Dipping Sauce For Empanada: The Ultimate Guide

Are you tired of the same old dipping sauce for your empanadas? Do you want to try something new and unique to add more flavor to your favorite snack? Look no further, as we've got you covered with this ultimate guide on dipping sauce for empanada!

Empanadas are a popular snack in many countries around the world. They come in different sizes, shapes, and fillings, but one thing that remains constant is the dipping sauce. Most people go for the traditional tomato-based sauce or hot sauce, but there are many other options available that can take your empanada game to the next level.

In this article, we will explore some of the best dipping sauces for empanadas that you may have never heard of before. From sweet to spicy to tangy, we've got you covered. Let's dive in!

1. Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is a classic Argentinean sauce that pairs perfectly with empanadas. It's made with parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and vinegar. This sauce has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada.

To make chimichurri sauce, finely chop the parsley and garlic and mix them with the other ingredients in a bowl. Let it sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it alongside your favorite empanadas.

2. Guasacaca Sauce

Guasacaca sauce is a Venezuelan avocado-based sauce that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with ripe avocados, onions, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapenos. This sauce has a creamy texture and a slightly spicy taste that complements the crispy empanada exterior.

To make guasacaca sauce, mash the avocados and mix them with the other ingredients in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it chilled with your favorite empanadas.

3. Romesco Sauce

Romesco sauce is a Spanish sauce that's traditionally served with seafood, but it also goes well with empanadas. It's made with roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, bread crumbs, olive oil, and vinegar. This sauce has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada.

To make romesco sauce, roast the red peppers until they're charred and then peel off the skin. Toast the almonds until golden brown and then grind them into a coarse paste along with the garlic and bread crumbs. Mix all the ingredients together in a food processor and adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

4. Aji Sauce

Aji sauce is a popular Peruvian sauce that's made with hot peppers, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and mayonnaise. This sauce has a tangy and spicy flavor that pairs well with the crispy empanada exterior.

To make aji sauce, blend the hot peppers, garlic, and cilantro in a food processor until finely chopped. Mix in the lime juice and mayonnaise and adjust the seasoning according to your taste.

5. Salsa Verde

Salsa verde is a Mexican sauce that's made with tomatillos, jalapenos, onions, garlic, and cilantro. This sauce has a tangy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada.

To make salsa verde, roast the tomatillos and jalapenos until charred and then blend them with the other ingredients in a food processor. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it chilled with your favorite empanadas.

6. Peanut Sauce

Peanut sauce is a popular dipping sauce in Southeast Asia that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with peanuts, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey. This sauce has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada.

To make peanut sauce, blend the peanuts, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, vinegar, and honey in a food processor until smooth. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it alongside your favorite empanadas.

7. Mango Habanero Sauce

Mango habanero sauce is a sweet and spicy sauce that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with mangoes, habanero peppers, onions, garlic, lime juice, and honey. This sauce has a fruity and spicy flavor that complements the crispy empanada exterior.

To make mango habanero sauce, blend the mangoes, habanero peppers, onions, garlic, lime juice, and honey in a food processor until smooth. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it chilled with your favorite empanadas.

8. Tzatziki Sauce

Tzatziki sauce is a Greek yogurt-based sauce that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. This sauce has a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada.

To make tzatziki sauce, grate the cucumber and mix it with the other ingredients in a bowl. Let it sit for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve it chilled with your favorite empanadas.

9. Harissa Sauce

Harissa sauce is a North African hot sauce that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with hot peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, and olive oil. This sauce has a smoky and spicy flavor that complements the crispy empanada exterior.

To make harissa sauce, blend the hot peppers, garlic, cumin, coriander, caraway seeds, and olive oil in a food processor until smooth. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it alongside your favorite empanadas.

10. Cilantro Lime Sauce

Cilantro lime sauce is a refreshing sauce that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with cilantro, lime juice, garlic, mayonnaise, and sour cream. This sauce has a tangy and slightly creamy flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada.

To make cilantro lime sauce, blend the cilantro, lime juice, garlic, mayonnaise, and sour cream in a food processor until smooth. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it chilled with your favorite empanadas.

11. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

Thai sweet chili sauce is a popular dipping sauce in Thailand that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with red chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, sugar, and water. This sauce has a sweet and slightly spicy flavor that complements the crispy empanada exterior.

To make Thai sweet chili sauce, blend the red chili peppers and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped. Mix in the vinegar, sugar, and water and simmer the mixture until thickened. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it chilled with your favorite empanadas.

12. Sriracha Mayo Sauce

Sriracha mayo sauce is a popular dipping sauce in many Asian countries that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lime juice. This sauce has a creamy and slightly spicy flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada.

To make sriracha mayo sauce, mix the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and lime juice together in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it alongside your favorite empanadas.

13. Hoisin Sauce

Hoisin sauce is a Chinese dipping sauce that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, garlic, and red chili peppers. This sauce has a sweet and slightly salty flavor that complements the crispy empanada exterior.

To make hoisin sauce, mix all the ingredients together in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it chilled with your favorite empanadas.

14. Romesco Dip

Romesco dip is a variation of romesco sauce that's thicker and creamier, making it perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with roasted red peppers, almonds, garlic, bread crumbs, olive oil, and mayonnaise. This dip has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada.

To make romesco dip, follow the same steps as for romesco sauce but add mayonnaise to the mixture to make it creamier.

15. Lemon Garlic Aioli

Lemon garlic aioli is a classic dipping sauce that's perfect for dipping empanadas. It's made with mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. This sauce has a tangy and slightly garlicky flavor that complements the savory filling of the empanada.

To make lemon garlic aioli, mix the mayonnaise, lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil together in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning according to your taste and serve it chilled with your favorite empanadas.

Empanadas are a delicious snack that can be enjoyed on their own, but dipping sauces can take them to the next level. From chimichurri to guasacaca to peanut sauce, there are many options available that can add more flavor to your favorite snack. Try some of these dipping sauces for empanadas and take your taste buds on a journey around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the traditional dipping sauce for empanadas?

A1. The traditional dipping sauce for empanadas is usually a tomato-based sauce or hot sauce. However, there are many other options available that can add more flavor to your favorite snack.

Q2. Can I make dipping sauce for empanadas in advance?

A2. Yes, most dipping sauces for empanadas can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.

Q3. Can I use store-bought dipping sauce for empanadas?

A3. Yes, you can use store-bought dipping sauce for empanadas if you don't have time to make your own.

Q4. Can I use dipping sauce for empanadas for other foods?

A4. Yes, most dipping sauces for empanadas can be used for other foods like chicken wings, fries, and vegetables.

Q5. Can I freeze dipping sauce for empanadas?

A5. It's not recommended to freeze most dipping sauces for empanadas as they may separate or lose their flavor.

Q6. Are all dipping sauces for empanadas spicy?

A6. No, not all dipping sauces for empanadas are spicy. There are many options available that are sweet or tangy.

Q7. Can I adjust the spiciness of dipping sauce for empanadas?

A7. Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of dipping sauce for empanadas by adding more or less hot peppers.

Q8. Can I make vegan dipping sauce for empanadas?

A8. Yes, most dipping sauces for empanadas can be made vegan by using plant-based ingredients like vegan mayonnaise or yogurt.

Q9. Can I use dipping sauce for empanadas as a marinade?

A9. Yes, some dipping sauces for empanadas can be used as a marinade for meats or vegetables.

Q10. Are there any dipping sauces for empanadas that are gluten-free?

A10. Yes, most dipping sauces for empanadas are gluten-free, but it's always best to check the ingredients to be sure.