Do you like to try new foods from islands? Then this recipe is perfect for you! The Guamanian Empanada Recipe is full of tasty flavors.
It has a crispy outside and spicy meat inside. This food comes from the island of Guam. It mixes Spanish and Chamorro island cooking.
Making it at home is fun and special. If you like meat pies, you will love this. Your kitchen will smell really nice and yummy!
What is the Guamanian Empanada Recipe?
It is a spicy meat pie from Guam. The outside is made with corn dough and fried. It has a strong, tasty flavor from annatto.
Recipe Detail
Detail | Info |
Recipe Name | Guamanian Empanada Recipe |
Preparation Time | 25 minutes |
Cooking Time | 20 minutes |
Total Time | 45 minutes |
Servings | 10 empanadas |
Calories per Serving | ~250 kcal |
Course | Appetizer, Snack |
Cuisine | Guamanian, Chamorro |

Equipment List
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Food processor (optional)
- Frying pan
- Slotted spoon
- Spatula
- Large plate
- Paper towels
- Rolling pin
- Knife
- Pastry cutter
Ingredients For Guamanian Empanada Recipe
For Dough:
Ingredients | Amount |
Cornmeal | 2 cups |
All-purpose flour | 1½ cups |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Achiote oil | ½ cup |
Cold water | ½ cup |
For Filling:
Ingredients | Amount |
Ground beef | 1 lb |
Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
Onion powder | 1 tsp |
Salt | 1 tsp |
Black pepper | ½ tsp |
Paprika | 1 tsp |
Annatto powder | 1 tsp |
Cayenne powder (optional) | ½ tsp |
Tomato sauce | ½ cup |
For Frying:
Ingredients | Amount |
Vegetable oil (for deep frying) | As needed |
Step-by-Step Preparation | Guamanian Empanada Recipe
Step 1:
Mix cornmeal, flour, and salt in a bowl.
Step 2:
Slowly add achiote oil and cold water.
Step 3:
Knead dough until smooth. Let it rest.
Step 4:
Cook ground beef in a hot pan.
Step 5:
Add all spices and tomato sauce. Mix well.
Step 6:
Let the meat filling cool before using it.
Step 7:
Roll dough into small round flat pieces.
Step 8:
Put meat in the middle of each piece.
Step 9:
Fold dough and seal the edges tight.
Step 10:
Heat oil and fry empanadas until golden.
Step 11:
Drain on paper towels and eat warm.

Recipe Tips
- Use achiote oil to get orange color and flavor.
- Let meat cool before putting it in the dough.
- Do not use too much filling. It may leak.
- Seal the dough edges well before frying.
Nutrition Information
Nutrient | Amount |
Calories | ~250 kcal |
Total Fat | ~15g |
Saturated Fat | ~4g |
Cholesterol | ~30mg |
Sodium | ~320mg |
Carbohydrates | ~20g |
Dietary Fiber | ~2g |
Sugars | ~1g |
Protein | ~10g |
What Can You Serve with Guamanian Empanada Recipe?
- Pickled papaya
- Cucumber salad
- Red rice
- Finadene sauce
- Coconut titiyas
- Mango salsa
- Fried plantains
- Chamorro potato salad
- Grilled eggplant
- Corn soup
FAQs About Guamanian Empanada Recipe
Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, ground chicken is okay to use.
What is achiote oil?
It is oil with annatto seeds for color and taste.
Can I bake the empanadas?
Yes. Bake at 375°F for about 20 to 25 minutes.
Can I freeze uncooked empanadas?
Yes. First freeze them on a tray, then in bags.
How long can I keep cooked empanadas?
They stay fresh in the fridge for three days.
Conclusion!
The Guamanian Empanada Recipe is a yummy island snack. It is crispy, spicy, and full of great flavor.
You can make it at home with easy steps. It is good for family, parties, or weekends. Try it once, and you will want more!
Recipe Card!

Guamanian Empanada Recipe
Ingredients
For Dough:
- 2 cups cornmeal
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ cup achiote oil
- ½ cup cold water
For Filling:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon annatto powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne optional
- ½ cup tomato sauce
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil for deep frying
Instructions
Step 1:
- Mix cornmeal, flour, and salt in a bowl.
Step 2:
- Slowly add achiote oil and cold water.
Step 3:
- Knead dough until smooth. Let it rest.
Step 4:
- Cook ground beef in a hot pan.
Step 5:
- Add all spices and tomato sauce. Mix well.
Step 6:
- Let the meat filling cool before using it.
Step 7:
- Roll dough into small round flat pieces.
Step 8:
- Put meat in the middle of each piece.
Step 9:
- Fold dough and seal the edges tight.
Step 10:
- Heat oil and fry empanadas until golden.
Step 11:
- Drain on paper towels and eat warm.
Notes
- Use achiote oil to get orange color and flavor.
- Let meat cool before putting it in the dough.
- Do not use too much filling. It may leak.
- Seal the dough edges well before frying.
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