If you’ve been searching for a real-deal Authentic Jamaican Beef Patties Recipe, this is it! Flaky, golden pastry? Check. Spicy, savory beef filling? Oh yes. These are hands-down one of my go-to recipes whenever I’m craving something bold and comforting.
This easy homemade version gives you everything you love about Jamaican patties crispy edges, juicy filling, and that warm yellow crust right from your own kitchen. No mystery ingredients, no shortcuts, just big flavor and simple steps anyone can follow.
I’ve made this recipe so many times I could probably do it in my sleep. The smell alone of garlic, thyme, Scotch bonnet, all wrapped in that buttery crust is enough to make your kitchen feel like a little Jamaican bakery. And the best part? They’re easier to make than you think.🤗

Why You’ll Love These Authentic Jamaican Patties
- Flaky & Buttery Pastry – With or without beef suet, the crust is delicate and crisp with that signature golden hue.
- Spiced Just Right – The beef filling is a flavorful mix of garlic, thyme, scallions, Scotch bonnet pepper, and warming allspice.
- Totally Customizable – Dial up the heat, go mild, or swap in ground turkey or lentils. It’s your patty, your way.
- Freezer Friendly – Make a big batch and freeze for quick lunches or snacks. They bake beautifully from frozen.
- 100% Homemade – No mystery ingredients here just big flavor and real ingredients from scratch.
What Makes Jamaican Beef Patties Unique?
These patties are more than just a snack they’re part of Jamaican culture. Known as sunshine patties, their vibrant yellow pastry gets its color from turmeric and their soul from the spicy filling. While they’re popular as a street food or bakery grab-and-go, they’re also perfect for home cooks looking to explore bold, Caribbean flavors.
Each bite has a story about resilience, community, and celebration. Whether you’ve had one before or this is your first time, these patties are an experience.
Let’s Talk Flaky Dough and Filling: Flaky & Flavorful
Making patty dough from scratch isn’t hard I promise! You just have to keep things cold and don’t overmix. I like using beef suet when I want that old-school flaky magic, but butter or shortening works great too. Turmeric gives the dough its golden color and a warm, earthy vibe. No turmeric? A little curry powder or annatto will do the trick.
As for the filling, oh man, it’s GOOD. We’re talking lean ground beef cooked down with onions, scallions, garlic, paprika, thyme, and Scotch bonnet (or whatever chili you love). Breadcrumbs help soak up the juices so it’s nice and moist, not soggy. The flavor is bold and spicy with a little sweetness and depth from the herbs. Don’t be afraid to taste and tweak it until it’s perfect for you.
Ingredients For Authentic Jamaican Beef Patties
- All-Purpose Flour – This is your base for the pastry. It holds everything together and bakes up nice and crisp. Stick with it no need to get fancy here.
- Beef Suet (or Butter/Shortening) – Suet is the OG way to get that crazy good flakiness, but butter or shortening works just fine too. I use whatever I’ve got on hand just keep it cold!
- Turmeric – For that iconic yellow color and a little earthy flavor. If you don’t have any, curry powder or a pinch of annatto will still give that sunshine glow.
- Ground Beef – I like lean beef so the filling doesn’t get greasy, but it’s still juicy thanks to the spices and butter.
- Scotch Bonnet Pepper – These bring the heat! Use as much or as little as you want or swap in your favorite chili if Scotch bonnet is too fiery.
- Thyme & Allspice – These two are key for that bold, unmistakable Caribbean flavor. You’ll smell it as soon as it hits the pan.
- Breadcrumbs – Not just filler these soak up the juices and give you that perfect, thick filling that doesn’t ooze everywhere.
- Onions & Scallions – This combo gives you flavor, depth, and a little natural sweetness that balances the spice.
- Garlic – Just a bit for extra punch. I never skip it.
- Paprika – Adds a warm color and smoky note that rounds out the beef.
- Butter (for the filling) – Stirred in at the end for richness. It melts into the meat and makes it extra rich.
- Water & Olive Oil – These help everything simmer together without drying out.
- Egg (optional) – For that shiny bakery finish on top. Totally up to you.
How to Make Authentic Jamaican Beef Patties – Step by Step
Step 1): Make the Beef Filling
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the ground beef, 1 cup water, and olive oil. Let it simmer gently for about 20–30 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the onions, scallions, garlic, Scotch bonnet, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and allspice.
