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    Home » Mexican Recipes » Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce

    Published: Apr 19, 2015 Modified: Jan 14, 2025 by Catherine Arena Leave a Comment

    Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce

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    Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce Pinterest image.
    Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce Pinterest image.

    These Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce are a family favorite! Crispy on the outside, packed with savory picadillo inside, and paired with a tangy, green sauce (salsa verde) perfect for any occasion.

    Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce served on a white platter topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped red onions and queso fresco.

    There’s something so comforting about biting into a warm, crispy empanada, especially when it’s paired with the best Mexican salsa recipe! Making them from scratch might seem intimidating, but trust me, it’s simpler than you think, and the result is so worth it. Make sure to make extra, these savory pockets will disappear quickly!

    Jump to:
    • Reasons We Love this Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Substitutions and Variations
    • Instructions
    • Expert Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Other Mexican Dishes You Will Love
    • 📖 Recipe

    Reasons We Love this Recipe

    • Crispy Perfection: The golden, crunchy exterior is absolutely irresistible!
    • Savory Filling: The picadillo is not only super simple to make but is packed with loads of yummy flavors.
    • Sauce: Tangy, fresh, and the perfect complement to the empanadas.
    • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a party, these empanadas are always a hit.
    • Customizable: You can fill them with whatever your heart desires, making it easy to cater to everyone.
    • Easy to Make: If you have never made homemade empanadas, you’ll be surprised how easy they are to make, and nothing beats homemade!

    Ingredients

    • Maseca – You will find maseca flour in the international section of your supermarket. Maseca is a really easy corn masa flour to work with. You can make everything from sopes to tamales rojos using Maseca flour.
    • Ground Beef – Use ground beef, pork or chicken.
    • Seasonings – We’ll be using simple seasonings like cumin, oregano and paprika to season the ground meat.

    See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Filling

    • Meat: Besides swaping the beef with ground chicken or pork, you can also try a vegetarian version using beans.
    • Cheese: Add a melty cheese to the filling on top of the picadillo, like oaxaca or mozzarella for a gooey, melty filling.
    • Spicy: Add jalapeños or serrano peppers to the picadillo for a spicy version.

    Sauce

    • Store Bought – To save on time you can use a good quality store bought green sauce.

    Instructions

    Prepare the Filling

    Steps showing how to prepare the ground meat (picadillo) filling.

    Step 1: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks (Image 1), allowing it to brown evenly.

    Step 2: Once the meat is browned, drain any excess oil, but leave a little bit in the skillet for flavor. Add all the seasonings (except for the cilantro), then pour in the water (Image 2). Stir gently to combine. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat slightly, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Step 3: Add the cilantro (Image 3) and stir to combine. Set aside and allow the picadillo to cool completely while you prepare the masa dough (Image 4).

    Prepare the Dough

    Steps showing how to prepare the masa dough.

    Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine the corn flour, salt, and water (Image 1). Using your hands mix the ingredients together.

    Step 2: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and well combined (Image 2).

    Step 3: Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball (Image 3). Cover the dough balls with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you set up your work station (Image 4).

    Form the Empanadas

    Steps showing how to form the empanadas.

    Step 1: Using a Tortilla Press: Cut open a plastic bag and place one masa ball in between the bag (Image 1). Press down firmly to flatten the masa into a circle.

    Step 2: Scoop about 1 and a half tablespoons of the filling and place it on one side of the flattened masa (Image 2). Using the plastic, fold the empanada over to create a half-moon shape (Image 3), then seal the edges firmly with your fingers (Image 4).

    Step 3: Place the prepared empanada on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out while you continue shaping the rest.

    If You Do Not Have a Tortilla Press

    • Use a Rolling Pin: Place the masa ball between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough into a flat circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Press down evenly to avoid uneven edges.
    • Use a Plate or Heavy Object: If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can place the masa ball between plastic wrap and then press down with a flat plate or a heavy skillet to flatten the dough into a thin, even circle.

    Frying the Empanadas

    Steps showing how to fry the empanadas.

    Step 1: Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Once the oil is hot, add a few empanadas at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan (Image 2). Cook on one side for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lower the oil temperature and make the empanadas greasy.

    Step 2: Remove the empanadas from the skillet and drain on a plate lined with paper towels (Image 3). Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or our homemade green sauce.

    Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce served on a white platter topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped red onions and queso fresco.

    Expert Tips

    • Keep the Dough Moist: Cover the dough balls with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you are forming the individual empanadas.
    • Test the Oil Temperature: Drop a small piece of dough into the oil, if it sizzles and floats, it’s ready. Tip: If the oil is too hot, the empanadas will burn, while if it’s too cool, the empanadas will get greasy.
    • Seal Well: Press the edges of your empanadas firmly so the empanadas do not open while frying. You can also crimp the edges with a fork for extra security.
    • Don’t Overcrowd: Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure crispy and evenly cooked empanadas.
    • Customize the Filling: Switch things up by trying different fillings like pork, chicken, veggies, or even seafood. For a mouthwatering twist, try our shrimp and cheese filling used in our tacos gobernador recipe.
    • Make it ahead: Prep the filling and dough in advance to save time.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I bake the empanadas instead of frying them?

    Yes you can! Brush them with a light coat of oil for a golden finish and bake at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes, or until crispy and golden.

    Can I freeze the empanadas?

