How to Make Authentic Brazilian Pastel – A Crispy and Flavorful Snack

If you’re looking for a crispy, savory, and irresistible Brazilian street food, then Pastel is the perfect choice! This deep-fried pastry, filled with a variety of delicious ingredients, is a staple at street markets and snack bars across Brazil. Whether you prefer it with cheese, ground beef, heart of palm, or chicken, this authentic Brazilian pastel recipe will guide you through creating the perfect golden and crispy treat at home.

What is Pastel?

Pastel (pronounced pas-TEL) is a thin, crispy pastry filled with savory ingredients, then deep-fried to perfection. It is one of Brazil’s most popular street foods, commonly sold at pastelarias (pastry shops) and open-air markets known as feiras.

Pastel comes in various flavors, with some of the most popular fillings being:

• Queijo (cheese) – Often made with mozzarella for a gooey, melty texture.
• Carne (ground beef) – Seasoned beef mixed with onions, olives, and spices.
• Frango com Catupiry (chicken with creamy cheese) – A rich and satisfying option.
• Palmito (heart of palm) – A vegetarian favorite, often mixed with cheese or cream.

The thin, crispy dough and flavorful filling make pastel a must-try snack for anyone interested in Brazilian cuisine!

Ingredients for Brazilian Pastel

For the Dough:

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon cachaça (or white vinegar)
• 3/4 cup (180ml) warm water
• 1 teaspoon baking powder (optional, for extra crispiness)

For the Fillings (Choose One or Mix & Match):

Cheese Filling:

• 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Ground Beef Filling:

• 1/2 lb (225g) ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped green olives (optional)

Chicken & Cheese Filling:

• 1/2 lb (225g) shredded cooked chicken
• 2 tablespoons Catupiry cheese (or cream cheese)

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for deep frying

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, and baking powder.
2. Add the vegetable oil and cachaça (or vinegar).
3. Gradually pour in the warm water, mixing until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5-7 minutes until smooth.
5. Cover with plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Fillings

Ground Beef:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the onion and garlic until soft.
2. Add the ground beef, salt, and pepper, cooking until browned.
3. Stir in green olives (if using) and remove from heat.

Chicken & Cheese:

1. Mix the shredded chicken with Catupiry (or cream cheese) until well combined.

Step 3: Roll and Fill the Dough

1. Roll out the dough very thin (about 1/8 inch thick).
2. Cut into rectangles or circles, depending on your preference.
3. Place 1-2 tablespoons of filling in the center of each piece.
4. Fold the dough over the filling and seal the edges by pressing with a fork.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden & Crispy

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Carefully place the pastéis in the hot oil and fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
3. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Tips for the Best Pastel

• Use cachaça or vinegar in the dough – This makes the crust extra crispy and bubbly.
• Roll the dough as thin as possible – The thinner the dough, the crispier the pastel.
• Don’t overfill – Too much filling can cause the dough to tear during frying.
• Seal properly – Press the edges with a fork to avoid leaking while frying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bake Pastel Instead of Frying?

Yes! While traditional pastel is deep-fried, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, brushing them with oil for a golden finish.

What’s the Best Substitute for Cachaça?

If you don’t have cachaça, use white vinegar to achieve similar crispiness.

Can I Freeze Pastel Dough?

Yes! You can freeze the dough for up to 3 months. Simply thaw, roll, and fill when ready.

Final Thoughts

Brazilian pastel is one of the most delicious and crispy street foods you can make at home. Whether you fill it with cheese, beef, chicken, or heart of palm, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Try this authentic pastel recipe, and let us know how it turned out! If you love Brazilian food, check out our other recipes for Coxinha, Feijoada, and Pão de Queijo.

Love This Recipe? Share It!

If you enjoyed this pastel recipe, share it with your friends and tag us on social media. Bom apetite! 🇧🇷