RecipesJamaicaJamaican Patties

Jamaican Patties

Flaky, golden pastries filled with a savory, spiced ground beef mixture. A beloved Jamaican snack and street food.

Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Servings12
DifficultyMedium
Jamaican Patties - Jamaica traditional dish

🧂 Ingredients

  • 3 cups All-purpose flour(plus more for dusting)
  • 1 cup Butter(cold, cubed)
  • 1/2 cup Vegetable shortening(cold)
  • 1/2 cup Ice water(approx.)
  • 1 lb Ground beef(lean)
  • 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic(minced)
  • 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(finely minced (seeds removed for less heat))
  • 2 tbsp Curry powder
  • 1 tsp All-purpose seasoning
  • 1 tsp Thyme(dried or fresh, chopped)
  • 1 tbsp Tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup Beef broth
  • 2 tbsp Breadcrumbs
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 1 large Egg(beaten, for egg wash)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. 1

    For the pastry: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, and pepper. Cut in the cold butter and shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

    💡 Tip: Keep ingredients cold for a flaky crust.
  2. 2

    Gradually add ice water, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing until the dough just comes together. Do not overmix. Divide the dough in half, flatten into discs, wrap in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

    ⏱️ 30 minutes
  3. 3

    For the filling: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain off excess fat.

    ⏱️ 8-10 minutes
  4. 4

    Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and minced scotch bonnet pepper to the skillet. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.

    ⏱️ 5 minutes
  5. 5

    Stir in the curry powder, all-purpose seasoning, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

    ⏱️ 1 minute
  6. 6

    Add the tomato paste, beef broth, and breadcrumbs. Stir well to combine. Simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the mixture has thickened. Let the filling cool completely.

    ⏱️ 5-10 minutes
    💡 Tip: Cooling the filling prevents it from melting the pastry.
  7. 7

    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper.

    💡 Tip: Ensure oven is fully preheated.
  8. 8

    On a lightly floured surface, roll out one disc of dough to about 1/8-inch thickness. Cut out circles using a 5-6 inch round cutter.

    💡 Tip: Work with one disc of dough at a time, keeping the other chilled.
  9. 9

    Place a generous spoonful of cooled filling onto one half of each dough circle. Moisten the edges with water, fold the other half over to create a half-moon shape, and crimp the edges to seal.

    💡 Tip: Ensure edges are well sealed to prevent filling from leaking.
  10. 10

    Place the patties on the prepared baking sheets. Brush the tops with the beaten egg wash.

    💡 Tip: Egg wash gives the patties a golden sheen.
  11. 11

    Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown and flaky.

    ⏱️ 25-30 minutes
    💡 Tip: Rotate baking sheets halfway through for even baking.

💡 Pro Tips

  • For a more authentic color, add a pinch of turmeric to the egg wash.
  • You can make the dough and filling a day in advance.
  • Patties can be frozen before baking; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

🔄 Variations

  • Vegetarian patties can be made with a filling of mixed vegetables (potatoes, carrots, peas) and spices.
  • Use chicken or a mixture of beef and pork for the filling.

🏷️ Tags