Name: Jamaican Beef Patties with Fried Plantain Chips
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: Jamaica
Ingredients: 1/4 C. Red Onion, chopped; 2 T. Ginger, minced; 2 Scallions, thinly sliced; Red hot pepper, minced finely (optional); 1-1/2 T. Curry Powder; 1 T. Olive Oil; 1 lb. Lean Ground Beef; Sea Salt and Black Pepper, to taste; 3 cups Vegetable Oil; 1 Green Plantain; 1 Egg; 2 Prepared Pie Pastry Dough rounds (store bought or homemade)

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Experience a taste of the Caribbean with our mouthwatering Jamaican Beef Patties, paired perfectly with crispy Fried Plantain Chips! These savory hand-held pies are a beloved staple in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean, offering a flaky crust filled with deliciously seasoned beef.

Our recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Jamaica right to your kitchen, combining aromatic spices, tender ground beef, and a golden, flaky pastry. Served alongside sweet and crispy plantain chips, this dish is perfect as a snack, light dinner, or crowd-pleasing party food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic flavors: Experience the true taste of Jamaican cuisine at home.
Perfect for any occasion: Great as a snack, meal, or party food.
Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels to suit your taste preferences.
Fun to make: Enjoy the process of creating these hand-held delights.

What are Jamaican Beef Patties?

Jamaican beef patties are savory hand-held pies popular in Jamaica and throughout the Caribbean. Similar to empanadas, they feature a flaky pastry crust filled with seasoned ground beef. While beef is traditional, variations include chicken, seafood, lamb, and vegetable fillings. These patties are often enjoyed as a snack or light meal, with recipes frequently passed down through generations.

Ingredients

Red Onion: A quarter cup of chopped red onion provides a sharp, sweet flavor base.
Ginger: Two tablespoons of minced ginger add a warm, zesty kick to the filling.
Scallions: Two thinly sliced scallions bring a mild onion flavor and fresh green color.
Red hot pepper: Optional, but adds a spicy heat to the filling if desired.
Curry Powder: One and a half tablespoons infuse the beef with classic Jamaican flavor.
Olive Oil: One tablespoon for sautéing the aromatics.
Lean Ground Beef: One pound forms the main protein in the filling.
Sea Salt and Black Pepper: To taste, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Vegetable Oil: Three cups for frying the patties and plantain chips.
Green Plantain: One plantain, thinly sliced for crispy chips.
Egg: One egg, beaten, used to seal and brush the patties.
Prepared Pie Pastry Dough: Two rounds, store-bought or homemade, for the flaky crust.

Grab the full ingredients details and instructions in the recipe card below!

Substitutions and Additions

Ground Beef: Substitute with ground chicken, lamb, or a plant-based alternative for different variations.
Curry Powder: Try Jamaican jerk seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Plantain: Substitute with sweet potatoes for a different chip option.
Addition – Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese to the filling for extra richness.
Addition – Scotch Bonnet Pepper: For authentic Jamaican heat, add finely minced Scotch Bonnet pepper to the filling.

Instructions

Sauté red onions, ginger, scallions, and optional red pepper in olive oil for 3-4 minutes.

Add curry powder and ground beef, cooking until beef is browned. Season and set aside to cool.

Peel and thinly slice the plantain lengthwise.

Cut pastry dough into 4″ circles and fill each with 2 tablespoons of meat mixture.
Seal edges with a fork and brush with beaten egg.
Heat vegetable oil to 350°F and fry plantain chips until crispy.

Fry the beef patties in the same oil until golden brown.
Serve hot patties with plantain chips, fresh scallions, and lime wedges.

Recipe Tips

For extra flaky pastry, chill the dough between steps.
Don’t overfill the patties, as this can cause them to burst during frying.
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for evenly cooked, crispy results.
For larger patties, use a 5″ cutter and increase the filling accordingly.
Pat the fried items on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving.

Serving Suggestions

These Jamaican Beef Patties with Fried Plantain Chips are versatile and pair well with various sides:

Serve with a side of [Jamaican Rice and Peas] (link to another recipe post if available) for a complete meal.
Pair with a fresh mango salsa for a sweet and spicy contrast.
Offer a variety of dipping sauces like hot sauce, garlic aioli, or a tangy tamarind chutney.
For a refreshing drink pairing, serve with a cold [Jamaican Sorrel Drink] (link to another recipe post if available).

Storage & Reheating

To store: Keep cooled patties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store plantain chips in a separate airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

To freeze: Uncooked patties can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before frying.

Reheating: For best results, reheat patties in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the pastry soggy.

Recipe FAQ

Can I bake the patties instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for about 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

How spicy are these patties?

The spice level is mild to moderate, but you can adjust it by adding more or less hot pepper to the filling.

Can I make the dough from scratch?

Absolutely! Many recipes for Jamaican patty dough are available online if you prefer homemade pastry.

How long do the plantain chips stay crispy?

They’re best enjoyed immediately, but will stay crispy for a few hours if stored in an airtight container.

Can I prepare the filling in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead and refrigerate it. Bring it to room temperature before assembling the patties.

4 portions