Crispy Filipino Pork Empanada Recipe: Golden Authenticity

Why You’ll Love these Authentic Filipino Empanadas

Nostalgia comes wrapped in a perfectly crisp golden package with these Filipino pork empanadas.

I’m convinced you’ll fall head over heels for the contrast between the flaky, layered pastry and the savory-sweet filling inside. The combination of ground pork, potatoes, and that surprising hint of raisins creates a flavor symphony that’s absolutely irresistible.

What makes these truly special is the traditional method of creating those tissue-thin layers—brushing with lard and rolling jelly-roll style creates a pastry that shatters delicately with each bite.

Trust me, the fluted edges aren’t just pretty; they seal in all that delicious filling!

What Ingredients are in Authentic Filipino Empanadas?

Filipino empanadas are a treasure trove of flavors, combining savory ground pork with the unexpected sweetness of raisins and a hint of pickle relish. What makes these empanadas truly special is the intricate pastry dough that creates those delicate, flaky layers we all crave.

The ingredients might seem like a lengthy list at first glance, but each component plays an essential role in developing that authentic taste and texture that transports you straight to a Filipino kitchen.

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For the Pastry Dough:

• 4 cups flour
• 3 egg yolks, beaten
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2/3 cup water
• 1/4 cup lard (for brushing)
• Cornstarch (for dusting)

For the Filling:

• 1/2 kg (about 1 pound) ground pork
• 4 potatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup lard
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional)
• 1 chopped onion
• 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
• 1 cup boiled minced garbanzo beans
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Hard-boiled eggs, sliced (for assembly)

When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your lard makes a difference in both the pastry’s flakiness and the filling’s richness.

Can’t find lard? Vegetable shortening works as a substitute, though you’ll miss some of that traditional flavor. For a more authentic experience, seek out Filipino sweet pickle relish, which differs slightly from American varieties.

And while MSG is traditional, you can certainly omit it if you prefer—just add a touch more salt or a splash of soy sauce to maintain that savory depth that makes these empanadas so mouthwateringly good.

How to Make these Authentic Filipino Empanadas

To make these crispy Filipino pork empanadas, start by preparing the dough. Mix 3 beaten egg yolks with 2/3 cup water, 2 tablespoons sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until well combined. Add this mixture to 4 cups of flour and knead thoroughly until you achieve a smooth dough. The dough should feel elastic but not sticky. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes—this resting period allows the gluten to relax, making the dough easier to roll out later.

Next, roll the dough on a board lightly dusted with cornstarch until it’s very thin. Brush the surface generously with pork lard. Now comes the unique part—roll the dough tightly like a jelly roll, then cut it very finely (about 2mm slices). This technique creates those beautiful flaky layers that make Filipino empanadas so special.

Form your empanada by pinching portions of dough, placing the rolled pieces (ojadre) on top, and brushing with melted lard. Cover with a thin banana leaf shaped into a round form. Place a tablespoon of your prepared filling in the center, add a slice of hard-boiled egg, then fold the dough over to create a turnover shape. Flute the edges to seal, then fry in hot oil until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Using a complete Filipino cooking appliance set will ensure proper temperature control and even cooking for perfectly crisp empanadas.

For the savory filling, heat 1/4 cup lard in a pan, then add the chopped onion, garlic, and 1/2 kg ground pork. Cook until the pork begins to brown. Add 4 diced potatoes, 1/2 cup raisins, 1/4 cup sugar, 1/2 teaspoon MSG, 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish, and 1 cup of boiled minced garbanzo beans.

Pour in 1/2 cup water and simmer until the potatoes are tender and the flavors meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add 4 tablespoons of flour and stir well until everything is thoroughly combined. The filling should be thick enough to hold its shape when cooled—nobody wants a leaky empanada, trust me.

Let the filling cool completely before assembling your empanadas for the best results.

Authentic Filipino Empanadas Substitutions and Variations

While traditional Filipino empanadas follow specific recipes passed down through generations, I’ve learned that adaptability is part of what makes these pastries so beloved.

You can easily substitute ground chicken or beef for pork, or create vegetarian versions using mushrooms and extra garbanzos. Don’t have pickle relish? Try finely diced bell peppers for that sweet crunch. Raisins can be swapped with currants or omitted entirely if they’re not your thing.

The dough itself welcomes experimentation too—some families use butter instead of lard for a different flavor profile, while others add a touch of vinegar for extra flakiness.

What to Serve with Authentic Filipino Empanadas

When serving these golden, crispy empanadas, what could possibly complement their savory-sweet pork filling better than traditional Filipino side dishes?

I love pairing these pastries with a tangy side of atchara (pickled green papaya) whose acidity cuts through the richness perfectly.

A small bowl of spicy vinegar dipping sauce adds that delightful kick, while pancit bihon (rice noodles) makes the meal more substantial.

Don’t forget ice-cold calamansi juice—its citrusy brightness refreshes the palate between bites!

For a complete merienda spread, I’ll add bibingka (rice cake) or puto (steamed rice cakes) for a sweet counterpoint to the savory empanadas.

Final Thoughts

These traditional Filipino empanadas represent more than just a recipe—they’re a connection to culinary heritage that spans generations. The delicate balance of crispy, flaky dough with savory pork filling creates something truly magical when done right.

I’m always amazed at how something seemingly simple—flour, eggs, pork, potatoes—transforms into such a complex flavor profile. The sweet-savory contrast from the raisins and pickle relish against the seasoned meat is nothing short of brilliant.

Whether you’re making these for a special occasion or weekend treat, they’ll transport you to Filipino kitchens where hands have shaped these golden pockets for centuries.