- If the mixture looks dry, add a splash more water.
- Add the breadcrumbs and stir until combined. They’ll help soak up excess moisture and hold everything together.
- Stir in the butter last, mixing until it’s melted and the filling is glossy and rich. Set aside to cool.
Step 2): Make the Patty Dough
- In a large bowl (or stand mixer with hook), combine flour, salt, sugar, and turmeric.
- Add the beef suet and shortening—or butter if using that version—and mix until crumbly (like coarse sand).
- Slowly pour in the ice water and mix just until a dough forms. Don’t overwork it!
- Wrap the dough in plastic and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Step 3): Assemble the Patties
- Preheat oven to 365°F (185°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Divide chilled dough into 12 pieces for large patties (or 20 for smaller ones).
- Roll each piece into a ball and flatten into a circle about 4 mm thick.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling (or 1–1.5 tbsp for smaller patties) to one half of the circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon. Seal and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Place patties on the prepared tray.
- Brush the tops with egg wash if using.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
- Cool slightly and enjoy! These are perfect warm but still delicious at room temp.

Expert Tips for Perfect Jamaican Beef Patties
- Keep It Cold – Cold dough = flaky crust. Chill your fat, chill your water, and don’t overwork it.
- Let It Rest – Let the dough chill for at least 30 minutes so it rolls out nice and smooth.
- Seal It Tight – Press those edges closed with a fork so the filling doesn’t leak. Plus, it looks classic.
- Brush with Egg Wash – If you want that bakery-style glossy golden top, a little egg wash goes a long way.
- Simmer Low & Slow – Let the beef cook down gently so it stays juicy and soaks up all the spice.
- Taste As You Go – The filling should be bold, savory, and just spicy enough. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Breadcrumbs = Game Changer – They keep the filling from getting runny and help everything hold together perfectly.
- Don’t Skip the Butter – Stir it in last for extra richness. It melts right in and makes the whole mix velvety.
- Let It Cool – Warm filling will melt your dough. Give it a few minutes before assembling.
- Make It Vegan – Sub ground beef for lentils or vegan crumbles, and use plant-based butter.
- Try Ground Chicken or Turkey – A leaner option, but still full of flavor.
- Add Cheese – A slice of cheddar tucked inside the filling is.
Recipe FAQ
It’s the turmeric in the dough! It gives that signature golden color and a subtle earthy flavor. You can also use curry powder or annatto if turmeric’s not your thing.
Yes! Freeze them unbaked on a tray, then transfer to a bag or container. Bake straight from frozen just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
If Scotch bonnet is too hot (or hard to find), try habanero, serrano, or even a milder chili like jalapeño. Just adjust the amount to your heat level.
You can! Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend that’s meant for baking, and make sure your breadcrumbs are gluten-free too.
No worries cold butter or vegetable shortening works great. Suet gives that extra flakiness, but the other fats still make an awesome crust.
If You Love These Jamaican Food Then Try These Recipes:
- Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
- Traditional Jamaican Jerk Chicken
- Jamaican Chicken Patties
- Authentic Jamaican Red Pea Soup
- Jamaican Chicken Soup With Dumplings (Spinners)
- Traditional Jamaican Pumpkin Cake

Authentic Jamaican Beef Patty Recipe
Ingredients
Pastry Dough – Option 1 – With Beef Suet (traditional):
- 3 ½ cups 450 g all-purpose flour – your flaky crust starts here
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- ½ cup 100 g beef suet, finely chopped and frozen – this is the old-school way and gives unbeatable texture
- ½ cup 100 g shortening – helps with flake and structure
- 1 tbsp turmeric – for that golden-yellow color and a touch of earthy flavor
- 1 cup 230 g ice-cold water – helps bring it all together without melting the fat
- Option 2 – With Butter easier, modern version:
- 3 ½ cups 450 g all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup 220 g or 2 sticks unsalted butter, cubed and cold
- 1 tbsp turmeric
- 1 cup 230 g ice-cold water
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb 450 g lean ground beef – the heart of the patty
- 1 yellow or red onion finely chopped – adds depth and sweetness
- 3 scallions finely chopped (about 60 g)
- 1 Scotch bonnet pepper or your fave hot chili, minced – spicy and flavorful
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ cup 50 g breadcrumbs – helps keep things juicy, not greasy
- ¾ tsp salt
- 1 tsp paprika – adds warmth and color
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried or fresh thyme
- ½ tsp allspice – classic Caribbean flavor!
