6mgCalcium: 26.4mgIron: 0.5mg
Keyword ilocos empanada recipe
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