Best BBQ Empanadas (Empanadas de Cerdo y Barbacoa)

Southern-style empanadas feature a savory filling of BBQ pork, cheese, and aji chile sauce.

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Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 F.

  2. Prepare empanada dough and allow it to rest for 1 hour or overnight.

  3. Combine pork BBQ, aji sauce, and grated cheese for the filling.

  4. Divide the dough into 18 pieces, roll each into a ball, then flatten into a 6-7 inch circle, letting them rest for 5 minutes.

  5. Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling on each dough circle, fold into a semicircle, and firmly press the edges to seal.

  6. Brush the sealed edge with water, then fold and crimp to create a braid-like effect.

  7. Arrange empanadas 1-2 inches apart on a baking sheet.

  8. Whisk egg yolk with 1 tablespoon of water, then brush this mixture over each empanada.

  9. Bake for approximately 25 minutes until golden brown and puffed.

  10. Serve warm or at room temperature; store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat in a 325 F oven for 10 minutes.