Empanadas have come a long way from their humble street food roots. While the classics will never go out of style, 2025 is shaping up to be the year of bold innovation, global fusion, and conscious cooking. With growing demand for international flavors, plant-based eating, and aesthetic presentation, empanadas are being reimagined like never before. Credits to Tesco Recipes From gourmet fine-dining versions to TikTok-friendly creations, this guide will walk you through the top empanada trends of 2025 . Whether you’re a chef, a food entrepreneur, or just a fan of these golden pockets of joy, this is your deep dive into what’s next. The Rise of Plant-Based Empanadas Vegan Fillings Take Center Stage Gone are the days of bland bean fillings. Today’s plant-based empanadas are filled with: • Mushroom and lentil ragout • Smoky jackfruit carnitas • Spiced sweet potato and black beans • Vegan cheese and roasted poblano • Cauliflower “al pastor” Credits to Make It Dairy Fre...
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Vegetarian & Vegan Empanada Fillings You Need to Try
Empanadas are incredibly versatile, offering endless possibilities for fillings. While traditionally filled with meat, vegetarian and vegan empanadas can be just as flavorful and satisfying. Whether you’re looking to make an empanada that caters to dietary restrictions or simply want to try something new, there are countless ways to get creative with plant-based fillings.
In this post, we’ll explore vegetarian and vegan empanada fillings that are both delicious and easy to prepare. From savory vegetables and hearty legumes to creative flavor combinations, these ideas will inspire your next batch of empanadas. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or meal prepping for the week, these plant-based fillings will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
Why Choose Vegetarian or Vegan Empanadas?
Health Benefits of Plant-Based Fillings
One of the biggest reasons to choose vegetarian or vegan empanadas is the health benefits they offer. Plant-based ingredients are typically lower in saturated fats and cholesterol, making them heart-healthy options.
Additionally, many vegan fillings are rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, helping to support digestion and overall health.
Vegetarian and vegan empanadas are also an excellent choice for those who follow plant-based diets, have dairy allergies, or are looking to reduce their meat consumption. These empanadas are inclusive and offer something for everyone at the table, ensuring that no one feels left out of the deliciousness.
Best Vegetarian & Vegan Empanada Fillings
Now, let’s dive into some of the best vegetarian and vegan empanada fillings that will make your next batch an unforgettable treat. These fillings range from classic ingredients with a plant-based twist to more innovative combinations.
Spinach and ricotta is a classic filling, but for a vegan version, we can replace the traditional ricotta with a plant-based alternative. Spinach adds a rich, earthy flavor, while the vegan ricotta (made from nuts or tofu) gives the filling a creamy texture.
How to Make It
1. Sauté fresh spinach in olive oil with garlic and onions until wilted.
2. Once the spinach has cooled, mix it with vegan ricotta, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of nutmeg.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Fill your empanada dough and seal tightly.
2. Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean
Why This Filling Works
Sweet potatoes offer a natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the earthy flavor of black beans. This filling is hearty, comforting, and rich in protein, making it a satisfying vegan option for empanadas.
How to Make It
1. Roast sweet potatoes until soft and mash them.
2. In a skillet, sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
3. Add cooked black beans and season with cumin, paprika, and chili powder.
4. Mix the roasted sweet potatoes with the black bean mixture, and add lime juice and cilantro for freshness.
5. Fill your empanadas with the mixture and bake or fry until golden.
Mushrooms provide a meaty, umami flavor, while vegan cheese adds creaminess. This combination is great for those who crave a rich, savory filling without the use of dairy.
How to Make It
1. Sauté chopped mushrooms with onions, garlic, and thyme until browned.
2. Add vegan cheese (such as cashew cheese or coconut-based cheese) and stir until melted.
3. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce or tamari for extra umami.
4. Let the filling cool before spooning it into your empanada dough.
A cauliflower and chickpea curry filling offers a flavorful, hearty option with a spicy kick. The combination of tender cauliflower and protein-packed chickpeas makes this filling both filling and nutritious.
How to Make It
1. Roast cauliflower florets until golden.
2. In a pan, sauté onions, garlic, and ginger with curry powder, turmeric, and cumin.
3. Add canned chickpeas, crushed tomatoes, and coconut milk to create a rich curry sauce.
4. Stir in the roasted cauliflower and simmer until the mixture thickens.
5. Spoon the curry into empanada dough and bake or fry.
For a vegan take on a classic savory filling, plant-based ground beef (like lentils or meat substitutes) is paired with mashed potatoes for a comforting, hearty filling. The texture mimics traditional beef empanadas, offering a satisfying bite.
How to Make It
1. Sauté plant-based ground beef (or cooked lentils) with onions, garlic, and spices (such as paprika and oregano).
2. Mash potatoes with olive oil and a bit of vegan butter.
3. Mix the vegan “beef” with mashed potatoes, season with salt, and pepper.
4. Fill the empanadas and cook until golden and crispy.
Innovative Vegan & Vegetarian Empanada Fillings from Around the World
Empanadas are a globally loved dish, and each culture has its own take on fillings. Let’s take a look at some innovative vegetarian and vegan empanada fillings inspired by world cuisines.
Inspired by Thai cuisine, this vegan filling uses spicy peanut sauce combined with tofu and vegetables. The creamy, nutty sauce balances the heat, making this filling a bold and flavorful choice for empanadas.
How to Make It
1. Cook tofu until golden and crispy, then crumble into small pieces.
2. Toss tofu with a homemade or store-bought peanut sauce and some thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, and green onions.
3. Fill the empanadas with the mixture, and bake or fry as desired.
7. Mediterranean Spinach, Olive, and Artichoke
Why This Filling Works
Drawing from Mediterranean flavors, this filling features spinach, olives, and artichokes, offering a savory, briny profile that pairs perfectly with the flaky empanada dough.
How to Make It
1. Sauté spinach and garlic in olive oil.
2. Add chopped artichokes and olives.
3. Stir in a pinch of oregano and lemon zest.
4. Use the mixture as a filling for your empanadas.
For the best-tasting vegetarian and vegan empanadas, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This ensures the filling is rich in flavor and the dough is easy to handle. Don’t be afraid to experiment with fresh herbs and spices to elevate the taste.
Don’t Overstuff
Avoid overstuffing the empanadas, as this can lead to difficulty sealing them and cause the filling to spill out during cooking. Stick to the recommended 1-2 tablespoons of filling per empanada for optimal results.
Seal and Crimp the Edges Well
To avoid any filling leakage, make sure the edges are well-sealed and crimped. You can use a fork to press down the edges, or fold and pinch the dough for a more decorative finish.
Conclusion
Vegetarian and vegan empanada fillings are an exciting and flavorful way to enjoy these classic pastries. With a variety of ingredients, from hearty potatoes and beans to spicy curries and creamy tofu, the options are endless.
The key is to experiment with different flavor profiles and textures to find the fillings you love. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or as a quick weeknight meal, vegetarian and vegan empanadas are guaranteed to satisfy.
Disclosure: Our blogcontains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. However, this does not impact our reviews and comparisons. We try our best to keep things fair and balanced, in order to help you make the best choice for you.
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