If you’ve ever had the pleasure of biting into a hot, golden, crispy Jamaican beef patty, you know exactly how incredible they are. The crunchy, flaky exterior combined with the rich, spicy, savory filling is a flavor explosion that’s hard to beat. The Old Jamaican Beef Patty Dough recipe is the key to achieving that perfectly flaky and buttery texture that makes these patties such a beloved snack.
I first tried these patties during a trip to Jamaica, where they’re sold everywhere from street carts to bakery windows. I instantly fell in love with them. The dough, especially, struck me as so much more than just a simple shell, it’s flavorful and textured, and it complements the spiced beef filling perfectly. The good news is, with the right recipe and a few helpful tips, you can make this iconic dough right at home. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just looking for a unique snack to enjoy, making your own Jamaican beef patty dough can be an incredibly rewarding experience.
So, let’s dive into how you can create this delicious dough from scratch, no need to travel to Jamaica to get the authentic taste!
Table of contents
Why this Old Jamaican Beef Patty Dough Recipe Works
The Old Jamaican Beef Patty Dough recipe works because it combines traditional ingredients and techniques to create a flaky, golden crust that’s the perfect vehicle for the savory beef filling. Unlike some pastry doughs that can turn out tough or chewy, this one is carefully crafted to be tender, flaky, and a little bit crisp, just like the ones you’d get from your favorite Jamaican bakery.
What sets this recipe apart is the use of turmeric and cayenne pepper in the dough. The turmeric not only adds a pop of color but also infuses the dough with a subtle warmth that complements the spiced beef. The cayenne pepper gives it that signature kick without overwhelming the palate. Additionally, the cold butter and chilled water create a crisp texture, and resting the dough helps it come together without being too tough.
Customization options abound! For those following a gluten-free diet, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Want to try a different filling? You can easily adapt the dough for chicken, vegetables, or even fish, making it versatile for any filling you choose. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a crowd, this dough will make your Jamaican beef patty game stronger than ever!
Recipe Card
Jamaican Beef Patty Dough Recipe
Cuisine: JamaicanDifficulty: Medium10
servings30
minutes20
minutes220
kcalCreate authentic Jamaican beef patties with this easy and traditional Jamaican beef patty dough recipe. This recipe delivers a golden, flaky crust that’s perfect for encasing spiced beef filling. Dive into the Caribbean flavors with this iconic dish!
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp turmeric powder (for color)
3/4 cup cold water
Directions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, and turmeric.
- Add Fats: Cut in the butter and shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Form Dough: Gradually add the cold water, mixing until the dough forms. Be careful not to overwork the dough.
- Chill: Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Roll Out & Fill: On a floured surface, roll out the dough, cut it into circles, and fill with spiced beef filling.
- Bake: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Notes
- Turmeric adds a traditional yellow hue to the dough, giving it that authentic look.
- Use cold butter and shortening to achieve the perfect flaky texture.
Tip for the perfect Jamaican Beef Patty Dough Recipe
- Don’t overwork the dough: The more you handle the dough, the more likely it is to become tough. Mix until just combined, and then give it a short rest before rolling it out.
- Rest the dough: After forming your dough, wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This gives the gluten time to relax and prevents the dough from shrinking when baked.
- Brush with egg wash: For that perfect golden, glossy finish, brush the patties with a simple egg wash before baking. It will make them look as good as they taste!
- Don’t overfill the patties, or they might burst while baking.
Recipe Variants
1. Chicken Jamaican Patty Dough
Swap out the traditional beef filling for chicken for a lighter version of the patty. Chicken thighs or breasts are perfect for this, cooked with a mix of seasonings like ginger, thyme, and allspice. The dough will still have that classic, buttery texture that complements the chicken filling beautifully.
2. Vegetarian Jamaican Patty Dough
For those following a plant-based diet, you can easily make a vegetarian version of these patties. Use a mixture of sautéed vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, onions, and spinach, seasoned with Jamaican-inspired spices. You could even add lentils or chickpeas for extra protein and texture. The dough itself remains the same, offering that crisp exterior to match your flavorful vegetable filling.
3. Gluten-Free Jamaican Patty Dough
For anyone needing a gluten-free option, simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Be sure to use a blend that’s designed for pastry, as it will yield the best texture. You can also experiment with a combination of rice flour and tapioca flour to get that golden finish.
4. Spicy Jamaican Patty Dough
If you love a bit more heat, amp up the spice level in the dough. Add more cayenne pepper or even some finely chopped scotch bonnet peppers into the dough itself for an extra layer of fiery flavor. Just be cautious, as scotch bonnet peppers are incredibly hot!
FAQs
The cold butter and shortening are crucial for creating pockets of fat that melt during baking, resulting in a flaky texture.
Yes, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
While butter gives the best flavor and flakiness, you can substitute margarine if you prefer. Just be aware that it may affect the texture slightly.
Yes, you can bake them at 375°F for 25-30 minutes until golden brown. This makes for a slightly healthier version of the patty.
Final Thoughts
Making Old Jamaican Beef Patty Dough at home is not only a fun and rewarding experience but also a way to bring a taste of the Caribbean into your kitchen. This dough is easy to prepare, full of flavor, and versatile enough to hold any filling you choose. Whether you stick with the classic beef, go for a chicken option, or even make a vegetarian version, you’ll end up with perfectly flaky and delicious patties that will impress everyone you serve them to.
The Jamaican patty is good when stuffed with beef, and if you are looking for more beef recipes, check out the following one:
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