Empanadas and gorditas are both popular Mexican dishes, but can you spot their differences?
From the outside, they may look similar, but there are actually a few key distinctions between these two traditional foods.
Keep reading to learn more about the empanada vs gordita debate.
Which one will you choose?
Read more: What To Do With Leftover Boiled Chicken?
What is an empanada?
Empanadas are turnovers made from dough that is stuffed with savory or sweet fillings.
They can be baked or fried, and are typically served as appetizers or main courses.
Some of the most popular empanada fillings include chicken, beef, pork, cheese, and vegetables.
What is a gordita?
A gordita is a type of Mexican street food that is made from a thick, corn tortilla that is filled with various toppings.
Gorditas can be either soft or fried and are typically served with salsa, guacamole, or sour cream.
Common gordita fillings include refried beans, cheese, chicken, and pork.
Empanada vs gordita – The main differences
Origins
When talking about the origins of these two dishes, it’s important to note that empanadas are a Spanish dish, while gorditas are a Mexican dish.
The difference in origin is reflected in the ingredients and flavors of these two dishes.
Ingredients
The main difference between empanadas and gorditas is the type of dough that is used.
Empanadas are made from pastry dough, while gorditas are made from a corn tortilla.
This means that empanadas are typically lighter and fluffier, while gorditas are denser and more filling.
Filling
Empanadas are typically filled with savory ingredients like chicken, beef, or pork, while gorditas are filled with a variety of toppings, including both savory and sweet fillings.
This means that empanadas are more versatile, as they can be enjoyed with both sweet and savory fillings.
Shape
Empanadas are typically triangular in shape, while gorditas are typically round.
This is due to the difference in the dough – empanada dough is rolled out thin and then folded over, while gordita dough is thicker and doesn’t require folding.
Texture
Empanadas are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, while gorditas are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.
This is again due to the difference in the dough – empanada dough is layered and folded, while gordita dough is one thick layer.
Cooking methods
Empanadas can be either baked or fried, while gorditas are typically fried.
In order to bake empanadas, you will need to preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
To fry gorditas, you will need to heat up oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.
Taste
The taste of empanadas and gorditas also varies, as empanadas are typically made with sweet ingredients like sugar and cinnamon, while gorditas are made with savory ingredients like beans or meat.
This means that empanadas have a sweeter flavor, while gorditas have a more complex flavor.
You will feel the difference in taste when you take your first bite.
Size
Empanadas are typically smaller than gorditas, as they are meant to be served as appetizers or main courses.
Gorditas, on the other hand, are larger and are typically served as a snack or light meal.
Cost
Empanadas and gorditas are both affordable dishes, but empanadas tend to be slightly more expensive.
This is due to the fact that they require more ingredients, as well as the fact that they take longer to make.
Nutritional values
In terms of nutritional values, empanadas and gorditas are both high in calories and fat.
However, empanadas are also high in protein and fiber, while gorditas are high in carbohydrates.
This means that empanadas are a more balanced meal, while gorditas are better suited for those who are looking for a quick energy boost.
Calories per serving
Each serving of empanada contains approximately 200 calories, while each serving of gordita contains approximately 300 calories.
Fat per serving
Each empanada contains approximately 10 grams of fat, while each gordita contains approximately 15 grams of fat.
Popularity
Empanadas and gorditas are both popular dishes, but empanadas tend to be more popular in Spanish-speaking countries, while gorditas are more popular in Mexico.
Which one tastes better?
There is no clear consensus on which dish tastes better.
It really depends on your personal preferences.
Some people prefer the light and fluffy texture of empanadas, while others prefer the dense and filling texture of gorditas.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re in the mood for.
If you like sweet dishes, then you might prefer empanadas.
If you like savory dishes, then you might prefer gorditas.
As for me, I like both.
They both have their own unique flavor and texture that I enjoy.
What not to do when making empanadas?
Here are a few tips on what not to do when making empanadas:
- Don’t overfill the empanadas – this will make them difficult to fold and they might not cook evenly.
- Don’t use too much water when kneading the dough – this will make it difficult to work with and it might not hold its shape.
- Don’t bake them for too long – this will make them crispy and dry.
- Don’t fry them for too long – this will make them greasy and oily.
- Don’t forget to brush them with egg wash before baking or frying – this will give them a crispy and golden finish.
- Don’t serve them cold – empanadas are best when they are warm and fresh.
- Don’t forget to sprinkle them with sugar and cinnamon before serving – this will give them a sweet and tasty flavor.
What not to do when making gorditas?
For making gorditas, you should keep these things in mind:
- Don’t use too much masa harina when making the dough – this will make it difficult to work with and it might not hold its shape.
- Don’t overfill the gorditas with stuffing – this will make them difficult to fold and eat.
- Don’t fry for too long – they will become greasy and heavy.
- Don’t forget to pinch the edges of the gorditas closed before frying – this will help them hold their shape.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment – try different fillings, toppings, and shapes to find what you like best.
Follow these tips and you’ll be able to make delicious, perfectly shaped gorditas every time.
Empanada vs gordita – Conclusion
In the end, it really depends on your personal preferences as to which one you prefer.
Empanadas and gorditas are both delicious dishes that offer their own unique flavor and texture.
If you like sweet dishes, then you might prefer empanadas.
If you like savory dishes, then you might prefer gorditas.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you’re in the mood for.
So, next time you’re feeling hungry, why not try both?
You might just be surprised at how much you like them.