- ¼ cup 60 g unsalted butter – stirred in at the end for richness
- 1 cup 250 g water
- 2 tbsp 30 g olive oil – for simmering the beef
Optional – Egg Wash:
- 1 large egg
- 1 tbsp water or milk
Instructions
Make the Beef Filling
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, add the ground beef, 1 cup water, and olive oil. Let it simmer gently for about 20–30 minutes, or until most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in the onions, scallions, garlic, Scotch bonnet, salt, pepper, paprika, thyme, and allspice.
- If the mixture looks dry, add a splash more water.
- Add the breadcrumbs and stir until combined. They’ll help soak up excess moisture and hold everything together.
- Stir in the butter last, mixing until it’s melted and the filling is glossy and rich. Set aside to cool.
Prepare the Patty Dough
- In a large bowl (or stand mixer with hook), combine flour, salt, sugar, and turmeric.
- Add the beef suet and shortening—or butter if using that version—and mix until crumbly (like coarse sand).
- Slowly pour in the ice water and mix just until a dough forms. Don’t overwork it!
- Wrap the dough in plastic and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Assemble the Patties
- Preheat oven to 365°F (185°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Divide chilled dough into 12 pieces for large patties (or 20 for smaller ones).
- Roll each piece into a ball and flatten into a circle about 4 mm thick.
- Add 2–3 tablespoons of filling (or 1–1.5 tbsp for smaller patties) to one half of the circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to make a half-moon. Seal and crimp the edges with a fork.
- Place patties on the prepared tray.
- Brush the tops with egg wash if using.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown.
Notes
- Turmeric Alternatives – No turmeric? Try curry powder or annatto for that signature golden crust.
- Lean Beef Wins – Keeps the filling juicy without being greasy.
- Freeze Before Baking – Make a double batch and freeze unbaked patties. Bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes.
- Heat Level = Your Call – Scotch bonnet adds heat, but you can use a milder chili or reduce the amount if needed.
- Want to Go Meatless? – Try lentils, beans, or a vegan crumble. Works like a charm!
baccarat
Love this authentic recipe!
Angela
love when a recipe works
Jessie
This was so delish! Spot on. Never buying it again.
Marcela Arias
Hi Angela,
Glad you liked them!! Thank you for your feedback!
Cheers,
Marcela
Holly
Curious, did you use fresh or dried bread crumbs?
Thanks!
Marcela Arias
Hi Holly,
Sorry for the late reply, we are on Holiday Mode here.
Breadcrumbs are dry, ice is used to keep the cold, which makes it more manageable to work with. Also keeps the fats in check especially butter to ensure a flaky pastry.
Cheers!
Susan
Nice authentic recipe take some time to make but is well worth it
Yftah shany
I want to thank you for taking me back to my childhood. As a kid, i grew up in Jamaica, and patties were one of our biggest love. We couldn’t wait till our parents will take us out to have some.
I found your recipe almost… 40 years after those days, and decided to go dor it. My god… I’m almost in tears, bringing back the memories of the taste, texture and smell. Thank you.
Roxanne
Tasty patty recipe easy to follow steps
Nina
flaky flaky flaky cool recipe
Richie
Patties were amazing, thank you for sharing your recipe.
Lecce
please add Jamaican veggie patty recipe
Nick
Just replace the meat with your favorite mushrooms. Some crumbled chestnuts along with the mushrooms tastes good too.
Isabel
Try using veggie ground instead of beef, for a vegetarian dish. Don’t use the suet, use veg shortening instead (super cold).
Jackie
Ca’t believe i made this patty recipe thanks
Julian
Made these and they are tasty
Stephen William
I own a restaurant and made these Jamaican patties, they sold out in a couple of hours.
Junior
best man recipe
Karen
I prepared these Jamaican patties for my work potluck and they were a hit.
Jason
Made this and added some extra spices to give my patties a bit of a kick. Love the recipe.
Jay
This is the real deal. My family couldn’t believe i made them they thought it was store bought.
Sebastian
This is an awesome recipe just like how my grandma made it.
Anthony
Dogs bollocks !
