Beef empanadas are a classic Latin American dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser. This dish is loved by people all over the world. They are savory, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Whether you’re making them for a party, a family dinner, or just as a snack, they are sure to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
However, when it comes to serving them with sides, it can be a bit overwhelming. So, what to serve with beef empanadas to complete your meal?
Side dishes can make or break your meal, and you don’t want your guests to leave hungry or unsatisfied. Fear not! You don’t want to serve the same boring sides every time!
We’ve got you covered with perfect side dishes to serve with beef empanadas. These dishes are quick, easy, and, most importantly, delicious.
What is beef empanadas? What does beef empanadas taste like?
Beef Empanadas are a type of savory pastry that is popular in various countries around the world.
They have a turnover-style pastry crust filled with spiced minced beef, onions and other ingredients depending on the recipe variations. The filling is wrapped in the pastry, sealed and then baked until golden brown.
Beef Empanadas have a unique savory flavor with hints of garlic, onion and spices, which complements the juicy meat filling perfectly.
13 Best Sides to serve with beef empanadas
1. Classic Salsa and Guacamole
Nothing complements a beef empanada better than a dish of fresh, homemade salsa and guacamole.
The tangy, spicy kick of the salsa and the creamy coolness of guacamole perfectly balances the richness of the empanadas.
You can serve it as an appetizer or side dish, and it’s guaranteed to be a hit.
2. Black Beans and Rice
Black Beans and Rice is an ideal classic side dish that’s easy to make and goes well with almost anything.
Black beans and rice provide a great balance to the beef empanadas and are often served together.
You can incorporate some spice to the rice to give it a nice kick or keep it simple with plain rice and beans.
3. Roasted Vegetables
If you’re looking for something healthy and delicious to serve with beef empanadas, roasted vegetables should be on your list.
You can use any veggies you like, but bell peppers, zucchini, and onions go great together. Mizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with spices and roast in the cookstove until tender and crispy.
4. Corn on the Cob
The sweet and crunchy corn on the cob is the perfect complement to rich beef empanadas.
You can grill or boil the corn, then slather them with butter and sprinkle with salt and chili powder for an extra kick.
Discover More: 17 Delicious And Amazing Vegetarian Dishes To Serve With Corn On The Cob
5. Potato Salad
A classic potato salad is always a good idea, especially when you’re serving beef empanadas.
You can use boiled or roasted potatoes, then add some spices, mayo, and chopped veggies. It’s cold, refreshing and adds a nice balance to the rich empanadas.
6. Coleslaw
Coleslaw is another refreshing side dish that provides a decent contrast to the rich and savory beef empanadas.
You can make it with shredded cabbage, carrots, and onions, then mix in some mayo or vinegar dressing. It’s a quick and easy side dish that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
7. Cilantro Rice
Cilantro rice is a light and flavorful side dish that goes well with beef empanadas.
You can prepare it by cooking rice with chicken broth and adding fresh cilantro, green onions, and lime juice. It’s fragrant, colorful, and packed with delicious flavors.
8. Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri Sauce
If you’re grilling your beef empanadas, you can also grill some vegetables and drizzle them with chimichurri sauce.
This tangy and herby sauce is made with parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, and olive oil. It’s perfect for providing an extra layer of flavor to grilled veggies and empanadas.
9. Fried Plantains
Fried plantains are a typical Latin American side dish that goes well with beef empanadas. They are crunchy, sweet, and addictive.
You can slice them, fry them until golden brown, then sprinkle them with salt or sugar. They’re perfect for balancing the savory flavors of the empanadas.
10. Pico de Gallo
Pico de Gallo is a fresh and tangy side dish made with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapenos, and lime juice.
It’s a great salsa alternative that adds a bright kick to any dish. Serve it with beef empanadas for a delicious combo.
11. Salad
A fresh salad is a great side dish to balance the heavy flavors of beef empanadas. A simple lettuce, tomato, and cucumber salad with a squeeze of lime juice is perfect.
Explore More: 10 Quick and Amazing Dishes to Serve with Chicken Caesar Salad
12. Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri Sauce is an Argentinean condiment that is ideal for adding a tangy kick to your empanadas.
