Guam Empanada Recipe

Experience the lively taste of Guam through our irresistible recipe for Guam Empanada – an epicurean adventure that you can’t afford to miss!

About This Recipe: Guam Empanada Recipe

Guam empanadas, locally known as empanada Chamorro, are a culinary treasure that encapsulates the rich history and vibrant culture of Guam, the largest island in the Mariana Islands. These empanada represent a harmonious blend of indigenous Chamorro traditions and Spanish influences, a testament to the island’s diverse cultural heritage.

Cultural Significance

Beyond their delicious taste, Guam empanada hold significant cultural importance. They are often prepared for special occasions and communal gatherings, symbolizing unity and shared heritage. The process of making empanadas traditionally involves family and friends working together, fostering a sense of community and connection.

Unique Features

The distinctiveness of Guam empanada lies in their filling and preparation. The filling includes ground beef or pork, diced potatoes, and spices such as achote (annatto), black pepper, paprika, cumin, cloves, and cinnamon.

These spices reflect the island’s history of trade and cultural exchange. The dough is made from flour and vegetable shortening, rolled out thin, and filled generously before being folded and crimped into a half-moon shape. The empanadas are then deep-fried to perfection, resulting in a crispy, flavorful treat.

Modern Adaptations

Today, Guam empanada continue to evolve with contemporary variations that incorporate additional ingredients like cheese, peas, and herbs. Despite these modern twists, the traditional essence of the Guam empanada remains, preserving its cultural and historical roots.

Why Try This Recipe? Guam Empanada Recipe 

Authentic Cultural Experience

By trying this Guam empanada recipe, you get to experience an authentic taste of Chamorro culture and history. Each empanada is a journey through time, offering a unique glimpse into the island’s culinary heritage.

Delightful Flavor Profile

The combination of savory meat, tender potatoes, and aromatic spices creates a delightful flavor profile that is both comforting and exciting. The crispy crust adds a satisfying crunch, making these empanadas a joy to eat.

Fun Cooking Experience

Making Guam empanada is a fun and engaging cooking experience. The process of preparing the dough, filling, and frying the empanadas can be a shared activity with family and friends, creating lasting memories in the kitchen.

Nutritional Benefits: Guam Empanada Recipe 

This recipe can be tailored to include a variety of nutritious ingredients. Adding vegetables like peas and carrots enhances the nutritional value, providing essential vitamins and minerals. Opting for lean meats or plant-based protein options can make the empanadas a healthier choice.

Culinary Heritage Preservation

By trying and sharing this recipe, you help preserve and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Guam. Introducing these empanadas to others helps keep the tradition alive and spreads the unique flavors of Chamorro cuisine.

Equipment Required for This Recipe

For the Dough and Filling Preparation

• Mixing bowls: For combining and mixing the dough and filling ingredients.
• Pastry cutter or fork: To cut in the vegetable shortening when making the dough.
• Rolling pin: For rolling out the dough to the desired thickness.
• Round cutter or small bowl: To cut out dough circles.

For the Filling Cooking

• Large skillet: For cooking the ground meat and vegetables.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring and breaking up the meat.
• Cutting board and knife: For chopping onions, garlic, and potatoes.

For Assembling and Frying

• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper: To place the assembled empanadas before frying.
• Fork: To crimp and seal the edges of the empanadas.
• Deep frying pan or deep fryer: For frying the empanadas.
• Slotted spoon: To remove the empanadas from the hot oil.
• Paper towels: For draining excess oil from the fried empanadas.

Miscellaneous: Guam Empanada Recipe 

• Cups and spoons used for measuring: To achieve precise measurement of ingredients.
• Plastic wrap: For chilling the dough.

Ingredients

Dough

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup vegetable shortening
• 3/4 cup cold water

Filling

• 1 pound ground beef or pork
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
• 1/2 cup peas (optional)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese (optional)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon achote powder (annatto)
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

For Frying

• Vegetable oil (enough for deep frying)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. Mix the dry ingredients. Combine the all-purpose flour and salt in a sizable mixing bowl.
2. Cut in Shortening: Add the vegetable shortening to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the shortening into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Add Water: Gradually add the cold water, a little at a time, while mixing until the dough starts to come together.Gently manipulate the dough until it becomes sleek and flexible.
4. Chill the Dough: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow it to rest.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

1. Oil heating:Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet at medium heat.
2. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook over high heat until the onions turn translucent and emit a pleasant aroma.
3. Cook the Meat: Add the ground beef or pork to the skillet. Break up the meat into small pieces while cooking until it is thoroughly browned and fully cooked.
4. Add Spices: Stir in the achote powder, ground black pepper, salt, paprika, ground cumin, ground cloves, and ground cinnamon.Thoroughly blend to ensure even distribution of the spices.
5. Add Potatoes and Peas: Add the diced potato and peas (if using) to the skillet. Cook until the potatoes are tender.
6. Optional Cheese: If you prefer a cheesy filling, stir in the grated cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Cool the Filling: Remove the skillet from the heat and let the filling cool completely.

Step 3: Assemble the Empanadas

1. Roll Out Dough: On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 1/8-inch thickness.
2. Cut Dough Circles: Use a round cutter or a small bowl to cut out circles of dough, approximately 4-5 inches in diameter.
3. Fill Empanadas: Place a heaping tablespoon of the filling in the center of each dough circle.
4. Seal Edges: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges together to seal, and crimp the edges with a fork to ensure they are well sealed.
5. Chill Assembled Empanadas: Place the assembled empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to firm up.

Step 4: Fry the Empanadas

1. Heat Oil: In a deep frying pan or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to fully submerge the empanadas to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry Empanadas: Carefully add a few empanadas to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.Cook until golden brown and crispy, approximately 3-4 minutes on each side.
3. Drain on Paper Towels: Use a slotted spoon to remove the empanadas from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil.
4. Repeat: Continue frying the remaining empanadas in batches.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Somewhat pleasing: It is advisable to let the empanadas cool down a bit prior to serving.
2. Serve: Enjoy the empanadas warm, either on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce.

The bottom lines

Guam empanada are a delightful and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of the island to your table. With their crispy exterior and flavorful filling, these empanadas are sure to be a hit at any gathering. Follow this detailed recipe to create authentic Guam empanadas that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy the rich culinary heritage of Guam with every bite!