There’s no denying that empanadas and burritos are both popular Mexican dishes.
But can you spot the differences between them?
In this blog post, we’ll give you a breakdown of the two dishes, including their ingredients and how they’re made.
So if you’re curious about the differences when comparing empanadas vs burritos, read on.
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What are empanadas?
Empanadas are handheld pastries that are made from dough that’s stuffed with a variety of fillings.
The most common type of empanada is the beef empanada, but there are also chicken, pork, and veggie versions.
Empanadas are usually deep-fried, but they can also be baked.
What are burritos?
Burritos are a type of wrap that’s filled with various ingredients, including meat, rice, beans, and veggies.
Burritos can be either wet or dry.
Wet burritos are dipped in sauce before being eaten, while dry burritos are wrapped in foil and baked.
Empanadas vs burritos – The main differences
Origins
The origin of empanadas can be traced back to Spain, while burritos have their roots in Mexico.
The Spanish brought empanadas to South America, where they eventually became popular in countries like Argentina and Chile.
Burritos were developed in Mexico and are now popular all over the US.
Ingredients
The ingredients in empanadas and burritos vary, but there are some key differences.
Empanadas usually have a savory filling, while burritos can have either a savory or sweet filling.
Empanadas are also deep-fried, while burritos are typically wrapped in foil and baked.
Shape
Empanadas are usually shaped like triangles, while burritos are typically cylindrical.
You will often find empanadas served as appetizers or side dishes, while burritos are usually eaten as a main course.
Fillings
Empanada fillings vary depending on the region, but commonly used ingredients include beef, chicken, pork, and veggies.
Burrito fillings also vary depending on the region, but commonly used ingredients include meat, rice, beans, and veggies.
The meat fillings of an empanada are usually ground or shredded, while the meat fillings of a burrito are usually diced or sliced.
Cooking methods
Empanadas are usually deep-fried, while burritos are baked.
People often deep-fry empanadas because the dough is typically thicker than the dough of a burrito.
Whereas, burritos are wrapped in foil and baked, which helps to keep the contents inside warm and moist.
Taste
The main taste of an empanada is the dough, while the main taste of a burrito is the filling.
Empanadas usually have a savory flavor, while burritos can have either a savory or sweet flavor.
Texture
The dough of an empanada is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while the dough of a burrito is soft on the outside and crispy on the inside.
This is because empanadas are usually deep-fried, while burritos are baked.
Cost
Empanadas are typically more expensive than burritos because they require more ingredients and are more complex dishes.
The biggest cost when making empanadas is the dough, which can be time-consuming to make.
Burritos are typically cheaper because they require fewer ingredients and are less complex dishes.
Nutritional values
Empanadas and burritos have different nutritional values because they contain different ingredients.
Empanadas are typically high in fat and calories, while burritos are typically lower in fat and calories.
Empanadas also tend to be higher in carbs than burritos.
Calories per serving
One serving of empanadas typically contains around 400 calories, while one serving of burritos typically contains around 250 calories.
This is because empanadas are usually deep-fried, while burritos are wrapped in foil and baked.
Fat per serving
One serving of empanadas typically contains around 25 grams of fat, while one serving of burritos typically contains around 10 grams of fat.
This is because empanadas are usually deep-fried, while burritos are wrapped in foil and baked.
Carbs per serving
One serving of empanadas typically contains around 45 grams of carbs, while one serving of burritos typically contains around 30 grams of carbs.
This is because empanadas often have a higher flour-to-fat ratio than burritos.
Popularity
In terms of popularity, in the US, burritos are more popular than empanadas.
Burritos are typically seen as a healthier option because they are wrapped in foil and baked, while empanadas are deep-fried.
Empanadas are also less popular because they require more ingredients and are more complex dishes.
What are their similarities?
First, empanadas and burritos are both made with dough.
Second, empanadas and burritos are both typically filled with meat, rice, and beans.
Third, empanadas and burritos can both be cooked pretty fast, so you can serve them to your guests or your family quickly.
Finally, they are both popular dishes in different regions.
Empanadas are popular in Latin America, while burritos are popular in the US.
Which one tastes better?
That is up to personal preference.
Some people might prefer the taste of an empanada, while others might prefer the taste of a burrito.
They both have their own unique flavors.
Choose empanadas if you want a crispy, savory dish, and choose burritos if you want a softer, more flavorful dish.
FAQ’s
Where can I buy pre-made empanada dough?
You can buy pre-made empanada dough at most supermarkets.
Just look for the frozen section.
Can I make my own dough for empanadas?
Yes, you can make your own dough for empanadas.
There are many recipes online that you can use.
However, it will require some time and effort to make the dough from scratch.
Are empanadas popular in other countries?
Yes, empanadas are popular in many different countries.
They are especially popular in Latin America.
However, they are not as popular as burritos in the US.
What is the difference between a regular burrito and a breakfast burrito?
A regular burrito is typically filled with rice, beans, and meat, while a breakfast burrito is typically filled with eggs, cheese, and sausage.
Both can be wrapped in foil and baked.
How do I make a vegan empanada?
To make a vegan empanada, you will need to use a vegan dough and fill it with vegan ingredients.
There are many recipes online that you can use.
What are some filling options for a burrito?
There are many filling options for a burrito, but some of the most popular include beans, rice, beef, chicken, and cheese.
You can also add veggies like lettuce or tomatoes, and top it off with sour cream or guacamole.
Really, the sky’s the limit when it comes to filling your burrito.
How do you fold a burrito?
To fold a burrito, start by placing the filling in the center of the tortilla.
Then, fold the bottom of the tortilla up to cover the filling.
Next, fold the two sides of the tortilla in towards the center.
Finally, roll the tortilla up like a cigar to form a burrito.
Empanadas vs burritos – Conclusion
Empanadas and burritos are both popular dishes in different regions.
Empanadas are popular in Latin America, while burritos are popular in the US.
They have many similarities but also some differences- such as empanada dough being deep-fried, whereas a burrito is wrapped up in the foil and baked.
Some of the other main similarities include the use of dough and typically being filled with meat, rice, and beans.
They both have their own unique flavors, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference on which one tastes better.