Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe

Jamaican beef patties are a beloved street food known for their flaky, golden crust and savoury, spiced beef filling. Originating from Jamaica, these patties have gained worldwide popularity for their delicious flavour and satisfying texture. Perfect as a snack or a main course, these beef patties are sure to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your kitchen.

Prep Time: 15 minutes  Cook Time: 30 minutes  Serving Size: 8  patties Difficulty: Moderate

Ingredients:

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup cold shortening, cubed
• 1/2 cup ice-cold water

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 scotch bonnet pepper, minced (optional for heat)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp thyme (fresh or dry)
• 1 tsp allspice
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp bread crumbs
• 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions:


Prepare the Dough:

1. In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and turmeric.
2. Add the cold butter and shortening. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
3. Gradually add ice-cold water, mixing until the dough comes together. Form the dough into a ball, wrap it in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Prepare the Filling:

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the onion, green onions, scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and garlic to the skillet. Cook until the onions are translucent.
3. Stir in the thyme, allspice, paprika, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add the beef broth and soy sauce. Simmer until the liquid is reduced.
5. Stir in the bread crumbs and cook until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.

Assemble the Patties:

1.  Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut into circles (about 6 inches in diameter).
3.  Place a heaping tablespoon of the beef filling onto one half of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape and crimp the edges with a fork to seal.
4. Place the patties on the prepared baking sheet and brush with the beaten egg.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the patties are golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade Jamaican beef patties, perfect for a taste of the Caribbean right at home!