Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas are a regional variety of empanadas from Mendoza, Argentina, filled with spiced beef, onions, hard-boiled eggs, and olives. These hand-held pastries are perfect for a snack or light meal and are often enjoyed with a side of carbonada criolla or Argentine grilled provolone. The rich, savory filling of the empanadas pairs beautifully with the creamy provolone, creating a delightful balance of flavors. These empanadas are a true reflection of the culinary diversity found in Argentina, with each region offering its own unique twist.
On our trip to Argentina, Laurel and I were excited to try the famous Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas. We found a cozy local restaurant that was well-known for these treats. The empanadas had a golden, flaky crust with perfectly crimped edges, baked to a light crispness. Each bite revealed the rich history of Argentina’s food culture, and we were amazed by how these little pockets looked so simple yet held so much tradition within them.
As we sat down to eat, the warm atmosphere of the restaurant made the experience even more enjoyable. The Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas came out steaming hot, and the aroma filled the air, making our mouths water. We couldn’t wait to dive in. The empanadas were served in traditional clay dishes, adding to the charm of the setting. Laurel and I both agreed that trying these at a local spot added authenticity to our Argentine adventure.
What truly made the moment special was sharing it with Laurel. We laughed, talked, and soaked in the experience of enjoying Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas together. The way they were presented—rustic yet elegant—was a perfect match for the lively vibe of the restaurant. It wasn’t just about the food but also the chance to connect with Argentina’s culinary heritage in such a personal way.
Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe
Ingredients For the Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe
For the Dough:
All-purpose Flour
Salt
Unsalted Butter
Eggs
Water
For the Filling:
Ground Beef
Onion
Green OnionS
Red Bell Pepper
Garlic Cloves
Ground Cumin
Smoked Paprika
Dried Oregano
Salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Beef Broth
Raisins
Green Olives
For the Egg Wash:
Egg Yolk
Water
Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe – Ingredients
Cooking Instructions For the Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the beaten eggs and enough water to form a smooth dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is elastic and no longer sticky.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough is chilling, make the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the onions, green onions, red bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and stir to combine. Add the beef broth, raisins, and olives, and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a small bowl.
- Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges together to seal the empanadas.
- Whisk together the egg yolk and water to make the egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash.
- Bake the empanadas on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Serve the empanadas hot, warm or cold.
Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe – Preparation
Cooking Tips For the Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe
• Let the filling cool before assembling the empanadas to help prevent soggy dough.
• Cut the filling ingredients into small even pieces for easier sealing and even texture.
• Avoid overfilling the empanadas because excess filling can cause leaking during baking.
• Press and crimp the edges firmly to help keep the filling sealed inside.
• Chill assembled empanadas briefly before baking to help them hold their shape.
• Brush the tops lightly with egg wash for a deeper golden finish.
• Bake the empanadas with space between them so heat circulates evenly.
• Let the empanadas rest for a few minutes after baking because the filling stays very hot.
Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe – Storage
Storage Tips For the Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe
• Allow the empanadas to cool completely before storing them.
• Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of baking for proper food safety.
• Store the empanadas in airtight containers to help retain texture and freshness.
• Place parchment or paper towels between layers to reduce sticking and moisture buildup.
• Reheat empanadas in the oven or air fryer to help restore crispness.
• Avoid microwaving for long periods because the pastry can become soft and chewy.
• Freeze baked or unbaked empanadas in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months if needed.
• Wrap empanadas individually before freezing to help reduce freezer burn.
• Thaw frozen empanadas overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or baking.
• Discard the empanadas if they develop a sour smell, mold, slimy texture, discoloration, or unusual taste, as these are common signs of spoilage.
3 Reasons People Love the Argentinian Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe
There are several reasons why people love the Argentinian Empanadas Mendocinas recipe. Here are three reasons that stand out:
1. Delicious and Savory Filling: One of the main reasons why people love Argentinian Empanadas Mendocinas is because of the delicious and savory filling. The filling is made with beef, onions, and a mix of spices, which gives it a unique and flavorful taste. The filling is also versatile and can be customized to include other ingredients like cheese or vegetables.
2. Portable and Easy to Eat: Argentinian Empanadas Mendocinas are also a popular snack because they are portable and easy to eat on the go. They are crescent-shaped and can be held with one hand, making them perfect for eating while walking or standing.
3. Iconic Dish of Mendoza: The Argentinian Empanadas Mendocinas are an iconic dish of Mendoza, Argentina, and people love them because they are a symbol of the region’s culinary culture. Many visitors to Mendoza make a point of trying the empanadas Mendocinas to experience the traditional flavors of the area.
Argentinian Empanadas Mendocinas
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, chilled and cut into small pieces
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ⅓ cup water, or as needed
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup green onion, finely chopped
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup raisins
- ¼ cup green olives, chopped
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tbsp. water
Equipment
- large mixing bowl
- Skillet or frying pan
- Baking sheet
- Rolling Pin
- Cookie cutter or small bowl
- Pastry brush
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and salt. Add the butter and use your fingers or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add the beaten eggs and enough water to form a smooth dough. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes, or until it is elastic and no longer sticky.
- Cover the dough with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- While the dough is chilling, make the filling. In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Add the onions, green onions, red bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the skillet, and stir to combine. Add the beef broth, raisins, and olives, and simmer the mixture for about 10 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out the dough on a floured surface to about 1/4 inch thickness. Cut out circles using a cookie cutter or a small bowl.
- Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and crimp the edges together to seal the empanadas.
- Whisk together the egg yolk and water to make the egg wash. Brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg wash.
- Bake the empanadas on a baking sheet for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown.
- Serve the empanadas hot, warm or cold.
Notes
Tips and Tricks
Make the dough ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Use a food processor to make the dough and save time. Double the recipe and freeze the empanadas for later use. Use a fork to crimp the edges of the empanadas if you don't have a special tool for it.5 FAQ For the Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas Recipe
Q: What is the steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe?
A: The steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe is a traditional dish from Mendoza, Argentina, featuring empanadas filled with a mixture of seasoned steak, onions, and spices, all encased in a pastry dough.
Q: What ingredients are used in the steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe?
A: The steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe typically includes steak, onions, bell peppers, cumin, paprika, and dough for the empanadas, along with optional additions like olives or hard-boiled eggs.
Q: How do you prepare the steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe?
A: To prepare the steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe, cook the steak with onions and spices, let the mixture cool, then fill pastry rounds with the mixture and bake or fry until golden brown.
Q: Can you use different cuts of steak for the steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe?
A: Yes, you can use various cuts of steak for the steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe, such as sirloin or flank steak, depending on your preference for tenderness and flavour.
Q: What can you serve with the steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe?
A: The steaks Argentine Empanadas Mendocinas recipe can be served with a side of chimichurri sauce, a fresh salad, or some pickled vegetables to complement the rich, savoury filling of the empanadas.
Recipes are gathered in person and written for real-world cooking conditions.
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4 comments
I had both empanadas with meat filling and these that had meat, olives, raisins and more. I like these the best and here is the recipe.
I cant get enough of Argentine empanadas! The Mendocinas recipe sounds delicious, but have you ever tried adding a twist with some spicy chimichurri sauce? Its a game-changer!
I cant believe they left out the secret ingredient for the empanadas! And wheres the tip on the best wine to pair with them? Disappointing article.
Im not convinced about the hype around Argentine empanadas. I mean, theyre tasty and all, but lets not overlook other delicious Latin American dishes. Are we sleeping on Peruvian ceviche or Brazilian feijoada? Just sayin.
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