With parsley, garlic, and vinegar, it’s a flavorful condiment that pairs well with beef empanadas. (Recipe)
13. Fried Yucca
Fried Yucca is a starchy root vegetable. It is amazing when fried or baked. It’s the perfect side dish for adding a bit of texture and flavor to your empanadas.
What are the best flavors to go with beef empanadas?
Beef empanadas are a savory, traditional dish that can be found in many Latin American countries.
As such, the best flavors for beef empanadas depend largely on what ingredients are most popular in each region.
In Mexico, for example, green chili peppers, onions and garlic give the empanada filling an extra kick of flavor.
In Brazil, spicy chorizo sausage is often added to the mix, giving it a rich and smoky flavor.
In Argentina, oregano and parsley are added to give the beef empanadas a hint of freshness and herbal flavor.
Other classic ingredients include potatoes, black beans or mushrooms.
Notwithstanding the recipe used to make beef empanadas, certain spices are essential for bringing out the savory flavors of the dish.
Cumin and paprika give it a distinctive earthy flavor, while oregano adds a hint of sweetness and warmth.
For a bit of heat and depth of flavor, red pepper flakes or cayenne powder can also be added.
Other herbs like rosemary or thyme bring out an herbal character that complements the beefy filling nicely.
Finally, no traditional beef empanada is complete without cheese!
Sharp cheddar cheese is most commonly used, but mozzarella or feta can add a creamy texture and salty bite that rounds out the dish perfectly.
If you looking to experiment with new flavors in their empanadas, adding roasted bell peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can also make for delicious variations on this classic Latin American staple!
Find Out More: A Guide to Serving Empanadas with Creative and Delicious Side Dishes
How do you jazz up beef empanadas?
Beef empanadas can be jazzed up by adding various vegetables, such as onions, bell peppers, or carrots.
You could also add some garlic or spices to give the empanadas a more flavorful kick.
For extra flavor and texture, try folding in some chopped olives or capers before baking.
Another option is to top the empanada with cheese just before baking for a delicious cheesy crust.
Finally, consider adding a few tablespoons of salsa or hot sauce for an even spicier variation of beef empanadas.
How do you display beef empanadas on a platter?
Beef empanadas can be served on a platter in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Start by arranging the empanadas in a circular pattern, with small gaps between each one so they are easily seen.
You can also arrange them in a row or a star-like shape to make them look more interesting.
To add color and texture to the platter, you can surround the empanadas with some lettuce leaves or other different fresh herbs such as parsley, basil or coriander.
You could also sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese, diced red peppers or olives around the plate for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Finally, you could garnish the platter with lemon slices or wedges for an extra zesty finish.
What sauce do you serve with beef empanadas?
There are many sauces that can be utilized to enhance the flavor of beef empanadas. Here are five of the best:
1. Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri Sauce is a traditional Argentinian sauce of garlic, herbs, olive oil, and vinegar; Chimichurri adds a bright and tangy flavor to beef empanadas.
2. Salsa Verde
Salsa Verde is made with tomatillos, green peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro blended into a flavorful paste-like sauce, salsa verde is mild in heat but high in flavor – perfect for beef empanadas.
3. Roasted Tomatillo Salsa
Roasted Tomatillo Salsa is a freshly roasted version of salsa verde that has a smoky depth that pairs perfectly with beef empanadas. It’s easy to make and incredibly delicious.
4. Avocado Crema
Creamy avocado crema combines avocados with sour cream and spices to make a cool accompaniment for warm beef empanadas. (Recipe)
5. Cilantro Lime Sauce
Fragrant cilantro and tart lime juice blend together for this zesty finish to any beef empanada dish. Add some jalapenos or serrano peppers for an extra kick!
Learn More: Best Wine for Beef Bourguignon: Ultimate Pairing
Wrap Up on what to serve with beef empanadas
In conclusion, there are many amazing side dishes that you can serve with beef empanadas.
From classic salsa and guacamole to roasted vegetables and fried plantains, your options are endless.
Just keep in mind the flavors and textures that will complement the rich, savory flavor of the beef empanadas.
With these ten side dishes, you’re guaranteed to have a complete and satisfying meal that your guests will love.
FAQs
How much beef empanadas per person?
If you’re serving beef empanadas as part of your meal, it’s best to plan on having about two per person. This will ensure that everyone has enough to enjoy but won’t leave them feeling overly full.