    You can freeze uncooked empanadas. Place individual empanadas in between parchment paper and into a freezer plastic bag. Fry or bake them straight from frozen. Just make sure to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

    Can I freeze cooked empanadas?

    Yes! After the empanadas have cooled, add them to a freezer safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes.

    What if I don’t have a tortilla press?

    If you do not have a tortilla press, simply flatten the masa balls using a rolling pin or a heavy pan. Place the dough in between two pieces of plastic wrap to keep it from sticking.

    How do I store leftovers?

    Simply add cooled empanadas to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. To reheat: Preheat your oven to 375°F and reheat the empanadas for about 10 minutes or until heated through.

    Other Mexican Dishes You Will Love

    • Carnitas de Puerco tacos topped with chopped onion, cilantro and chipotle sauce and lime wedges on the side.
      Carnitas de Puerco
    • Birria Quesadillas served on a what platter with consomme and lime wedges.
      Birria Quesadillas
    • Camarones a la Cucaracha (Spicy Fried Shrimps) served on a white platter with lime wedges.
      Camarones a la Cucaracha
    • Bisteces Ranchero cooked in a cast iron skillet with a side of corn tortillas.
      Bisteces Rancheros

    Did you try this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ review below!

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    📖 Recipe

    Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce served on a white platter topped with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, chopped red onions and queso fresco.

    Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce

    Delicious homemade Mexican Empanadas with Green Sauce! Crispy, savory, and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
    Cuisine: Mexican
    Prep Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour hour
    Servings: 12 empanadas
    Calories: 193kcal
    Author: Catherine Arena

    Ingredients

    • vegetable or corn oil for frying

    Empanada Filling

    • 1 lb ground beef or ground pork, chicken or seafood
    • 1 onion chopped
    • 1 tomato rinsed and chopped
    • 1 tablespoon garlic puree/paste or 4 cloves finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon oregano
    • ¼ teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • ⅓ cup fresh cilantro rinsed and chopped
    • 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
    • ½ teaspoon ground pepper or to taste
    • ½ cup water

    Empanada Dough

    • 2 cups of Maseca corn flour
    • 1½ cups water
    • ½ teaspoon salt

    Homemade Green Sauce (Salsa Verde) or Store Bought

    • 1 lb tomatillos husks removed, rinsed
    • 2-3 serrano peppers stems removed
    • 3 garlic cloves peeled
    • 1 medium onion peeled and quartered
    • handful fresh cilantro rinsed
    • ¼ cup water of the water the ingredients cook in
    • salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    Prepare the Filling

    • Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground meat. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up as it cooks, allowing it to brown evenly.
    • Once the meat is browned, drain any excess oil, but leave a little bit in the skillet for flavor. Add all the seasonings (except for the cilantro), then pour in the water. Stir gently to combine. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat slightly, and let it cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    • Add the cilantro and stir to combine. Set aside and allow the picadillo to cool completely while you prepare the masa dough

    Prepare the Dough

    • In a mixing bowl, combine the corn flour, salt, and water. Using your hands mix the ingredients together.
    • Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and well combined.
    • Divide the dough into 12 equal pieces and roll each into a ball. Cover the dough balls with a damp paper towel to prevent them from drying out while you set up your work station.

    Forming the Empanadas

    • Using a Tortilla Press: Cut open a plastic bag and place one masa ball in between the bag. Press down firmly to flatten the masa into a circle.
    • Scoop about 1 and a half tablespoons of the filling and place it on one side of the flattened masa. Using the plastic, fold the empanada over to create a half-moon shape, then seal the edges firmly with your fingers.
    • Place the prepared empanada on a plate and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out while you continue shaping the rest.

    How to Flatten if You Do Not Have a Tortilla Press

    • Use a Rolling Pin: Place the masa ball between two pieces of plastic wrap or parchment paper. Use a rolling pin to gently roll the dough into a flat circle, about 4-5 inches in diameter. Press down evenly to avoid uneven edges.
      Use a Plate or Heavy Object: If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can place the masa ball between plastic wrap and then press down with a flat plate or a heavy skillet to flatten the dough into a thin, even circle.

    Frying the Empanadas

    • Heat about an inch of oil in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Once the oil is hot, add a few empanadas at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook on one side for 1-2 minutes, or until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes.
      Tip: Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it can lower the oil temperature and make the empanadas greasy.
    • Remove the empanadas from the skillet and drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or our homemade green sauce.

    Green Sauce (Salsa Verde)

    • Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse them well to remove the sticky residue. Remove the stems from the serrano peppers and peel the garlic cloves.
    • Place the tomatillos, serrano peppers, and garlic cloves in a saucepan. Add enough water to cover them and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
    • Drain (reserved a ¼ cup of water) the cooked ingredients and transfer them to a blender with the cilantro.
    • Add the ¼ cup of reserved water and blend until smooth. For a thinner consistency, add a little water at a time until desired consistency.
    • Let the sauce sit for a few minutes before tasting. Note: Don’t worry if the initial taste seems a bit bitter, once it rests, the flavors will meld beautifully.

    Notes

    Recipe Notes:
    Spicy Picadillo: To make your picadillo spicy, add jalapeños or serrano peppers to the mix.
    Green Sauce (Salsa Verde): To make a milder sauce, just use 1 serrano pepper instead of 3. You could also use jalapeño peppers.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 12 | Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 321mg | Potassium: 326mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 255IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 2mg
    Tried this recipe?Click the stars above or below to rate or leave a comment down below!

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