Spicy pork & olive empanadas

Spicy pork & olive empanadas feature a savory filling of seasoned ground pork, olives, and chili peppers, wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Paired with a refreshing salad of avocado, cucumber, and lettuce, they offer a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

03 Jan 2026
Cook time 25 min
Prep time 15 min

Ingredients:

1 tbsp olive oil
1 red onion
14 oz ground pork
2 red hot chili peppers
1/3 cup olives
1/4 cup coriander leaves
3 sheets puff pastry
1 avocado
1 cucumber
salt & pepper to taste
4 cups lettuce

Spicy pork & olive empanadas make for a delicious and satisfying meal that's perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. With a flavorful filling of seasoned pork, vibrant olives, and a bit of heat from red hot chili peppers, all wrapped in flaky puff pastry, these empanadas are sure to impress. They're paired with a refreshing salad of avocado, cucumber, and lettuce to balance the spiciness and make for a well-rounded dish.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Filling:
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the finely chopped red onion and sauté until it becomes translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Add the ground pork to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, for approximately 7-8 minutes.
4. Stir in the finely chopped red hot chili peppers and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, then add the chopped olives and coriander leaves. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.

2. Prepare the Pastry:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Roll out the puff pastry sheets slightly on a lightly floured surface. Cut each sheet into 4 equal squares.
3. Place a spoonful of the pork mixture in the center of each square.
4. Fold the pastry over to create a triangular shape, and press the edges together with a fork to seal.

3. Bake the Empanadas:
1. Place the filled and sealed empanadas on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

4. Prepare the Salad:
1. While the empanadas are baking, prepare the salad by combining the diced avocado, sliced cucumber, and shredded lettuce in a large bowl.
2. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Serve:
1. Remove the empanadas from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
2. Serve the empanadas warm with a side of the fresh avocado and cucumber salad.

Once your spicy pork & olive empanadas are baked to golden perfection, serve them hot with a side of the refreshing avocado-cucumber salad. These empanadas are not only delicious but also versatile, making them a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Enjoy the savory, spicy flavors and the delightful contrast of textures from the crispy pastry and the tender filling.

Spicy pork & olive empanadas FAQ:

What is the baking time for the empanadas?

Bake the empanadas in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and puffed.

How do I know when the pork filling is fully cooked?

The pork should be browned and no longer pink in the center, which usually takes about 7-8 minutes when sautéed at medium heat.

Can I use a different type of meat for the filling?

Yes, you can substitute the ground pork with ground beef, chicken, or turkey. Adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the meat is fully cooked.

How should I store leftover empanadas?

Store leftover empanadas in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven to maintain their crispness.

What can I use instead of puff pastry?

If you don’t have puff pastry, you can use pie crust or make your own dough. Keep in mind that the texture will be different from traditional empanadas.

Tips:

- Ensure the puff pastry is chilled before working with it to make it easier to handle and create better puffing in the oven.

- For a more intense flavor, marinate the ground pork with your favorite spices for a few hours before cooking.

- When chopping the chili peppers, consider using gloves to avoid irritating your skin or eyes.

- To prevent the empanadas from becoming soggy, make sure the filling is not too wet and the puff pastry edges are well-sealed.

- Serve with a side of sour cream or a yogurt dip to add a cooling element that complements the heat from the chili peppers.

Nutrition per serving

4 Servings
Calories 1490kcal
Protein 44g
Carbohydrates 100g
Fiber 9g
Sugar 7g
Fat 110g

Spicy pork & olive empanadas