Looking for a tasty snack? Try the 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnover! This savory delight, also known as Pastelillo De Carne or Empanadilla, is the ultimate comfort food. And the best part? It's only 96 calories per serving!

This traditional Puerto Rican snack is made with flaky dough and a meaty filling that's bursting with spices and seasoning. It's easy to find at street stands or local bakeries in Puerto Rico, but you can also make it at home with pre-made dough and ground beef.

In this article, we'll dive into the world of 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers and explore why they're such a beloved snack in Puerto Rico and beyond. We'll also share some tips on how to make your own delicious turnovers at home!

Made with Savory Meat Filling and Flaky Dough

The key to a great 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnover is the combination of savory meat filling and flaky dough. The filling is usually made with ground beef, although variations with cheese, seafood, or other meats are also popular. It's sautéed with onions, peppers, and a blend of spices that give it a delicious flavor. The dough for this pastry is made with flour, water, salt, and shortening. It's kneaded until it's smooth and elastic and then rolled out into a thin sheet. The filling is then spooned onto the dough, and the dough is folded over and crimped to seal in the goodness. Once the turnovers are assembled, they're fried until they're golden and crispy on the outside and hot and juicy on the inside. The result is a snack that's bursting with flavor and texture. The flaky dough provides a satisfying crunch, while the meat filling is seasoned to perfection. It's no wonder that so many people love this snack!

Easy to Find at Street Stands or Bakeries in Puerto Rico

If you're in Puerto Rico, you'll have no trouble finding 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers. They're a common sight at street stands, local bakeries, and grocery stores. You can grab one on the go for a quick and satisfying snack, or you can sit down and enjoy them with a cup of coffee or a cold beer. Many bakeries in Puerto Rico also offer variations of the classic meat turnover. You might find turnovers with different fillings, such as cheese, chicken, ham, or even pizza toppings. Some bakeries also offer sweet turnovers, filled with fruit, custard, or chocolate. Whatever your taste, you'll find something to please your palate. If you're not in Puerto Rico, don't despair! You can still enjoy this delicious snack by making it at home. Keep reading to learn how.

Variations of Filling Are Common, Including Cheese or Seafood

While the classic 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnover is made with ground beef, there are many other variations to try. Some people prefer to make them with chicken, pork, or ham, while others like to add cheese, vegetables, or seafood to the filling. The possibilities are endless! You can experiment with different spices, too. Some recipes call for cumin, oregano, or paprika, while others use adobo seasoning, garlic, or hot pepper flakes. Whatever you choose, be sure to taste the filling before you assemble the turnovers to make sure it's seasoned to your liking. If you want to try a sweet turnover, you can fill the dough with fruit preserves, cream cheese, or Nutella. These turnovers are usually baked instead of fried and make a delicious dessert or breakfast pastry.

A Traditional Comfort Food Loved by Locals

1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers are more than just a snack. They're a beloved part of Puerto Rican cuisine and culture. Many people have fond childhood memories of eating turnovers with their families or friends. They're often served at parties, festivals, and other special occasions. The snack has also been embraced by the Puerto Rican diaspora, with bakeries and restaurants serving the turnovers in cities across the United States and beyond. It's a delicious taste of home for Puerto Ricans living far from the island. In Puerto Rico, you'll find turnovers everywhere from food trucks to fancy restaurants. They're a versatile snack that can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere.

Simple to Make at Home with pre-made Dough and Ground Beef

If you want to make 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers at home, you don't need to be a master chef. The basic ingredients are simple: pre-made dough, ground beef, onions, peppers, and spices. You can find pre-made dough in the frozen section of most grocery stores, or you can make your own from scratch if you're feeling ambitious. To make the filling, you'll need to brown the ground beef in a skillet with some chopped onions and peppers. Once the meat is cooked through, you can add your spices and seasonings. Let the filling cool slightly before you assemble the turnovers. To assemble the turnovers, simply cut the dough into circles using a cookie cutter or a drinking glass. Spoon some filling onto one half of the circle, leaving a small margin around the edge. Fold the other half of the dough over the filling and use a fork to crimp the edges together. Fry the turnovers in hot oil until they're golden brown, and then let them cool on a wire rack. That's it!

Perfect Addition to Any Party or Gathering

If you're hosting a party or gathering, 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers are a great snack to serve. They're easy to make in large batches, and they're filling enough to satisfy hungry guests. Plus, they're a fun and unique addition to any party spread. You can serve the turnovers as an appetizer or as part of a buffet. Pair them with other Puerto Rican snacks, such as tostones (fried plantains) or mofongo (mashed plantains with garlic and pork cracklings). Or, you can serve them with a simple dipping sauce made from mayonnaise, ketchup, and hot sauce. No matter how you serve them, your guests are sure to love these flavorful and satisfying snacks.

A Snack that Can Be Enjoyed at Any Time of Day

One of the great things about 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers is that they're a snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day. They make a great breakfast pastry, especially if you fill them with eggs and cheese. Or, you can enjoy them as a midday snack or an evening treat. In Puerto Rico, it's common to eat turnovers as a late-night snack after a night out with friends. They're the perfect way to satisfy a craving for something savory and filling. No matter when you decide to enjoy this snack, you'll be glad you did.

Filled with Spices and Seasoning that Tantalize Your Taste Buds

One of the things that sets 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers apart from other snacks is the spice and seasoning in the filling. Puerto Rican cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful spices, and the turnovers are no exception. The filling is usually seasoned with a blend of spices that might include cumin, oregano, paprika, adobo seasoning, garlic, and hot pepper flakes. The result is a snack that's bursting with flavor and aroma. If you're someone who likes their food with a bit of a kick, you'll love these turnovers. They're not overly spicy, but they have just enough heat to keep your taste buds happy.

A Heartier Option than Traditional Finger Foods

If you're looking for a snack that's a bit heartier than traditional finger foods like chips and dip or popcorn, 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers are a great choice. They're filling enough to be a meal on their own, especially if you pair them with a side salad or some fruit. The turnovers are also a great option if you need a quick lunch on the go. You can grab one from a street stand or bakery and enjoy it while you're out and about. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers are a satisfying and delicious snack that won't leave you hungry.

Low in Calories Compared to Other Fried Foods

If you're trying to watch your calorie intake, 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers are a great snack choice. They're lower in calories than many other fried foods, such as French fries or fried chicken. One 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnover contains 96 calories, which makes it a relatively low-calorie snack. Plus, it's a good source of protein, which can help you stay full and satisfied between meals. Of course, like any snack food, you should enjoy 1 Oz Puerto Rican Style Meat Turnovers in moderation. But if you're looking for a tasty and satisfying snack that won't blow your calorie budget, this snack is definitely worth considering.