The BEST Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies

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The BEST Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies are a deliciously savory dish featuring a crispy, golden-brown pastry shell filled with a flavorful, seasoned beef filling. The beef is cooked with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and a mix of aromatic spices, creating a hearty and savory filling that contrasts beautifully with the light, flaky crust. These pies are perfect for dipping into a tangy soy or hoisin sauce and make for a tasty appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress.

I first made these Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies when I was craving something with a rich, meaty filling and a crispy texture, and they turned out even better than I imagined! The beef filling was savory and perfectly spiced, while the pastry was wonderfully crunchy. They were a hit at the dinner table, and I loved how easy they were to make in batches.

What’s great about these pies is how versatile they are. You can easily swap out the beef for ground pork, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. You can also add veggies like carrots, onions, or shiitake mushrooms to the filling for extra texture and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion, a party, or just as a snack, these crispy meat pies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Perfect for:

• Family gatherings
• Game day snacks
• Casual dinners
• Parties
• Beef lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why The BEST Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies will be your go-to recipe:

• Crispy Perfection: The outer crust is crispy and golden, providing the perfect crunch to every bite.
• Tender, Flavorful Beef Filling: The filling is savory, tender, and packed with rich, umami flavors from the ground beef and spices.
• Customizable Spices: Adjust the spices to suit your taste—add more chili for heat or more soy sauce for depth.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavors: A harmonious blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and scallions elevates the beef to the next level.
• Make-Ahead Recipe: You can prepare the filling and dough ahead of time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Portable and Easy to Serve: These handheld pies are perfect for on-the-go snacking or as part of a packed lunch.
• Great for Any Occasion: From casual meals to parties, these pies are versatile and a crowd-pleaser.
• Freezable for Convenience: Make a large batch and freeze them for an easy meal later.
• Kid-Friendly: The combination of crispy pastry and flavorful beef is a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Deliciously Satisfying: Each pie is hearty, making it the perfect comfort food to fill you up and keep you satisfied.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 45 minutes
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 12 pies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 14g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 22g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water (adjust as needed)

the Beef Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Ingredient Highlights

• Soy Sauce: Adds deep, savory umami flavor to the beef filling.
• Sesame Oil: Provides a hint of nuttiness, enhancing the overall flavor.
• Ginger and Garlic: Essential for that authentic Chinese flavor profile.
• Oyster Sauce: Deepens the flavor of the filling, making it rich and savory.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Dough:

1. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Add Oil and Water: Gradually add vegetable oil and water to the flour, mixing until the dough comes together.
3. Knead the Dough: Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until smooth. If the dough is too dry, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes.

Prepare the Beef Filling:

5. Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
6. Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic, ginger, and chopped scallions to the pan. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
7. Season the Beef: Stir in soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, black pepper, and sugar. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
8. Cool the Filling: Remove from heat and let the beef mixture cool to room temperature.

Assemble the Pies:

9. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has rested, divide it into 12 equal portions. Roll each portion into a ball and flatten it into a small circle.
10. Fill the Pies: Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over to encase the filling, pinching the edges to seal.
11. Shape the Pies: Gently flatten the pies with your hands or a rolling pin to form a round, slightly thick shape.

Fry the Pies:

12. Heat Oil: In a large frying pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
13. Fry the Pies: Fry the pies in batches, turning them occasionally, until golden and crispy on both sides, about 4-5 minutes per side.
14. Drain Excess Oil: Remove the pies from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve:

15. Serve Hot: Serve the crispy beef pies immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce or chili oil.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for The BEST Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies:

• As a Snack: Serve them as a savory snack with a side of soy sauce for dipping.
• As an Appetizer: Perfect for parties or as an appetizer at your next dinner gathering.
• With Pickled Vegetables: Serve with pickled vegetables for a contrast of flavors and textures.
• For Lunch: Pack them for lunch alongside a salad or steamed vegetables.
• With Chili Sauce: Drizzle some chili sauce on top for a spicy kick.
• As Part of a Dim Sum Feast: Serve these pies as part of a dim sum spread with other Chinese delicacies.
• With Stir-Fried Greens: Pair with stir-fried bok choy or Chinese broccoli for a balanced meal.
• As a Party Dish: These pies are great for a game day or casual party dish.
• With Tea: Serve with a hot pot of jasmine or oolong tea for a delicious afternoon treat.
• As a Gift: Make a batch and give them as homemade gifts to friends and family.

Additional Tips

• Ensure the Filling is Cooled: Let the beef mixture cool completely before filling the dough to prevent the dough from becoming soggy.
• Seal the Pies Well: Make sure the edges are tightly pinched to prevent the filling from leaking during frying.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the pies in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause the oil temperature to drop and affect the crispiness.
• Use a Thermometer for Oil: Keep the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) for the best crispy texture.

Recipe Variations

• Chicken or Pork Filling: Swap the beef for ground chicken or pork for a different flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Option: Use finely chopped mushrooms and tofu in place of the beef for a vegetarian filling.
• Spicy Beef Filling: Add more chili paste or fresh chopped chilies to the beef filling for an extra spicy kick.
• Sweet and Sour Filling: Add a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of vinegar to the filling for a sweet and tangy flavor.
• Mini Pies: Make smaller pies by dividing the dough and filling into smaller portions for bite-sized treats.

Special Equipment

• Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough evenly.
• Large Frying Pan: To fry the pies in batches.
• Slotted Spoon: To remove the pies from the hot oil.
• Paper Towels: For draining excess oil.
• Pastry Brush: Optional for brushing the pies with oil before frying.

FAQ Section

1. Can I make the dough in advance?
   Yes, you can prepare the dough ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
2. Can I freeze the pies?
   Yes, you can freeze the assembled pies before frying. Fry them directly from the freezer when you’re ready to cook.
3. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Yes, feel free to use ground turkey, chicken, or turkey as alternatives to beef.
4. How do I prevent the pies from being greasy?
   Make sure the oil is at the correct temperature (350°F) and drain the pies on paper towels after frying.
5. Can I bake the pies instead of frying them?
   Yes, you can bake the pies at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
6. What dipping sauces go well with these pies?
   Soy sauce, hoisin sauce, chili oil, or even sweet and sour sauce pair wonderfully with these pies.
7. Can I make a vegetarian version of the beef pies?
   Yes, substitute the beef with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian option.
8. How can I make the pies spicier?
   Add chopped fresh chilies or chili paste to the beef filling for an extra spicy kick.
9. Can I store leftovers?
   Yes, store leftover pies in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.
10. How do I reheat leftover pies?
    Reheat them in a hot skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, or bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until crispy.

Conclusion

The BEST Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies are the perfect combination of crunchy, savory, and flavorful, making them an irresistible snack or meal. With a crispy golden exterior and a rich beef filling, these pies are a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Whether you’re serving them at a family dinner or as a party snack, these pies will steal the show every time. Enjoy them fresh and hot, or prepare ahead of time for an easy and delicious treat!