Empanadas are a beloved dish across many cultures, but their true magic often lies in the sauce that accompanies them. These flaky pastries filled with meats, vegetables, or cheeses are delicious on their own, but a well-paired sauce can take them to the next level. Whether you’re indulging in a traditional Argentine empanada or trying out a fusion twist, the right sauce is essential. But what kind of sauce do you eat with empanadas? There are so many delicious options, both traditional and modern, that we’ll explore in this article.
What Makes a Good Sauce for Empanadas?
A good sauce for empanadas enhances the flavors of the filling without overpowering them. Sauces add moisture, complexity, and texture to each bite. The balance between a savory empanada and a tangy or spicy sauce is crucial. Some people enjoy a creamy dip, while others prefer something chunky with a little kick.
When choosing the perfect sauce, consider:
- Flavor Profile: Should the sauce be spicy, tangy, sweet, or savory? Think about how it will interact with the empanada’s filling.
- Consistency: A good sauce can be thick and creamy for dipping, or light and fresh like a salsa for drizzling.
- Cultural Relevance: In many cultures, empanadas come with specific traditional sauces. Respecting those traditions often enhances the authenticity of the dish.
The sauce you choose can elevate the humble empanada from a quick snack to a gourmet experience. Let’s look at the best sauces for empanadas, from traditional to modern twists.
Traditional Empanada Sauces
Empanadas are a staple in many Latin American countries, and each country has its own unique take on what sauces go best with them. Traditional sauces are rooted in the culinary history of these regions, often featuring locally sourced ingredients and flavors that have been enjoyed for generations.
Chimichurri – Argentina’s Iconic Sauce
Argentinian cuisine is famous for its grilled meats, and chimichurri is often served as a side. But it’s not just for steaks; this vibrant green sauce is perfect for empanadas too. Chimichurri is made from fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. It has a fresh, herbaceous flavor that cuts through the richness of beef empanadas and adds a tangy brightness to every bite.
If you’re making chimichurri at home, it’s important to let the flavors meld for at least an hour before serving. This gives the parsley and garlic time to infuse the oil and vinegar. Chimichurri can also be made in two varieties: the classic green version or a red version that includes paprika and tomatoes. For a detailed chimichurri recipe, you can check out Bon Appétit, which offers great tips for perfecting this Argentinian staple.
Salsa Criolla – The Tangy Choice for Empanadas
Salsa Criolla is another Argentinian favorite. This chunky salsa is made with fresh tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, and vinegar. It’s bright and tangy, which makes it perfect for lighter empanadas like chicken or vegetarian varieties. The fresh vegetables add texture to the empanada experience, providing a juicy burst with each bite.
Unlike smooth sauces, Salsa Criolla adds a layer of crunch to the empanada, making it a fun and refreshing pairing. This sauce is also common in Peru and Uruguay, though the recipe can vary slightly depending on the region. Whether you’re enjoying chicken, cheese, or even seafood empanadas, Salsa Criolla is an ideal choice.
Ají – A Spicy Favorite in Colombia
If you love spicy food, you’ll want to try ají. This sauce hails from Colombia and is made with ají peppers, cilantro, and vinegar. It’s the go-to sauce for many South American empanadas, especially in Colombia, where the heat from the peppers adds a perfect balance to savory fillings like beef or pork.
Ají is versatile because it can be adjusted to your desired level of heat. Some people like their ají mild, while others want a fiery kick. It’s a simple sauce, but its fresh and spicy taste brings empanadas to life. Whether you’re enjoying cheese-filled empanadas or beefy ones, ají will definitely take them up a notch. Making your own ají at home is easy, and the recipe is endlessly adaptable based on your spice tolerance.
Best Dipping Sauces for Empanadas
While traditional sauces are fantastic, there’s no reason you can’t experiment with modern twists. Dipping sauces allow for more variety and creativity. You can introduce flavors from other cuisines, bringing a fusion experience to your empanada-eating adventure. Here are some modern dipping sauces that complement a wide range of empanada fillings.
Avocado Crema – Creamy and Smooth
Avocado crema is a fantastic, modern dipping sauce for empanadas. It’s creamy, mild, and incredibly easy to make. This sauce consists of avocados blended with sour cream or Greek yogurt, lime juice, and salt. The result is a silky smooth dip that works perfectly with vegetarian or chicken empanadas. Its cooling effect balances out any spice from the filling, and it adds a rich texture to every bite.
Avocado crema is also customizable. You can add cilantro for a more herbaceous flavor or even a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a bit of heat. This sauce is a great alternative for those who don’t like traditional spicy sauces but still want a creamy, delicious pairing.
Garlic Aioli – Rich and Flavorful
Aioli is a classic Mediterranean sauce made from garlic, olive oil, and sometimes egg yolk. It’s rich and creamy, making it the perfect dipping sauce for heartier empanadas like pork or seafood. Garlic aioli has a slightly tangy taste that cuts through the fattiness of fried or baked empanadas, giving them a luxurious feel.
