Irresistible Jamaican Beef Patties Bursting with Flavor Recipe
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
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)
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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