Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies Recipe

If you crave comfort food with a wildly satisfying crunch, look no further than Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies. These hand-sized parcels feature a perfectly golden, crispy exterior and a juicy, savory beef filling loaded with aromatic green onions and a hint of sweetness. They’re the kind of snack that takes you straight to the heart of a bustling Beijing night market, yet they’re easy enough to make at home. Whether you serve them as a dinner main, a snack for friends, or straight from the skillet for yourself (no shame!), this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts and taste buds alike.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for these Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies are wonderfully straightforward. Each one plays a key role, so be sure not to skip anything if you want that signature crispy texture and nuanced flavor in every bite.

• All-purpose flour: The backbone of your dough, giving structure and the perfect chewy crispness.
• Warm water: Helps bring your dough together smoothly and creates a supple texture.
• Salt: Enhances the flavor of your dough, making sure it’s never bland.
• Vegetable oil (for dough and frying): Adds tenderness to the dough and ensures your pies fry up extra crispy.
• Ground beef: The star of the show, juicy and packed with flavor in every bite.
• Green onions: Lend a fresh, mild sharpness that lifts the richness of the filling.
• Garlic: For irresistible aroma and depth of flavor.
• Soy sauce: Brings that classic umami punch that you expect in Chinese street food.
• Oyster sauce: Adds a savory-sweet undertone that rounds out the filling beautifully.
• Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon, but it makes the filling taste deeply nutty and aromatic.
• Sugar: Balances out the saltiness and highlights the meat’s natural sweetness.
• Ground white pepper: Offers warmth and a hint of spice without overpowering.
• Finely shredded cabbage (optional): For added crunch and a touch of freshness in the filling.
• Cornstarch: Keeps the filling juicy by holding onto the flavorful meat juices as the pies cook.

How to Make Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Start by combining your all-purpose flour, salt, and warm water in a large mixing bowl. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then move it to a lightly floured surface. Knead vigorously for 5 to 7 minutes until your dough is smooth, soft, and elastic. It’s an arm workout, but so worth it! Cover the dough with a clean towel and let it rest for 30 minutes. This resting time lets the gluten relax, ensuring your pastry will roll out easily and fry up super crisp.

Step 2: Mix the Savory Beef Filling

While your dough is relaxing, combine your ground beef, green onions, garlic, soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ground white pepper, and cornstarch in a large bowl. If you love extra crunch and color, toss in the finely shredded cabbage at this stage. Mix well—you’re looking for a sticky, cohesive mixture, so don’t be afraid to get your hands in there! For the juiciest pies, try mixing in a splash of beef broth (just a tablespoon or two will do).

Step 3: Shape and Fill the Pies

Once your dough is rested, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten into a 5-inch round using a rolling pin or your hands. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of the beef filling in the center. Carefully fold the dough over the filling, pinching tightly to seal, and gently flatten each sealed pie into a thick disc. Don’t worry if they’re not perfectly round—these rustic shapes have plenty of character!

Step 4: Pan-Fry to Crispy Perfection

Heat 3 to 4 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When hot, add your pies in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until they’re puffed, golden, and gloriously crispy. Add more oil as needed for the next batch. Once fried, transfer the pies to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies piping hot from the pan, ideally with soy sauce or a chili dipping sauce for dunking. That first bite, with the crispy exterior and flavorful beefy burst, is pure magic!

How to Serve Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make these pies pop even more. Try a sprinkle of sliced green onions, a few toasted sesame seeds, or a light brush of chili oil on top. These little touches add color and a hint of fresh flavor that bring out the best in Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies.

Side Dishes

Need to round out your meal? These pies pair beautifully with crisp Asian cucumber salad, quick vinegar-pickled vegetables, or a simple bowl of egg drop soup. Rice might seem obvious, but honestly, these pies shine when they’re the star of the plate!

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the basics! Stack your pies on a vibrant platter with little bowls of different sauces—sweet chili, spicy mustard, or garlic soy—for a build-your-own dipping adventure. Or wrap a pie in parchment paper for an easy, portable lunch. Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies are endlessly adaptable and always a crowd-pleaser.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with leftovers, wrap your Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies individually in plastic wrap or foil and store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days without losing too much crispness.

Freezing

These pies freeze like a dream! Let them cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze. Once solid, transfer to a zip-top bag. Whenever a craving strikes, you can easily reheat a batch for instant comfort food.

Reheating

To bring your pies back to life, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil until they’re hot and crisp. If you’re in a hurry, you can also pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, or use an air fryer for the fastest, crispiest results. The microwave works in a pinch, but it will soften the crust.

FAQs

Can I use another kind of meat in these pies?

Absolutely! While traditional Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies feature ground beef, you can easily swap in ground pork, chicken, or even turkey. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning to suit your chosen protein.

Can I make the dough ahead of time?

Yes, prepping the dough in advance is a great way to save time. Make the dough, wrap it tightly, and let it rest in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Let it come to room temperature for easier rolling before shaping your pies.

What dipping sauces go well with Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies?

Soy sauce is a classic, but you can mix it up with black vinegar, chili crisp, or even a tangy garlic sauce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your favorite condiments for more variety.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Pinching the edges of your dough tightly is key. You can also tuck the sealed edge under the pie before frying for an extra-strong seal. If any filling sneaks out during cooking, just scoop it up and enjoy alongside your pies!

Do I need to use cabbage in the filling?

Nope! The cabbage is totally optional. It adds a touch of crunch and keeps the filling juicy, but you can leave it out or swap in other shredded veggies like carrots or bell peppers if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies at home, now is the time to dive in! Each crispy, handheld pie tastes like a warm hug and is sure to become a favorite at your table. Gather your ingredients, invite some friends, and enjoy every delicious, satisfying bite!

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