Though aioli originates from Spain, it has been adopted worldwide as a versatile condiment. It can be enhanced with various flavors, such as lemon, paprika, or even roasted red peppers, depending on your preference. If you’re curious to make your own garlic aioli at home, check out Serious Eats for a simple yet authentic recipe.
Spicy Mayo – A Zesty Kick
Spicy mayo is a favorite dipping sauce for many people who enjoy a bit of heat in their food. It’s incredibly simple to make, combining mayonnaise with hot sauce or Sriracha. The result is a creamy, spicy sauce that complements pork, beef, or even vegetarian empanadas. You can also add lime juice for an extra tangy kick, which helps brighten the flavors of the empanada filling.
Spicy mayo is widely loved for its balance of creaminess and heat. It’s great for people who want a bit more spice but still enjoy a rich sauce. Plus, you can make it as mild or spicy as you like, depending on how much hot sauce you use. Spicy mayo is especially popular with those who enjoy fusion foods, as it brings together flavors from different cuisines.
Regional Sauces for Empanadas
Empanadas are enjoyed all over Latin America, and each region has its own distinct sauce pairings. These sauces reflect the local ingredients and culinary traditions of the area. Here’s a look at how sauces for empanadas differ by region.
Argentina – The Home of Chimichurri
Argentina is synonymous with chimichurri, but that’s not the only sauce enjoyed with empanadas. Salsa criolla is also widely used, especially with chicken or cheese empanadas. Both sauces are perfect for empanadas because they add a fresh, tangy contrast to the rich fillings.
In Argentina, empanadas are often served with these sauces on the side, allowing diners to dip their empanadas as they please. This makes the meal interactive and customizable, as each bite can be tailored to your preferred level of sauce.
Check out these Empanadas yummy recipes.
Chile – Pebre for a Burst of Flavor
In Chile, pebre is the sauce of choice. Pebre is a chunky, salsa-like sauce made from cilantro, onions, garlic, and hot peppers. It has a fresh and tangy flavor, with just a hint of spice. Pebre is usually served with beef or pork empanadas, but it pairs well with chicken or vegetarian fillings too.
Pebre is similar to salsa criolla but has a more pronounced herbal taste thanks to the cilantro. It’s the perfect way to add a fresh burst of flavor to fried or baked empanadas, giving them an authentic Chilean touch.
Colombia – Spicing Things Up with Ají
In Colombia, ají is the traditional sauce served with empanadas. This spicy sauce has a strong vinegar base, which cuts through the richness of fried empanadas. Ají can vary in heat level, but it’s always bold and flavorful. The combination of cilantro, vinegar, and hot peppers makes ají a refreshing contrast to savory empanadas.
If you love heat, ají is the perfect sauce for you. In Colombia, it’s considered a staple condiment, not just for empanadas but for many dishes. You can find ají at almost every Colombian restaurant or street vendor, and it’s a must-try if you’re visiting the country.
How to Choose the Right Sauce for Empanadas
Choosing the right sauce for your empanadas depends on the filling and your personal taste preferences. Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
Beef Empanadas
For beef empanadas, you want a sauce that can stand up to the richness of the meat. Chimichurri is an excellent choice, as its tangy, herbaceous flavor cuts through the heaviness of the beef. Spicy sauces like ají or spicy mayo also work well, adding heat and contrast to the savory filling.
Chicken Empanadas
Chicken empanadas pair well with creamy sauces like avocado crema or garlic aioli. The light, mild flavor of the chicken benefits from a sauce that adds richness without overpowering it. If you prefer something tangier, Salsa Criolla is also a great option.
Vegetarian Empanadas
Vegetarian empanadas are incredibly versatile when it comes to sauce pairings. Avocado crema or Salsa Criolla both add a refreshing contrast to the vegetable filling. If you like a bit of heat, ají or spicy mayo can also bring a new dimension to vegetarian empanadas.
How to Make Popular Empanada Sauces at Home
Making sauces at home is easy and fun. It also allows you to adjust the flavors to your personal preferences. Here are some simple recipes for classic empanada sauces:
Chimichurri Recipe
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Finely chop parsley and garlic.
- Mix with olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
- Stir and let sit for 30 minutes before serving.
Ají Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ají peppers
- 1/2 cup cilantro
- 1/4 cup vinegar
- 1 clove garlic
Instructions:
- Blend all ingredients until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve with empanadas.
Avocado Crema Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 ripe avocados
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- Juice of 1 lime
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Blend avocados, sour cream, and lime juice until smooth.
- Add salt to taste.
- Serve chilled with empanadas.
Conclusion: The Perfect Sauce for Every Empanada
Sauces are the perfect complement to any empanada, whether you’re a fan of traditional pairings like chimichurri and Salsa Criolla, or prefer modern dips like avocado crema or garlic aioli. Each sauce brings out the unique flavors of the empanada filling, elevating it to a whole new level. So next time you enjoy empanadas, don’t forget the sauce! For more inspiration, explore sauce recipes at AllRecipes and start experimenting with your own combinations.