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Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe

4.5 from 404 reviews

Authentic Jamaican Beef Patties featuring a flaky, curried pastry filled with a savory, spiced ground beef mixture. This recipe combines traditional Caribbean flavors such as Jamaican curry powder, allspice, and scotch bonnet peppers to create a delicious and satisfying snack or meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Dough

  • 3 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Jamaican curry powder
  • 2 tablespoons turmeric powder
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, grated
  • 1 cup ice cold water

For the Beef Filling

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef (preferably grass-fed)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon garlic paste or minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon ginger paste or freshly grated ginger
  • Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon fresh or dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon ground Jamaican allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Jamaican curry powder
  • 12 scotch bonnet peppers, deseeded & finely chopped (use gloves)
  • 4 scallions (green onion), chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock or broth, plus more as needed
  • 1/2 cup plain breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions

  1. Make the dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, kosher salt, sugar, Jamaican curry powder, and turmeric powder until evenly combined. Grate the butter over the flour mixture and use your hands to pinch the butter into the flour until it resembles small pea-sized bits coated evenly with flour.
  2. Add water and form dough: Create a small well in the center of the mixture and pour in the ice-cold water. Use your hands to gradually bring the mixture together. Transfer the dough to a clean surface and knead by squeezing it together until you achieve a smooth, cohesive dough with no dry patches.
  3. Chill the dough: Shape the dough into a ball, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm up the butter and make the dough easier to roll out later.
  4. Prepare the beef filling: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned completely. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Add aromatics and spices: Stir in the garlic and ginger pastes, cooking briefly until fragrant. Add thyme, ground Jamaican allspice, additional curry powder, scotch bonnet peppers, and scallions. Cook this mixture for 2-3 minutes to let the spices bloom.
  6. Moisten and bind filling: Pour in chicken stock and stir for 1 minute. Stir in breadcrumbs to absorb excess moisture. Add cubed butter and stir until melted and incorporated, ensuring the filling is juicy but not watery.
  7. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position a baking rack in the center and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  8. Divide and roll out dough: Remove dough from fridge and divide into eight equal pieces (about 5 ounces each). Roll each piece into a smooth ball, then flatten with a rolling pin into rounds approximately 3 millimeters thick and 6-7 inches diameter.
  9. Fill and shape patties: Place about 4 tablespoons of beef filling on one half of each dough circle (2 tablespoons for smaller patties). Fold the empty side over to create a half-moon shape. Press edges together, then crimp firmly with a fork to seal. Tuck and roll edges under for a strong seal if desired.
  10. Bake the patties: Arrange patties on the prepared baking sheet with space between them. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the crust is light golden brown and flaky.
  11. Cool and serve: Let the patties cool for 5 minutes after baking. Serve warm as a delicious snack or meal. Enjoy your authentic Jamaican beef patties!

Notes

  • Use gloves when handling scotch bonnet peppers to avoid skin irritation.
  • If beef filling is too dry after cooking, add a splash more chicken stock to keep it moist.
  • Chilling the dough is important for a flaky crust and easier rolling.
  • You can adjust the size of patties to make more smaller portions or fewer larger ones.
  • Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb or chicken for variation.
  • Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking for even cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.

Keywords: Jamaican beef patties, curried beef pastry, Caribbean recipes, savory pastries, scotch bonnet, Jamaican curry, allspice, easy beef patties