Caroline
The best patty recipe I’ve made yet.
Tony
I have to say, a bit of work but well worth it. Instructions were straight up and everything turns out good. Bless up!
Natisha
Made this and the filling was amazing. The patty was also flaky, great recipe thank you for sharing.
Jada
Wicked recipe!! They were gone once out of the oven. Real taste like home.
Charli
Fantastic, easy recipe! No mention on the garlic or the amount in the ingredients though. Yummy!
Terra Mickels
Great recipe my patties came out amazing ! Easy and tasty!
Alicia
Delicious!!! I made them with one small change. I halved the turmeric. Ya man real deal.
Travis
Love these patties!
Marie
I made this tonight but made it…vegan! My husband is vegan-I’m not, which means I get to eat regular beef patties whenever. I was looking for a recipe that could match our standard Brooklyn beef patties. This recipe read like something that would work! And it did. Great spicing, great dough, easy to follow. And works vegan too. So I thought I’d share my adjustments with folks.
My alterations:
For the dough:
–Substitute Earth Balance or any vegan butter for the dairy butter. Since mine was salted I just cut back on the amount of table salt.
For the filling (obviously where more changes are):
–Substitute12 oz of Impossible Burger which is one pack (or something similar, but this is what I used) for the 1 lb beef (don’t worry about the measurement)
–Add about 2 tsp of vegan beef broth base
–Substitute Earth Balance or any vegan butter for the dairy butter
When cooking the filling (IMPORTANT):
–Add “beef”, oil, water as instructed but be sure to mash apart the meat. You also need to ADJUST TIME.
–Simmer ingredients above as mentioned but **cut back simmering to about 5-7 minutes **(instead of 20-25). The “meat” does not need to cook as long.
–Add in onions, garlic, scallions, scotch bonnet, and spices as instructed. At this point I also added more water–potentially as much as 1 cup additional. This extra water adds to some of the bulk which is why the 4oz discrepancy in the amount of “meat” you use doesn’t matter. Don’t worry about it diluting flavor. It doesn’t.
–Continue with the directions to fold in bread crumbs, then vegan butter, then remove from heat
Assemble as instructed. I cooked only for 25 minutes, no longer. But that may depend on your stove.
Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! Hope this vegan version might be useful to some folks.
xo
Sarah
Thanks for sharing, I’m also vegan and going to try to follow your revised directions!
Tisha
I loved the filling however my dough seemed a bit too sticky and I think I over worked the dough when trying to combat the stickyness. I uses a food processor and I think that’s where everything went wrong. I am going to try again and this time add waayyy less water. But I think it would have been helpful to maybe say “add a little bit of water at a time until dough just comes together”. I dumped far too much water in at a time and it turned into a very very very thick pancake batter.
Meik
Hello Marcela,
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I love your step by step instructions which made it easy to make. Will be sharing this recipe with friends and family.
Merrell-Ann
This recipe is everything! Patties came out near enough perfect and went down a treat with the family. Would love it if you could do some recipies for different patty fillings
Marcela Arias
Hey Merrell, Thanks for the feedback, we’re super happy you and your wonderful family enjoyed them!
Definitely we will add some new versions of this patty. Thanks again and have a Great Day!!!
ann marie
Hi There! so excited to try this recipe . To confirm I do not have suet so I can use shortening so in total I would use 200 grams ? Thank you
Marcela Arias
Hi Ann, yes that’s correct. Happy Cooking!!
Griffin
Hello! How long do we cook the onions/spices with the beef before adding the bread crumbs? Thank you
Gimme Yummy
Hello Griffin,
For about 20 minutes or until the ground beef is browned and fully cooked.
Claudia
Will this work to use 100% beef suet, and no shortening? Thanks.
Marcela Arias
Hi Claudia,
Yes it will definitely work and taste much better.
Cheers!!
Priscilla
Is there a particular kind of beef suet to use? Like, should I just go for Atora brand? I see that come up a lot when I look for suet.
Marcela Arias
Hi Priscilla, any type of brand will do.
Jamie
Can you make the pastry a day ahead of time or will it be too dry?
Marcela Arias
Hi Jaime,
You can make the pastry ahead of time, just cover it in plastic and keep it refrigerated.
