6 Golden Ripe Plantain Empanada Recipes – Crispy Outside, Cheesy Inside!

These golden ripe plantain empanadas are delicious, slightly sweet, crispy on the outside, and wonderfully soft on the inside. Made with a simple ripe plantain dough and filled with savory ingredients, they are perfect for lunch, dinner, snacks, or family gatherings. Here are six irresistible variations, each with complete ingredients and step-by-step instructions!

🍌 Basic Ripe Plantain Dough (For All 6 Recipes)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–30 minutes per batch
Servings: 8–10 empanadas

Ingredients

• 4 very ripe plantains (yellow with plenty of black spots)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour, plus more if needed
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Peel the plantains: Remove the skins and cut the plantains into thick pieces.
2. Cook the plantains: Place them in a pot of boiling water and cook for 12–18 minutes, until very soft and easily pierced with a fork.
3. Drain and mash: Drain thoroughly, then mash the hot plantains until smooth, without large lumps.
4. Add the butter and salt: Stir in the butter and salt until evenly combined.
5. Incorporate the starch: Allow the mash to cool until warm, then gradually mix in the cornstarch or flour. Knead gently until you have a soft dough that can be shaped without sticking excessively to your hands. Add a little more starch if necessary.
6. Divide the dough: Divide it into 8–10 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball.
7. Flatten the dough: Place each ball between two pieces of plastic wrap or baking paper. Press it into a circle about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
8. Add the filling: Place 1–2 tablespoons of your chosen filling in the center, leaving the edges clear.
9. Fold and seal: Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape. Press the edges firmly together with your fingers or a fork.
10. Fry until golden: Heat about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the empanadas in small batches for approximately 3–5 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
11. Drain and serve: Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Let them cool slightly before serving.

Helpful tip: Ripe plantain dough is naturally softer than traditional wheat dough. If it cracks, gently press the edges together. If it is too sticky, add a little more cornstarch.

---

1. 🥩 Cheesy Ground Beef Plantain Empanadas

Savory ground beef, melted cheese, and sweet plantain dough create a delicious combination that is perfect for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450 g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 batch of prepared ripe plantain dough
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Add the ground beef, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
5. Cook for 7–10 minutes, breaking the meat into small pieces, until thoroughly cooked and no pink remains.
6. Stir in the parsley and remove the skillet from the heat.
7. Allow the filling to cool slightly, then mix in the shredded cheese.
8. Prepare the plantain dough and flatten each portion into a circle.
9. Place a spoonful of beef filling in the center of each circle.
10. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges firmly.
11. Fry in 350°F (175°C) oil for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
12. Drain on paper towels and serve warm with salsa, sour cream, or your favorite dipping sauce.

---

2. 🍗 Creamy Chicken and Mozzarella Plantain Empanadas

Tender shredded chicken, creamy seasoning, and stretchy melted mozzarella make these empanadas rich, flavorful, and comforting.

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese
• ¼ cup finely chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 batch of ripe plantain dough
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
5. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Remove from the heat and mix in the cream cheese, mozzarella, and parsley.
7. Let the filling cool before assembling the empanadas.
8. Flatten the plantain dough into small circles between sheets of plastic wrap.
9. Add 1–2 tablespoons of chicken filling to each circle.
10. Fold each circle in half and press the edges firmly to seal.
11. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
12. Fry the empanadas in batches for 3–5 minutes per side, until crisp and golden.
13. Drain briefly and serve with garlic sauce or a fresh green salad.

---

3. 🧀 Ham and Cheese Plantain Empanadas

These easy empanadas combine salty ham and creamy melted cheese with the natural sweetness of ripe plantains.

Ingredients

• 1½ cups diced cooked ham
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons cream cheese, optional
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 batch of ripe plantain dough
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place the diced ham in a bowl.
2. Add the shredded cheese, cream cheese if using, parsley, and black pepper.
3. Mix until the filling is evenly combined.
4. Prepare the plantain dough and divide it into equal portions.
5. Flatten each portion into a circle about ⅛ inch (3 mm) thick.
6. Spoon a small amount of ham and cheese filling into the center.
7. Fold the dough over and press the edges together securely.
8. Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
9. Carefully add a few empanadas at a time.
10. Fry for 3–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
11. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
12. Serve warm while the cheese is still melted.

Tip: Avoid adding too much filling, as the cheese may escape through the seams during frying.

---

4. 🍤 Garlic Shrimp and Cheese Plantain Empanadas

See more on the next page