🥟 Curaçao-Style Tuna Pastechi (Crispy, Savory & Authentic)| Browny’s Cakes

Pastechi is one of the most beloved snacks on Curaçao soft on the inside, crispy on the outside, and packed with flavor.

Whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, parties, or simply a craving, pastechis always hit the spot 😍

Today I’m sharing my favorite version: Tuna Pastechi, seasoned the way I learned at home on Curaçao.

---

🧁 Ingredients for the Dough

(Makes approx. 12–15 pastechis, depending on size)

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 2¼ tablespoons sugar

• 2 tablespoons margarine or butter

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ cup milk

• ½ cup water (add gradually until dough is smooth)

👉 The dough should be soft, smooth, and not sticky. If it sticks, add a little extra flour.

---

🐟 Tuna Filling (My Curaçao-Style Version)

(Season to taste — this is my favorite combination)

• 1 can tuna, drained

• 1 red onion, finely chopped

• 1 stock cube (crumbled)

• Garlic powder (to taste)

• Paprika powder (to taste)

• A splash of soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon raisins (balances the saltiness and adds a subtle sweetness)

Optional:

• Black pepper

• Madame Jeanette pepper for heat

---

👩🏽‍🍳 Method

1️⃣ Prepare the filling

Heat a little oil in a pan and add the drained tuna.

Add the chopped red onion and sauté briefly.

Season with:

• stock cube

• garlic powder

• paprika

• a splash of soy sauce

Stir in the raisins and mix well.

👉 Important: Let the filling cool completely before filling the pastechis.

---

2️⃣ Make the dough

In a bowl, combine:

• flour

• sugar

• baking powder

• salt

Add the margarine and rub it into the flour with your fingers.

Gradually add the milk and water while kneading,
until you get a soft, smooth dough.

Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 20 minutes.

---

3️⃣ Shape the pastechis

Roll the dough thin on a floured surface.

Cut out circles using a bowl or round cutter.

Place 1 tablespoon of filling in the center.

Fold the dough over and press the edges firmly to seal.

---

4️⃣ Fry

Heat oil in a pan.

Fry the pastechis until golden brown on both sides.

Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

---

🧠 Why this pastechi works

• Soft, slightly sweet dough

• Savory tuna filling with balanced seasoning

• Raisins add depth and break the saltiness

• Crispy outside, tender inside

Comfort food with Caribbean soul 💚

---

🎓 Want more Caribbean-inspired recipes?

On my blog, I share recipes that are:

• authentic

• practical

• and full of flavor

👉 Visit www.brownyscakes.com for more recipes and baking inspiration 🍰

---

🛒 Tools I Use

These tools make preparing pastechis easier:

• Mixing bowls

• Rolling pin

• Frying pan

• 👉 Click the links to view the products.

---

💡 Tip: For best results, use the same tools and materials I work with — the links are included in this post.

✨ Did you enjoy this recipe?
Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more delicious recipes!

With love,
Ludinaira Roberto
Browny’s Cakes 💛