Minih
Great patty recipe, especially for an at home cook. I’ve made patties before in a cooking class and the dough was far more complicated (folding the fat in). This was far easier and dare I say tastier?! Not necessarily as flaky with the many layers of dough but delicious none the less. The filling recipe is nearly identical. I appreciate all of your instructions and that you took the time to provide alternatives for fats. It’s really helpful for getting the recipe correct. Love that you use turmeric instead of food colouring. I used a little curry powder as well.
Could I use a mix of shortening and butter instead? And how long should I let the dough mix in the mixer? Should it be a little sticky or well kneaded? Would love to see a chicken version!!
Thank you :)
Marcela Arias
Hi Minih,
Thank you for your feedback. You can definitely use a mix of shortening and butter just follow the same instructions. In regards to mixing the dough, You mix the dough to about an 80% state. The dough should not be sticky but slightly tacky. If you’re using a Kitchenaid mixing machine mix on setting 3 for about 2-3 minutes, add the iced water and mix on 4 for additional 3-3 minutes. Hope this helps! ooh, by the way, the Chicken version is Coming Soon!!
Happy Baking and Cooking!
Minih
I found beef suet at my local butcher and tried them again using 100% suet. Super excited to taste them. Thank you for the follow up instructions on the dough. Can’t wait for the chicken version!!
Latoya
Nice recipe, turned out perfect.
Brenda
Love this recipe! The patty came out flaky and the flavour was outstanding. I didn’t have beef suet, so I used 1 cup of shortening and substituted 1 tsp of beef stock powder for salt. Thank you!
Marcela Arias
Hi Brenda,
Thank you for your feedback and a Huge Thank You for sharing your twist on this recipe.
Cheers!
Jessie
Amazing flakiness and flavor!
Anna
Made it!!! Came out EXCELLENT!!! Great recipe- As a Caribbean person it was definitely authentic!!!
Marven
Thank you so much for this wonderful recipe, not does the color of the pastry look pleasant, it also tastes amazing.
ry
I made this using gluten free flour. Came out great and I followed recipe exactly. Only thing is that although the color is great it seems like too much turmeric powder. Next time I’ll try half the turmeric powder.
Jean Elam
This was spot on!
Thank you, made them for my family tonight and they were a hit!
Marcela Arias
Hi Jean! Thank you for your feedback!!
Cheers!!
Loreto and Nicoletta
We have a food blog as well and made this recipe for a monthly collaboration called Eat the World and this month’s country was Jamaica. We wanted to make beef patties and wanted something authentic so found your recipe. I used all butter for the pastry dough (half the recipe) and my husband made the beef filling. We adapted it just a tiny bit and everything turned out amazing! Tomorrow we are going to post it on our blog and we’ll mention the inspiration. Thank you!
Daniel
Made the butter version. Only used 1 teaspoon of Turmeric, seemed yellow enough. So delicious and authentic taste and look.
Michelle
I made my 1st patties in the peak of the lockdown May 2020 as I sought to explore my untapped skills.
I was so thrilled with the results that I have now used this recipe many times for just my husband and I. I have tweaked it though as we do not eat beef. So chicken and the butter for the pastry.. Great recipe. Thank you for the inspiration !!!
Marcela Arias
Hi Michelle,
Thank you for your feedback!
Cheers,
Marcela
Tiffany
Great recipe. It’s all you need. Not too much turmeric in the flour….. and be sure to add enough suet/shortening to the dough mix. Loved them.
Marcela Arias
Hi Tiffany,
Thank you for your feedback!
Cheers,
Marcela
Cindy
The pastry is good and the filling is amazing.
Samuel
Gave 5 out of 5 simply because this recipe is so close to the patties my mom makes in Jamaica.
Jackie
The meat was perfect and my pastry was flaky, I’ve tried many other patty recipes, this one is my go-to from now on. Also shared on facebook and interest account.
LINDA
Glad I selected your recipe. It looked authentic and I was right. Great taste although I added a bit too much allspice and a bit of beef bouillon. Neither was needed. Your recipe as it is is wonderful!
Gabriella
Your blog never disappoints, and this Jamaican patty is proof. Keep up the stellar work, and thank you!
Paulo
Have to say this recipe by far has been the best one.
Cheryl
Jamaican Beef Patties the way I like Them. Thank you
Joy
Just made these and they were very tasty and flaky. I used the butter version. The family consume them all. Thank you so much for the recipe! Will be making them again soon.
sharon
Do you brown the mince first, then cook in water, not sure?
Marcela Arias
Hi Sharon,
Yes you do.
Cheers,
Gimme Yummy Team
James
This Jamaican patty brings back memories of home. It’s truly delightful.
Evelyn
The rich filling and the crust combine for a pleasant eating experience. Quite satisfying indeed.
Violet
I’ve been searching for the perfect Jamaican patty recipe, and yours hit the mark. Immense gratitude for sharing!
Linda Horton
Your recipe makes the world’s best patty. I regret not waiting before posting my review.
I sautéed onions, garlic etc. before browning beef- a different method than you proposed. I worked butter, flour with my fingers but followed all other directions to the letter.
I should have rolled the dough directly onto my granite countertop. In stead I rolled it on my cutting board which wasn’t large enough. Some dough areas were too thick . Patties made with thinner dough I ate today were WOW!!! Layers of flaky pastry paired beautifully with the perfectly seasoned filling! I’d added a pinch too much allspice but now that I know what to do, this will be my forever patty recipe. I’ve already begun to share it with my foodie friends. You are wonderful for sharing this iconic recipe. Too bad I didn’t share! I got 10 patties in all, 4 of which I woofed down, straight from the oven, I hid the rest which I divided between breakfast and lunch. I polished off the 10th and final one for dinner today (without regrets), I enjoyed it with a Bermuda rum punch, and it was a VERY good day! Can’t be making these while no one’s looking EVER again, but it was worth the guilt that only now am I feeling for behaving so badly.
With sincere appreciation,
Linda W. Horton- Bermuda
Zaire
It’s clear you put a lot of effort into your posts. This patty recipe is a testament to that. Thank you!
Aria
Each bite was a delight, making me more thankful for having stumbled upon your blog.
Grace
It’s a simple recipe that makes a great patty, I’ll happily recommend this recipe to friends.
Tafari
Not too flashy, but beautifully crafted in taste and texture.
Kaya
It’s hearty, flavorful, and fills you up just right.
Andrew
The combination of a delicate crust with a spiced filling is quite pleasing to the palate.
Nakisha
The real deal, love this recipe.
Khris Bowen
I made this.recipe Gluten-free as my son has celiac. I used GF flour, with a 1/4 cup of potato flour. I followed the rest of the recipes exactly as indicated. Amazing patties, my family devoured them!
Madison
This jamaican patty recipe provides a subtle hint of tropical flavors. It’s a nice little treat, will prepare again.
Marianne Brabant
I really loved the dough recipe, it’s nice and flaky. The texture of the meat is also great, not dry at all and baked nicely in the pastry,
Niaomi
Every bite was a reminder of how grateful I am to have found your blog. Thanks for the delightful recipe!
Scarlett
This Jamaican patty hits the mark. It’s flavorful without being overpowering.
Jasprett
Hello, just wanted to say how much my whole family loved these beef patties. I passed on this recipe to a few of my close friend who’s been looking a good Jamaican patty recipe without any good success until now.
Thanks again!
Abby
I was unable to find suet, and plan on using leaf lard. Would you recommend using 100 g of lard + 100g of shortening or 200 g of lard (also should I freeze the lard)?
Additionally, I was wondering if you have ever tried laminating the dough with butter or lard to ensure flaky pastry?
Thanks!
Marcela Arias
Hi Abby,
You can sub the beef suet with lard or shortening. You can you one type of fat, it will be fine.
Cheers,
Marcela
Madeline
Your recipe has been a hit at our family gatherings. Thanks for adding joy to our meals!
rachael
This is an amazing recipe, very authentic. I have made these several times, they are delicious however i have problems getting the pastry to have those layers as shown in the photos. The pastry is flaky, and crisp, but it doesn’t get those moist layers closer to the filling, they just have a crisp layer with flaky bits on top. I’m not sure if this is down to my using vegetable suet and making them with a lentil/vegetable filling and its the beef fat that would make the difference or if there is a trick to rolling the pastry. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks for a great recipe!
Marcela Arias
Hi Rachael,
Thank you for your feedback. I don’t think it has to do with the vegetable suet but rather the filling. Lentils are high in fiber and protein and will absorb most of the free liquid in the filling during the baking process. I suggest increasing the butter or olive oil in the filling recipe or adding a couple of tablespoons of water (maybe 2-3) to decrease the viscosity of the filling. Also, reducing the baking time might be 3-5 minutes might help keep those under layers moist, baking just until the patty is golden.
