Ilocos Empanada, a beloved delicacy hailing from the Ilocos Region in the Philippines, is a deep-fried pastry filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat, vegetables, and spices.

If you'd like to experience a taste of an authentic Ilocos Empanada, I made a list of places in Ilocos Region where you can spot the best ones!

Here’s how you can create this delicious and crispy snack right in your own kitchen:

LOOKING FOR KITCHEN OR DINING NEEDS?

Here are the best options to shop for your kitchenware and dining essentials:

Shopee is my go-to app for things I needed like the ones above. If you'd like discounts and vouchers, you may get the best offers here:

Ilocos Empanada Ingredients

For the Empanada Wrapper:

2 cups rice flour
1 cup water
1/2 teaspoon salt
Orange food coloring (optional, for the authentic Ilocos orange hue)

For the Filling:

1 cup ground pork
1/2 cup small shrimps, peeled and deveined
1 cup bean sprouts
1 cup cabbage, finely chopped
1/2 cup carrots, julienned
1/2 cup green onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Empanada Wrapper

Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine rice flour, water, salt, and orange food coloring (if using). Mix until you achieve a smooth, thick, and slightly sticky batter. Let it rest for about 10-15 minutes.

Form the Wrappers: Take a small portion of the batter and place it on a piece of banana leaf or wax paper. Flatten the batter into a thin, round wrapper, making it about 5-6 inches in diameter. Repeat until you’ve made enough wrappers for your filling.

2. Prepare the Filling:

Cook the Pork: In a pan, sauté garlic and onions until fragrant. Add the ground pork and cook until it turns brown and fully cooked.

Add Vegetables: Add shrimps, bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry the mixture until the vegetables are slightly wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and let the filling cool.

3. Assemble and Fry:

Fill the Wrappers: Place a spoonful of the filling onto the center of each wrapper.

Fold and Seal: Fold the wrapper in half to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape. Seal the edges by pinching them together, ensuring no filling spills out during frying.

Deep-Fry: Heat cooking oil in a deep pan or fryer over medium heat. Carefully slide the assembled empanadas into the hot oil. Fry until they turn golden brown and crispy, usually taking about 5-6 minutes per side.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

Drain and Serve

Once the empanadas are golden and crispy, remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Ilocos Empanadas are best enjoyed while hot and crispy. They can be served with vinegar dipping sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Now you have successfully made the delicious and crispy Ilocos Empanada. Enjoy this delightful snack that captures the authentic flavors of the Philippines, right in the comfort of your home!

Check out my list of 10 Ilocano Food That You Must Try!

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA

Other Delicacies to Try in the Philippines

How to Make an Ilocos Empanada (Recipe and Ingredients)