How to Fry Empanadas on Stove Like a Pro: Secrets Revealed!

The aroma of freshly fried empanadas, with their crispy, golden-brown crusts and savory fillings, is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. While baking is a popular choice for cooking empanadas, frying offers a unique texture and flavor that’s simply irresistible. If you’re looking to master the art of “how to fry empanadas on stove,” you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, from prepping your empanadas to achieving that perfect golden hue.

The Empanada Preparation: A Foundation for Success

Before you even think about the stove, it’s crucial to have your empanadas ready. This involves creating the dough, filling it with your favorite ingredients, and shaping them into their iconic crescent form. Here’s a breakdown of the essentials:

1. Dough Perfection:

• The Right Recipe: Choose a recipe that yields a dough that’s pliable yet firm enough to hold its shape. Common ingredients include flour, butter, water, and salt.
• Kneading Is Key: Knead the dough thoroughly to develop its gluten structure and ensure a smooth, elastic texture.
• Resting Time: Allow the dough to rest for at least 30 minutes, covered with a damp cloth. This helps relax the gluten and makes it easier to work with.

2. Filling Up with Flavor:

• Endless Possibilities: The beauty of empanadas lies in their versatility. From traditional savory fillings like beef, chicken, or cheese to sweet options like dulce de leche or fruit, the choice is yours.
• Seasoning is Essential: Don’t forget to season your fillings generously. Spices, herbs, and sauces all contribute to the overall flavor profile.
• Consistency Matters: Ensure your filling is neither too dry nor too wet. If it’s too dry, it won’t hold together. If it’s too wet, it might leak out during frying.

3. Shaping the Empanadas:

• Rolling It Out: Roll out the dough to a thin, even thickness. This will allow the empanadas to cook through evenly.
• Cutting and Filling: Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a glass. Place a spoonful of filling in the center of each circle, leaving a small margin around the edges.
• Folding and Sealing: Fold the dough over the filling, forming a half-moon shape. Crimp the edges tightly to prevent the filling from escaping.

The Stovetop Showdown: Frying Your Empanadas to Perfection

Now that your empanadas are ready, it’s time to hit the stovetop. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure a flawless frying experience:

1. Oil Up the Right Way:

• Choose Your Oil: Opt for a high-heat oil with a neutral flavor, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.
• Deep or Shallow? You can either deep-fry or shallow-fry empanadas. Deep-frying requires more oil, but it gives a more evenly cooked and crispy result. Shallow-frying uses less oil, but you’ll need to flip the empanadas to ensure both sides cook properly.
• Heating Up: Heat the oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when you drop in a small piece of dough.

2. The Frying Process:

• Gentle Placement: Carefully place the empanadas in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the temperature from dropping too drastically.
• Time for Browning: Fry the empanadas for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
• Flipping with Care: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully flip the empanadas halfway through the cooking process.
• Draining Time: Once cooked, remove the empanadas from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.

3. The Finishing Touches:

• Serving Up: Serve your freshly fried empanadas hot, with a side of your favorite dipping sauce, such as chimichurri, salsa, or aioli.
• Storing for Later: If you’re not serving them immediately, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container at room temperature. They can also be frozen for later enjoyment.

Tips and Tricks for Frying Empanadas Like a Pro

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you elevate your empanada frying game:

• Don’t Overfill: Avoid overfilling your empanadas, as it can lead to cracks and leaks during frying.
• Keep an Eye on the Oil: Monitor the oil temperature throughout the frying process. If it gets too hot, the empanadas will burn before they cook through.
• Use a Thermometer: A deep-fry thermometer is a valuable tool for ensuring the oil is at the correct temperature.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow the empanadas to rest for a few minutes after frying to let the filling settle and the crust to crisp up.

The Final Verdict: Beyond Frying Empanadas

Frying empanadas on the stove is a culinary adventure that rewards you with a symphony of textures and flavors. By following these steps and incorporating the tips and tricks, you’ll be able to create empanadas that are crispy, golden-brown, and bursting with deliciousness.

Top Questions Asked

1. Can I freeze uncooked empanadas before frying?

Yes, you can freeze uncooked empanadas. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. When ready to fry, simply thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and fry as usual.

2. How do I know if the oil is hot enough?

Drop a small piece of dough into the oil. If it sizzles and bubbles immediately, the oil is hot enough.

3. What if my empanadas stick to the pan?

If your empanadas stick to the pan, it’s likely that the oil isn‘t hot enough. Increase the heat and try again. You can also lightly grease the pan before adding the empanadas.

4. Can I use a different type of oil?

While vegetable, canola, and peanut oil are recommended for their high smoke points and neutral flavors, you can experiment with other oils like olive oil or avocado oil. Just be sure to use an oil with a high smoke point to prevent burning.

5. What are some good dipping sauces for empanadas?

There are endless possibilities for dipping sauces! Some popular options include chimichurri, salsa, aioli, guacamole, and sour cream. You can also get creative and make your own dipping sauces based on your preferences.