Easy Empanada Sauce Recipe for Dipping

This Empanada Sauce is a tantalizing recipe with just a few simple ingredients and a burst of tangy goodness. You get a homemade dipping sauce in no time and have the perfect accompaniment to elevate your empanadas.

 

What are Empanadas?

Empanadas are delightful savory pastries that originate from Latin America, although variations of them are found in many cultures around the world. They consist of a filling encased in dough, which is then either baked or fried until golden and crispy.

Empanadas can be filled with a wide variety of ingredients, ranging from seasoned meats like beef or chicken, to vegetables, cheese, and even sweet fillings like fruits or dulce de leche.

They’re often enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even as a main course, and their portable nature makes them perfect for on-the-go eating or sharing at gatherings.

 

What ingredients are needed for Empanada Sauce?

To prepare Empanada Sauce, you will need a 14 oz can of diced tomatoes, 2 cloves of garlic that need to be crushed or minced, 4 green onions finely chopped, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin, and 1/4 teaspoon of chili powder.

You will also need the juice of 1 lime, which you can extract by cutting the lime in half and squeezing it over a bowl to collect the juice. Finally, add salt and black pepper to taste.

 

How to make Empanada Sauce

As equipment, you need a food processor to make this Empanada sauce. The steps are super straightforward:

Start by peeling the garlic cloves and washing the green onions. Also, trim them off top and bottom, then cut them into inch-size pieces.

Now add the diced tomatoes to the bowl of the food processor. Add further the garlic, green onions, and the juice of the lime. Season with cumin, chili powder, and finally salt and black pepper to taste.

Pulse everything a few times until there are no more large pieces. Do not overprocess, you do not want to have a completely smooth paste. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for making Empanada Sauce

• This empanada sauce recipe is versatile and you can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to play around with the spices and seasoning to create your perfect flavor profile.
• Make a big batch of this sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• It also freezes well, so you can have delicious empanada sauce on hand whenever the craving strikes.

Other uses for Empanada Sauce

Don’t limit yourself to just empanadas! This tangy sauce also pairs wonderfully with other dishes:

1. Use empanada sauce as a flavorful topping or dipping sauce for tacos, burritos, or quesadillas. Its tangy and spicy notes can complement the flavors of grilled meats, beans, and vegetables beautifully.
2. Pour empanada sauce over enchiladas before baking for an extra burst of flavor. It adds depth and richness to the dish, enhancing the overall experience.
3. Use empanada sauce as a marinade or glaze for grilled meats such as chicken, pork, or beef. Its acidity and spices can help tenderize the meat while infusing it with delicious flavor.
4. Spread empanada sauce over pizza dough as a tasty alternative to traditional pizza sauce. Top with your favorite toppings and cheese for a unique and flavorful twist on homemade pizza.
5. Serve empanada sauce as a dipping sauce for crispy fried foods like chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, or even French fries. Its tangy and slightly sweet flavor profile pairs well with a variety of fried snacks.
6. Use empanada sauce as a condiment for burgers or sliders. Spread it on the bun or dollop it on top of the patty for a burst of flavor that takes your burger to the next level.
7. Drizzle empanada sauce over scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos for a zesty kick in the morning. It adds a delicious twist to your breakfast routine.

With its bold flavors and versatility, empanada sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen for adding a delicious touch to a wide range of dishes.

What other sauces can be used for dipping empanadas?

While empanada sauce is a classic and delicious choice for dipping empanadas, there are several other sauces that can also complement these savory pastries beautifully. Here are a few tasty options:

1. Chimichurri Sauce: This vibrant Argentinean sauce made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and spices adds a fresh and tangy flavor to empanadas. Its herbaceous notes pair wonderfully with the richness of the pastry and filling.

2. Salsa Verde: A tangy and slightly spicy green salsa made with tomatillos, jalapeños, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. Its bright flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the savory empanadas.

3. Avocado Crema: Creamy and indulgent, avocado crema made with ripe avocados, sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and cilantro adds a luxurious touch to empanadas. Its cool and creamy texture balances out the heat and richness of the pastry.

4. Chipotle Mayo: Spicy and smoky chipotle mayo made with mayonnaise, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. It adds a bold and creamy kick to empanadas, perfect for those who love a little heat.

5. Tomato Salsa: A classic tomato salsa made with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapeños, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Its fresh and vibrant flavors complement the savory filling of the empanadas perfectly.

6. Garlic Aioli: Creamy and garlicky aioli made with mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Its rich and indulgent flavor enhances the savory notes of the empanadas, creating a delicious pairing.

7. Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet and tangy, sweet chili sauce made with chili peppers, garlic, sugar, vinegar, and spices adds a unique flavor dimension to empanadas. Its combination of sweetness and heat makes it a delightful dipping sauce option.

Feel free to mix and match these sauces based on your preferences and the flavor profile of your empanadas. Whether you prefer something spicy, tangy, or creamy, there’s a dipping sauce out there to elevate your empanada experience!

 

If you enjoy this easy Empanada Sauce recipe, share your thoughts below, on Instagram and Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian!