Spicy Tuna Empanadas: A Flavorful Treat for Any Occasion

If you’re on the lookout for a delicious appetizer, snack, or even a light lunch, these Spicy Tuna Empanadas are an excellent choice, combining rich flavors and a satisfying crunch that is sure to impress. Perfect for gatherings or a simple family meal, these little pockets of goodness are easy to prepare and full of tasty surprises.

Recipe Overview

• Total Time: 23 minutes
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch/Snacks
• Servings: 8 empanadas
• Keywords: Tuna, Brunch, Less than 30 Minutes, Oven, Easy, Inexpensive

Ingredients

Here’s a detailed list of what you’ll need to create these delightful empanadas:

Nutritional Information

To ensure you know what you’re indulging in, here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:

Instructions

Now that you have gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making these scrumptious Spicy Tuna Empanadas:

1. Prepare the Filling: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the solid white tuna, diced green chilies, black olives, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and chopped hard-boiled egg. Season this mixture with salt, pepper, and hot sauce to your taste. Once everything is in the bowl, gently toss the ingredients together using a fork until they are well combined. Finally, add ¼ cup of chunky salsa to the mixture, tossing lightly once again to ensure that every bite is packed with flavor. Set the filling aside while you prepare the empanada shells.

2. Prepare the Dough: Unroll the pie crust according to the package instructions. Using a sharp knife or a round cutter, cut out four circles, each approximately 4 inches in diameter, from each pie crust, resulting in a total of eight circles. Place these dough circles onto a baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.

3. Assemble the Empanadas: With a small dish of water nearby, wet the edges of each dough circle lightly. Spoon about ¼ cup of the prepared tuna mixture onto the center of each circle. Carefully fold each dough circle in half over the filling to create a half-moon shape. You may need to gently stretch the top piece of dough to ensure that it fully covers the filling. Press the edges of each empanada together to seal them, and for added decoration and security, use a fork to crimp the edges.

4. Vent the Empanadas: Using a sharp knife, make a few small slits in the top of each empanada. This step is essential as it allows steam to escape during baking, preventing the empanadas from bursting open and ensuring a perfectly cooked interior.

5. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once the oven is hot, place the baking sheet with the assembled empanadas in the oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the empanadas turn a beautiful golden brown color, indicating that they are cooked through and the crust is perfectly flaky.

6. Serve and Enjoy: After baking, remove the empanadas from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the baking sheet. These delightful treats can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature and are best served with additional salsa on the side for dipping. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as an appetizer before dinner, or as a light lunch, these Spicy Tuna Empanadas are sure to be a hit!

Conclusion

These Spicy Tuna Empanadas are not just easy to prepare but also a delightful way to incorporate flavors that everyone will love. They are perfect for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners, making them a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire. Try them out and enjoy the wonderful taste of this savory treat with your family and friends!

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