Description
Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies are savory pan-fried pastries filled with a flavorful ground beef mixture infused with soy sauce, oyster sauce, garlic, and ginger. This recipe yields 12 crispy, golden-brown pies perfect as a snack or appetizer, blending tender beef with a delicate dough crust cooked to perfection on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Dough
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
Beef Filling
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 3 scallions, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
For Frying
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, stirring until a dough forms.
- Knead & Rest: Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for about 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover it with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes to relax the gluten.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 teaspoon of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the minced garlic, fresh ginger, and chopped scallions. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and aromatic.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Mix in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and ground black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors. Remove from heat and let the filling cool slightly.
- Divide & Roll Dough: Divide the rested dough into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten into approximately 4-inch circles on a floured surface.
- Fill & Seal Pies: Place about one tablespoon of the beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to form a half-moon shape. Pinch the edges firmly to seal and slightly flatten the pies into discs.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour 1/4 cup vegetable oil into a non-stick skillet and warm over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Pan-Fry the Pies: Fry the beef pies in batches, cooking each side for approximately 4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
- Serve: Serve the crispy beef pies hot with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Resting the dough is important for easier rolling and better texture.
- Be careful when frying to maintain medium heat to achieve a crispy crust without burning.
- The filling can be prepared ahead of time and cooled before assembling.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with canola or peanut oil for frying.
- For extra flavor, add finely chopped water chestnuts or mushrooms to the beef filling.