I hope some of these suggestions will help you. Please reach out to me if you have any other questions.
Cheers,
Marcela
Rachael
Thanks so much for replying! I’ll be trying your tips and hopefully they will do the trick!
Samuel
The flavors of this flaky patty are present but not overpowering, making for a mild and delightful culinary experience.
Layla
It’s rare to find such an authentic taste outside of Jamaica. This patty recipe is an absolute treasure, thanks for sharing.
Audrey
Your blog has become my go-to for genuine recipes. This patty confirms why. Thank you for sharing
Ron
Wow!!! Absolutely Amazing!!! Followed the recipe exactly using 200g of shortening and they were perfect. Reminded me of the hot patties I used to buy from my local Jamaican food store when I was a child. I plan on making a double batch this weekend to bring to a Super Bowl party and some to freeze. Can they be frozen and should I cook them first and then freeze them or freeze them raw? And will freezing them change anything?
Thanks for a great recipe Marcella!
Marcela Arias
Hi Ron,
Thank you very much for the feedback! I appreciate It!
To answer your question. Yes, you can prepare the patties ahead of time and freeze them unbaked, they will be perfectly fine, you can follow the same instructions outlined in the recipe, might take 2-3 more minutes to bake if you baking from a frozen state.
If you want to get ahead of the game :) and bake them then freeze, you also have that option. To refresh the frozen baked patties, preheat the oven to 350F (180C) and bake for about 8-10 minutes from a frozen state. If you prefer to thaw, then re-crisp the patty, use the same temperature but bake for only 5-6 minutes.
Thanks Again and have a fantastic time watching the Game!
Cheers,
Liana
Made the patties, they are very tasty.
Ethan
It’s hard to find such authentic flavors often. This patty is a delightful representation of Jamaican cuisine.
Frank
Can I replace shorting by oil
Marcela Arias
Hi Frank,
Unfortunately, oil reacts differently than shortening resulting in less flakiness for the patty. For best results, I recommend shortening, butter, or beef suet.
Cheers,
Marcela
Kim
As a Jamaican, I LOVE patties. It is hard to find good ones here in the USA. This recipe is the best, by far. I have made it 3 times already, used butter each time. Flaky, delicious and authentic. Thank you for a great and easy recipe.
Gimme Yummy
Hi Kim,
Thank you so much!! I appreciate your feedback and am super happy to get your blessing!!
Cheers,
Marcela
Sandy
Hi , saw your recipe and wanted to give it a try . Can you use panko instead of bread crumbs?
Marcela Arias
Hi Sandy,
Yes you can, pretty much any breadcrumbs will do the trick.
Cheers,
Marcela
Amanda Mcgrath
i loved this recipe – the pastry was the best I’ve ever made – i made half with beef and the rest added sweet potatoes so had a veggie version both were delicious – my son wants them for his lunch box so am thinking of bulk making and then freezing to cook up when the oven is on…
Marcela Arias
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for your review!! Love the sweet potatoes addition that you made, thanks for sharing.
Cheers,
Marcela
Christopher
The Jamaican patty has a lovely golden crust complemented by a flavorful filling. Very enjoyable.
Rasheed
Easy to make, Golden crust, rich filling.
MsRose
Fantastic! This is the genuine recipe like my aunt and grandmother made decades ago. You need the beef suet for extra flaky and flavorful crust plus (hardo) bread crumbs in the filling. My family said the bread crumbs made the filling less oily and stretched the meat because beef was expensive back in the day.
The only differences from my family’s recipe are annatto instead of turmeric was used to color the crust without adding the strong turmeric flavor and Jamaican curry powder instead of paprika was used in the meat mixture.
Aiyana
Loved this patty, has that perfect kick..
Harper
I love this recipe because every ingredient in the recipe seems carefully chosen, showcasing traditional Jamaican flavors.
Jahleelah
Your commitment to authentic recipes shines through with this patty. Can’t thank you enough!
Helen
This recipe is delicious !! The filling is so good and very authentic !!! I will make this again. Only substitute the 1 Cup water with 1 cup beef broth and so did not add the salt because the beef broth had salt. The rest of the recipe stayed the same. Thank you for this amazing recipe.
