A sweet and savory hand pie from the Philippines that’s perfect for meals on the go.
When I was moving from the West Coast to New Orleans, I didn’t want a traditional goodbye party. Instead, I invited my friends on a backpacking trip to Angel Island in the middle of San Francisco Bay, with one simple request: bring something good to share. Roxie spent hours hand-rolling tamales, Laurel showed up with homemade curry, and Asif mixed up palomas and specialty margaritas. But when the night wound down at 4 a.m.—embers fading, tequila drained—it was Megan’s contribution that stole the show: two dozen homemade empanadas. Still warm from her insulated pack, they were flaky, golden, and exactly the kind of food that stops conversation mid-sentence. I’ve thought about them ever since, and now I can recreate that delicious moment anytime—no backpacking trip (or 4 a.m. campfire) required.
Savory and sweet is the name of the game in a Filipino dish, and these empanadas are no exception. Alongside the rich tomato sauce and succulent ground beef, you’ll find plump raisins and sweet peas and carrots, all encrusted with a pastry dough that has a subtle sweetness throughout the crust.
When researching Filipino empanadas, one will find the word “flavorful” repeated over and over, a testament to how boldly seasoned and deeply satisfying these handheld pies truly are. The unique set of ingredients can be interchanged for any meat, vegetable, or even fruit substitute of your liking, and the flaky, golden crust is the universal crowd-pleaser that ties the culinary masterpiece together.
Are These Filipino Empanadas Healthy?
Let’s be honest—the crust is a carb bomb, and the filling leans rich and hearty. But you can lighten things up with leaner meats, extra veggies, or smaller portions. This version uses the baked method instead of frying, which cuts down on oil and fat while still delivering golden, flaky results. Think of it as indulgent but customizable—perfect for when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying.
A Little Empanada History
Spanish explorers first landed in the Philippines in 1521 and ruled for nearly 350 years. Alongside religion, language, and architecture, they brought culinary traditions—including empanadas. Over time, Filipino cooks transformed the Spanish pastry into something uniquely their own, blending tropical ingredients with Old World technique. The result? A flaky, golden crust wrapped around a warm, rich filling that might include tomato-simmered beef, tender veggies, and the occasional surprise—like raisins.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Once baked, the empanadas keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days or the freezer for up to 3 months—just store in zip-top bags or airtight containers.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy these on their own, or make it a feast with sides like Filipino Menudo, Filipino Pork Adobo, or Filipino Chicken Asado. For dessert, keep the tropical vibes going with a Rum Pineapple Cake Trifle, Mango Popsicles, or Coconut Tapioca.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 cup unsalted butter cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup ice water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 1 medium potato peeled and finely diced
- 1 medium carrot peeled and finely diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/4 cup raisins
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 egg beaten, for egg wash
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually mix in ice water until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the tomato sauce, potato, carrot, peas, and raisins. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables are tender. Let cool.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Roll out the dough and cut into circles. Place filling on each circle, fold over, and seal edges with a fork. Brush with egg wash. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until golden.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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