Empanadas are a popular Latin American dish that has become increasingly popular worldwide. They are a savory pastry filled with a variety of ingredients, such as meat, vegetables, or cheese. Empanadas are delicious, quick, and easy to make, and they are perfect for a snack or a meal. But what do you do when you have frozen empanadas? How do you cook them? In this article, we will guide you through the process of cooking frozen empanadas.

Preparing the Empanadas

Before you cook frozen empanadas, you need to prepare them. There are different types of frozen empanadas available, such as beef, chicken, or vegetarian. Some are baked, and others are fried. It is essential to read the instructions on the package to determine the best method of cooking.

The first thing you need to do is thaw the empanadas. You can do this by leaving them in the refrigerator overnight or by placing them on a plate at room temperature for a few hours. It is crucial to handle the empanadas carefully to avoid breaking them. Once they are thawed, you can start cooking them.

Baking the Empanadas

Baking is the most common method of cooking frozen empanadas. It is easy, healthy, and requires less oil than frying. To bake frozen empanadas, you need an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the empanadas on it, leaving some space between them. Brush them with egg wash or melted butter for a golden brown color.

Bake the empanadas for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. It is essential to turn them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are cooked evenly. Once they are done, let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Baking frozen empanadas is a healthier option than frying, but it can be less crispy. However, you can still achieve a crispy texture by brushing the empanadas with oil before baking them. Baked empanadas are perfect for a snack or a meal and can be served with salsa or guacamole.

Frying the Empanadas

Frying is another popular method of cooking frozen empanadas. It is quick, easy, and provides a crispy texture. To fry frozen empanadas, you need to heat oil in a deep frying pan or a fryer. The oil should be hot but not smoking, around 350°F (180°C). Gently place the empanadas in the oil and fry for 3-4 minutes or until they are golden brown.

It is essential to turn the empanadas over halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are cooked evenly. Once they are done, remove them from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to drain off the excess oil. Let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Fried empanadas are crispy and delicious, but they can be less healthy than baked ones. Frying adds calories and fat, which can be harmful to your health. Also, frying can be messy and requires more oil than baking. However, if you want a crispy and indulgent snack, fried empanadas are perfect. They can be served with hot sauce or chimichurri.

Baking vs. Frying Empanadas

Baking and frying are two common methods of cooking empanadas. Both methods have their pros and cons, and it depends on your preferences and needs. Baked empanadas are healthier, easy to make, and require less oil. They are perfect for a quick and simple snack or meal. On the other hand, fried empanadas are crispy, indulgent, and perfect for a party or a gathering.

When baking frozen empanadas, it is crucial to preheat the oven and turn the empanadas over halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are cooked evenly. You can also brush the empanadas with oil for a crispy texture. When frying frozen empanadas, it is essential to heat the oil to the right temperature and turn them over halfway through the cooking time to ensure they are crispy on the outside and cooked on the inside.

In conclusion, cooking frozen empanadas is easy and straightforward. You can bake them or fry them, depending on your preferences and needs. Baked empanadas are healthier, while fried empanadas are indulgent. Whatever method you choose, make sure to handle the empanadas carefully, cook them evenly, and serve them hot.