The amount may vary depending on the size of the empanadas and the number of guests you’ll be serving.
For a more accurate estimate, consider the size of each empanada and adjust the portion size accordingly.
If your empanadas are smaller, plan on providing three per person instead of two.
Additionally, if you’re serving side dishes with your meal, you may want to adjust the portions accordingly so that everyone can comfortably enjoy all the dishes without being overly full or hungry.
What is traditionally served with empanadas?
Traditionally, empanadas are served with a variety of side dishes that depend on the region of origin.
In Latin America, they are usually accompanied by salads made with fresh tomatoes, onions and peppers, refreshing drinks such as aguas frescas or horchata, and starchy staples like potatoes and rice.
In Argentina, chimichurri sauce is often served on the side.
To add a little sweetness to the meal, many people enjoy having a dessert empanada filled with fruit fillings like Dulce de Leche or Nutella.
Other accompaniments include salsa criolla (which is composed of red onion slices in lime juice), salsas verde (green sauce made from tomatillos) and guacamole.
What do you eat with empanadas in Argentina?
Empanadas in Argentina are usually served with a side of spicy salsa criolla, made from chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, and peppers.
This sauce provides an extra layer of flavor to the empanadas and helps to balance out the salty and savory flavors of the dough.
Another popular side that goes well with empanadas in Argentina is a simple green salad dressed with a vinaigrette.
The freshness of the lettuce contrasts nicely with the heavier flavors of the empanada filling.
Additionally, some people like to dip their empanadas in chimichurri sauce – a savory combination of olive oil, parsley, oregano, garlic, and vinegar.
Finally, many Argentinians enjoy pairing their empanadas with a cold beer for an easy and delicious meal.
what to serve with Argentinian empanadas?
Argentinian empanadas are a delicious savory pastry that can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or side dish.
Traditionally, Argentinian empanadas are served with a chimichurri sauce, which is a tangy and flavorful garlic and herb-based condiment that adds a great punch of flavor to the empanadas.
To complement the flavors of the chimichurri sauce, it’s also common to serve Argentinian empanadas with a fresh salad, such as an arugula and tomato salad or a crunchy slaw made from cabbage and sweet peppers.
For those who may want to add some sweetness to the meal, Argentinian-style dulce de leche is often served alongside empanadas for added depth of flavor.
A glass of cold beer pairs nicely with this traditional meal.
What kind of salad goes with beef empanadas?
Beef empanadas are a delicious Argentinian dish that pairs well with many types of salads.
For example, a crisp green salad with cucumber, tomato, and a light vinaigrette is an excellent accompaniment to beef empanadas.
Another tasty option would be a grain-based salad such as quinoa or couscous with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant.
If you’re looking for something heartier, you could also opt for a Caesar salad or arugula and feta cheese salad.
For added richness and flavor, top your salad off with some fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley.
What to serve with Chilean empanadas?
Chilean empanadas are traditionally served with a variety of accompaniments to help bring out their rich flavors.
Common sides for empanadas include spicy sauces, such as criolla or pebre, as well as a classic Chilean salad of tomatoes, onions, and avocado seasoned with lime juice.
Other popular condiments that pair perfectly with empanadas include ham-and-cheese croquettes and chorizo sausage cooked in either white wine or beer.
To round out the meal, traditional Chilean beverages like mote con huesillo can also be served alongside the empanadas.
Mote con huesillo is made from wheat cooked in a sugary syrup and then mixed with dried peaches and apricots and sweetened condensed milk.
What to serve with Colombian empanadas?
Colombian empanadas are a delicious snack that pairs perfectly with a variety of sides.
Depending on the flavors of your empanadas, you can choose to go with a traditional Colombian side such as patacones (fried plantains) or with a more modern accompaniment like a fresh green salad.
Some other great options for sides include rice dishes, soups, and stews.
You can also serve Colombian empanadas with an array of sauces, including chimichurri, cilantro, garlic sauce, and guacamole.
These will add extra flavor and spiciness to your meal as well as give it an authentic Columbian flair.
For something sweet to finish off the meal, try serving cubiertas (fried dough) with honey or caramel drizzled over the top.
With these flavorful additions, your Colombian empanada feast is sure to be one to remember!
