Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Spain? Discover the mouthwatering delight of "Filete de Ternera Empanado," a dish that combines tender beef fillets with a crispy, golden breading. This Spanish classic is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and flavor to your dining table. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of technique, you can impress your family and friends with a dish that’s as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Keep reading to uncover the secrets to achieving the perfect empanado that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Spanish
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 beef fillets
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for frying
Instructions
- Remove the beef fillets from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature, which ensures even cooking.
- Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs.
- Pat the beef fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the breading adhere better.
- Season the fillets with salt and pepper on both sides before breading.
- Dredge each fillet first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess to create a thin, even coating.
- Dip the floured fillet into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is completely covered.
- Roll the fillet in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick evenly and completely.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers but does not smoke.
- Carefully place the breaded fillets in the hot oil, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fillets from the oil and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Let the fillets rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to retain their juiciness.
- Serve hot, optionally accompanied by lemon wedges, a fresh salad, or traditional Spanish side dishes like patatas bravas.
Tips
- Bring the Beef to Room Temperature: Allow your beef fillets to sit out for about 30 minutes before cooking. This step ensures even cooking and helps achieve that perfect juicy texture.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper! Seasoning the flour and the fillets enhances the flavor and makes every bite delicious.
- Perfect Your Breading Technique: To achieve a uniform and crispy crust, make sure to pat the fillets dry before breading. This helps the breading adhere better and prevents sogginess.
- Heat Your Oil Properly: The key to a perfectly fried fillet is the oil temperature. Heat the olive oil until it shimmers but doesn’t smoke to ensure a crispy exterior without burning.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the breaded fillets rest for a few minutes after frying. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a tender and flavorful bite every time.
- Serve with Style: Elevate your dish by serving it with fresh lemon wedges and a side salad or traditional Spanish sides like patatas bravas for a complete meal that looks as good as it tastes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