Helen
Forgot to the rate the recipe. It was delicious and will make it over and over again.
Jahon
The crust holds up, and the filling packs a punch. Good job with this recipe.
Ayanna
There’s a whole lot of special in the recipe, will make again.
Dee
I’ve tried so many patty recipes online and this one hit it out of the ballpark. The raving reviews are correct, this one is a keeper.
Shanice
Love how the recipe doesn’t shy away from our beloved pepper. It brings that authentic warmth to the table.
Morgan
Yum, Yum, Yum…Deeply grateful for your shares!
Addison
I’ve tried several recipes from your blog, and this Jamaican patty is one of my favs. Keep up the great work!
Marley
Every bite tek me back to the shores of Ochi (Ocho Rios). This is the real deal, man!
Amani
Easily one of the best patty recipes I’ve made. It stands out.
Travis
I absolutely loved this patty! Its crispy crust paired with a savory filling was pure Jamaican magic.
Piper
This Jamaican patty feels like a labor of love. I can’t thank you enough
Jahiem
It’s straightforward, tasty, and satisfying.
Riley
This Jamaican patty’s crust and flavorful filling truly set a gold standard for Jamaican cuisine.
Nyasha Tyler
No frills, just a damn good Jamaican patty recipe.
Hazel
Every time I try one of your recipes, I’m reminded of your dedication to good food. Thanks for this delightful Jamaican patty!
Jahzelle
This patty is fantastic. Thank you
William
The balance between the crust and filling is commendably achieved, Great recipe.
Shanice James
No gimmicks, great recipe that delivers well-made Jamaican patty that speaks for itself.
Nia
This recipes reminds mi of the patties sold on Kingston street corners.
Avery
It’s evident that care went into the recipe, capturing the essence of Jamaican flavors quite well.
Benjamin
I’ve tried many patty recipes, and this one consistently stands out for its authenticity.
Jahleel
Mi have tasted many, but this one? Top-tier. It’s like the Usain Bolt of patties, ahead of the rest.
travis
The golden crust is perfectly flaky, and the filling is flavorful with just the right hint of spices. It tastes authentically Jamaican and is definitely worth trying
Lucy
Another hit recipe from your blog. A big thank you for always delivering on taste and authenticity!
Savannah
Your recipe has brought the authentic flavors of Jamaica right to my kitchen. Thank you for sharing!
Kamilah
Your blog has been a treasure trove of flavors, and this Jamaican patty stands out. Thanks for introducing it to us!
Ruby
Your passion for cooking shines through in this recipe. Thank you for consistently sharing top-notch dishes with us.
Noah
This patty stole my heart with its unique blend of spices and unbeatable crust. A treat I thoroughly enjoyed!
Jahsiah
It’s great to find a jamaican patty recipe that remains true to its roots and delivers on flavor.
Zion
This Jamaican patty recipe doesn’t overcomplicate things. It’s simply delicious and hits the spot.
Safiya
This Jamaican patty recipe is spot on! Thank you for sharing such an authentic taste with us.
Olivia
The savory filling and that crispy patty crust… An absolute treat.
Lucas
This patty was a pleasant surprise.
Keshawn
The blend of spices is subtle yet impactful, a perfect balance and the flaky patty is delicious.
Kingston
Ya Mon, It’s Real: This patty ain’t just food, it’s a piece of home. Crispy outside, rich inside, pure Jamaican vibes.
Emma
This was a joy to taste! Beautifully baked with just the right seasoning.
Nyah
Every bite gave me positive vibrations. Amazing and authentic
Elijah
This recipe captures the essence of Jamaican flavors without trying too hard. Just genuine goodness.
Liam
This tasted like a warm embrace from Jamaica. I’m so glad I tried it!
Jahari
Tasting this, mi remember Sunday dinners with family. Authentic, just like how granny used to make.
Anita
My go to recipe for patties. I used ground chicken for this recipe. I cut the turmeric in half… still thinks it’s a lot. I used more garlic and crisco instead of butter. None the less it comes out great every time!! Thank you for sharing!
Marcela Arias
Thank you Anita for your comment!
Cheers!
Paul Miller
Excellent recipe – putting butter in the freezer overnight then grating with a cheese grater makes hand working the dough very easy.