Pupusas – Authentic Salvadoran Flavor, Delivered Fresh

Menu
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Contact Us

How to Make Masa para Empanadas: The Perfect Crispy and Chewy Dough

Hola, amigos! If you’re craving the deliciously crispy yet chewy goodness of empanadas, you’ve come to the right place. Today, I’ll show you how to make masa para empanadas that will result in the best empanadas you’ve ever tasted. We’ll walk through the step-by-step process, highlight the ingredients you’ll need, and share tips on where to find these ingredients in the USA. Let’s get started on this culinary adventure!

masa para empanadas
Patricio Nahuelhual | iStock

Understanding Masa para Empanadas

Before we dive into how to make masa para empanadas, it’s important to understand what makes this dough special. Unlike other doughs, empanada masa needs to strike a perfect balance between being crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. This texture is achieved by using a combination of flour, fats, and liquids, which we’ll explore in detail.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the best masa para empanadas, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (chilled and cubed)
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon white vinegar

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Measure and Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by measuring 2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon of salt into a large mixing bowl. Mix them well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed. This forms the base of your masa para empanadas, providing structure and stability.

2. Incorporate the Butter

Next, add 1/2 cup of chilled, cubed unsalted butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work the butter into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. The key here is to keep the butter cold, which will help create flaky layers in the dough, giving your empanadas that perfect crispy texture.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 egg, 1/4 cup of cold water, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. The egg adds richness and helps bind the dough, while the vinegar tenderizes the dough, ensuring it remains chewy on the inside. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture, stirring until the dough begins to come together.

4. Knead and Rest the Dough

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead it gently for about 1-2 minutes, just until it becomes smooth and cohesive. Be careful not to overwork the dough, as this can make it tough. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out and shape.

Personal Tips and Anecdotes

I remember making masa para empanadas with my abuelita in her cozy kitchen. She always insisted on using chilled butter and letting the dough rest properly. Her empanadas were legendary in our family, with a perfectly crispy crust that gave way to a chewy, flavorful interior. These moments taught me that patience and attention to detail are key to mastering the art of empanada dough.

Rolling and Shaping the Dough

5. Roll Out the Dough

After the dough has rested, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. This makes it easier to roll out. On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Use a round cutter or a glass to cut out circles of dough, each about 4-5 inches in diameter. These will be the shells for your empanadas.

6. Fill and Seal

Place a spoonful of your favorite filling (be it meat, cheese, vegetables, or a sweet filling) in the center of each dough circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can make it difficult to seal the empanadas properly. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together to seal. Use a fork to crimp the edges, ensuring a tight seal.

7. Bake or Fry

You can either bake or fry your empanadas, depending on your preference. For baking, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the empanadas on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops with a beaten egg to give them a golden-brown finish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the empanadas are golden and crispy. For frying, heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and fry the empanadas until they are golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving.

Finding Ingredients in the USA

Finding the right ingredients for masa para empanadas in the USA is easier than you might think. Most supermarkets carry all-purpose flour, unsalted butter, eggs, and vinegar. For a more authentic touch, look for imported Latin American brands at specialty stores or online. Stores like Walmart, Target, and Latin American grocery stores often have the ingredients you need to make the perfect empanada dough.

Creating the perfect masa para empanadas is all about balancing the right ingredients and techniques. By following these steps, you’ll achieve a dough that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside, making every bite of your empanadas a delight. ¡Buen provecho! Enjoy your empanada-making journey and the delicious results that come from mastering this beloved dish.

Prev Article
Next Article

Related Articles

How to Say Loroco in English: The Delicious Flower You Need to Know
Hey there, food adventurers! If you’ve ever indulged in a …

How to Say Loroco in English: The Delicious Flower You Need to Know

Roasted Broccoli Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Side Dish
The Roasted Broccoli Recipe is a delicious and easy way …

Roasted Broccoli Recipe: A Simple and Flavorful Side Dish

Are Pupusas Good?
Are pupusas good? Yes—pupusas are cheesy, flavorful, and beloved worldwide. …

Are Pupusas Good?

Kale Pesto Recipe: A Unique and Flavorful Sauce
The Kale Pesto Recipe is a delightful twist on traditional …

Kale Pesto Recipe: A Unique and Flavorful Sauce

How to Make Crab Meat Pupusas
Learn how to make crab meat pupusas—a luxurious Salvadoran twist …

How to Make Crab Meat Pupusas

Delicious Vegan Low-Carb, Low-Calorie, Healthy Succulent Cheeseburger
Imagine a juicy, flavorful burger that’s not only vegan but …

Delicious Vegan Low-Carb, Low-Calorie, Healthy Succulent Cheeseburger

Kale Salad Recipe: A Nutritious and Flavorful Delight
The Kale Salad Recipe is a delicious and nutritious way …

Kale Salad Recipe: A Nutritious and Flavorful Delight

Costco Stores Closing and the Impact on Pupusa Supply: A Hidden Crisis in the Making
The closure of Costco stores may seem like a retail …

Costco Stores Closing and the Impact on Pupusa Supply: A Hidden Crisis in the Making

What Are Some Modern Pupusa Fillings?
While traditional pupusa fillings like cheese, beans, chicharrón (pork), and …

What Are Some Modern Pupusa Fillings?

How to Pronounce “Pupusas”: A Simple Guide for Non-Spanish Speakers
To pronounce “pupusas” like a native Salvadoran, say it as …

How to Pronounce “Pupusas”: A Simple Guide for Non-Spanish Speakers

Recent Posts

  • Why Are My Pupusas Falling Apart? 12 Fixes for Doughy Disasters
    Why Are My Pupusas Falling Apart? 12 …
  • The Ultimate History of the Pupusa
    The Ultimate History of the Pupusa
  • Can I Eat Pupusas While Pregnant? A Delicious and Safe Guide for Expecting Moms
    Can I Eat Pupusas While Pregnant? A …
  • Can Dogs Eat Pupusas? What Every Pet-Loving Pupusa Fan Should Know
    Can Dogs Eat Pupusas? What Every Pet-Loving …
  • Can Pupusas Be Baked? Exploring the Oven-Friendly Version of El Salvador’s Classic
    Can Pupusas Be Baked? Exploring the Oven-Friendly …

Pupusas – Authentic Salvadoran Flavor, Delivered Fresh

  • About Us
  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • What are pupusas?
  • 100 Must-Know Questions About Pupusas
  • 100 Types of Pupusas
  • Origin of Pupusas
  • Pupusa Etiquette
  • How to Pronounce "Pupusas"
  • Twitter
  • X
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Reddit
  • LinkedIn
© 2025 Pupusas.com

Ad Blocker Detected

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker.

Refresh