Irresistible Jamaican Beef Patties Bursting with Flavor Recipe

Introduction

Jamaican beef patties are golden, flaky pastries filled with a spicy, savory beef mixture. This irresistible recipe captures the authentic flavors and makes for a perfect snack or meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 2 cups Plain Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric (optional)
• 1 cup Frozen Unsalted Butter (keep very cold)
• 1/2 cup Frozen Vegetable Shortening (can substitute with more butter)
• 4-6 tablespoons Icy Cold Water (use as needed)
• 1 pound Minced Beef (or plant-based options)
• 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 1 small Onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (or gluten-free options)
• 1/2 cup Beef Stock (or vegetable stock)
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (or tamari)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Thyme Leaves (or dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon Jamaican Curry Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice (or nutmeg and cloves)
• 1 large Egg (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine plain flour, salt, and ground turmeric. Cut the cold butter and vegetable shortening into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
2. Step 2: Gradually add icy cold water, mixing gently, until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the minced beef until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, thyme, black pepper, curry powder, and cayenne pepper if using.
4. Step 4: Pour in beef stock and soy sauce, then simmer until the mixture thickens, around 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in breadcrumbs, and allow the filling to cool.
5. Step 5: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Roll out the chilled dough to about 3 mm thick and cut out circles using a round cutter.
6. Step 6: Place about 30 ml of the cooled filling on one half of each dough circle, fold over, and seal the edges with a fork.
7. Step 7: Arrange the patties on a lined baking tray, brush the tops with beaten egg, and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
8. Step 8: Let the patties cool slightly before serving to enjoy their full flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, substitute minced beef with chopped mushrooms or plant-based mince.
• Keep your butter and shortening very cold for the flakiest pastry texture.
• Add extra cayenne pepper if you prefer more heat in the filling.
• Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness. For longer storage, freeze baked patties wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare the dough and filling in advance?

Yes, both the dough and filling can be made ahead and kept refrigerated for up to 24 hours before assembling and baking.

What can I use if I don’t have vegetable shortening?

You can substitute vegetable shortening with an equal amount of cold unsalted butter for similar results in the pastry.

Irresistible Jamaican Beef Patties Bursting with Flavor Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

These irresistible Jamaican Beef Patties are flaky, golden, and bursting with a spicy, savory beef filling. Using a perfectly flaky pastry crust paired with a robustly seasoned minced beef filling, these patties make for a delicious snack or meal inspired by Caribbean flavors.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8–10 patties 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Caribbean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Dough

• 2 cups Plain Flour
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1 teaspoon Ground Turmeric (optional)
• 1 cup Frozen Unsalted Butter (keep very cold)
• 1/2 cup Frozen Vegetable Shortening (can substitute with more butter)
• 4–6 tablespoons Icy Cold Water (use as needed)

For the Filling

• 1 pound Minced Beef (or plant-based options)
• 2 cloves Garlic Cloves (minced)
• 1 small Onion (chopped)
• 1/2 cup Breadcrumbs (or gluten-free options)
• 1/2 cup Beef Stock (or vegetable stock)
• 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (or tamari)
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Black Pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon Thyme Leaves (or dried thyme)
• 1 tablespoon Jamaican Curry Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice (or nutmeg and cloves)

For Assembly & Finishing

• 1 large Egg (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Dough Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine plain flour, salt, and ground turmeric. Cut in the cold, frozen unsalted butter and vegetable shortening using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add icy cold water, mixing gently, just until a dough forms. Shape the dough into a disc, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to chill.
2. Filling Preparation: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the minced beef. Cook until browned, stirring frequently, about 5-7 minutes. Add the chopped onions, minced garlic, thyme, ground black pepper, Jamaican curry powder, and optional cayenne pepper. Stir well to combine. Pour in the beef stock and soy sauce and simmer the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it thickens, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture, and allow the filling to cool completely.
3. Patties Assembly: Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough to about 3 mm thickness. Use a round cutter (about 5-6 inches diameter) to cut out circles. Place approximately 30 ml (2 tablespoons) of the cooled beef filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and press the edges together, sealing them tightly with the tines of a fork.
4. Baking: Arrange the assembled patties on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Beat the egg and brush it generously over the tops to achieve a glossy, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the patties are puffed and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute the minced beef with plant-based mince for a vegetarian version, though the taste and texture will vary.
• For gluten-free patties, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
• Keep the butter and shortening well chilled for a flaky, tender pastry.
• If you prefer spicier patties, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• The filling can be made a day in advance and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.

Keywords: Jamaican beef patties, spicy beef pastry, Caribbean snack, savory pastries, Jamaican cuisine