Authentic Jamaican Beef Patties

Name: Authentic Jamaican Beef Patties
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 100 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and levelled); 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp turmeric (for colour); 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter (cubed); 1/2 cup cold vegetable shortening (cubed); 2/3 cup ice water; 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 1 medium onion (finely chopped); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 500 g ground beef; 1 tsp allspice; 1 tsp thyme (dried); 1 tsp paprika; 1/2 tsp Scotch bonnet pepper (minced, adjust to taste); 1 cup beef broth; 1 tbsp cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)

100 min 8 servings Medium

All Recipes

Savour the flavours of Jamaica with these deliciously spiced beef patties wrapped in a flaky golden crust.

Prep

45 min

Cook

25 min

Total

100 min

Servings

Difficulty

Medium

Jamaican beef patties are a beloved staple in Caribbean cuisine, known for their spicy beef filling encased in a golden, flaky pastry. The unique combination of spices and the buttery crust make these patties a crowd-pleaser. This version stays true to its Jamaican roots with a perfectly spiced beef filling and a crust that’s both tender and crisp. It's ideal for anyone who craves a taste of the Caribbean at home. Whether you're serving them as a main course or a snack, these patties are sure to impress family and friends alike.

Instructions

Prepare the pastry

In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and turmeric. Add cold butter and shortening, cutting it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually add ice water, mixing until the dough comes together. Wrap in plastic and chill for 30 minutes.

Pro tip: Keep ingredients and equipment cold for a flakier pastry.

Cook the filling

In a skillet over medium heat, heat the oil and sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add ground beef, cooking until browned. Stir in allspice, thyme, paprika, and Scotch bonnet pepper.

Simmer the beef

Add beef broth to the skillet. Bring to a simmer and cook until liquid reduces by half. Stir in cornstarch slurry and cook until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Pro tip: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Roll out the dough

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into 6-inch circles.

Pro tip: Use a bowl as a template for even circles.

Fill the patties

Place a heaping spoonful of filling on one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over and press edges with a fork to seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

Pro tip: Brush edges with water before sealing to ensure they stick together.

Bake the patties

Place patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.

Pro tip: Rotate the tray halfway through baking for even browning.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use cold butter and ice water for the flakiest pastry.
Adjust the spice level to suit your taste by varying the amount of Scotch bonnet pepper.
Seal the edges of the patties well to prevent filling from leaking during baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Jamaican beef patties yellow?

The yellow colour of Jamaican beef patties comes from turmeric added to the pastry dough.

Can you freeze Jamaican beef patties?

Yes, you can freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

What is the filling in Jamaican beef patties?

The filling typically includes spiced ground beef with ingredients like allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet pepper.

How many calories are in a Jamaican beef patty?

Each Jamaican beef patty contains approximately 350 calories.

What is the best way to reheat Jamaican beef patties?

Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these patties warm from the oven with a side of coleslaw or a fresh green salad to balance the spices. They also pair well with a cooling yogurt dip or a tangy mango chutney. Make a batch ahead of time and freeze them uncooked. When you're ready to enjoy, simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Store baked patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition per serving

350

Calories

14g

Protein

21g

Fat

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