Quick Fried Beef Empanadas (Pastel de Carne)

Directions

1. 1
   In a medium non-stick skillet, heat the oil and sweat the onion over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionaly.
2. 2
   Add the garlic and let cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionaly (NOTE: The purpose is to cook the onion and garlic, NOT to brown them). Increase heat to medium-high and brown the ground beef, stirring every now and then. Stir in both the salt and pepper, and then the tomato paste. Stir in the vinegar or lime juice.
3. 3
   Let ground beef cook, uncovered, for about 5-7 minutes or until cooked throughout, stirring occasionally. Stir in the olives (optional) and the chopped cilantro or parsley.
4. 4
   Let cool a bit before filling the wonton wraps.
5. 5
   Place the wonton wraps on preparation surface. Fill each with ½ to 1 Tablespoon of the cooked ground beef mixture and brush the egg white around the edges.Overlay another wonton wrap on top on the filling and seal edges well, pressing firmly with your fingers. Using a fork, make a pattern over the edges.
6. 6
   Heat a frying machine or a heavy-bottom pot to 350 degrees F (about 180 degrees C). If you don't have a thermometer to measure the temperature, dip a small piece of a wonton wrap into the heated oil. If you hear a sizzling sound, the oil is ready. Fry the filled beef empanadas, a few at a time, turning them while frying so that they brown evenly on both sides. The first and second batches will take about 3-4 minutes while the next batches will only take 1-1/2 to 2 minutes to fry because the oil will be hotter. They should be lightly golden and crisp. They will darken further once they are draining on paper towels.
7. 7
   Transfer empanadas to a baking sheet lined with a double layer of paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
8. 8
   Serve empanadas hot by themselves, with ketchup or rosé sauce, or accompanied by guaraná soda, cane juice, or beer.