These Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies feature a golden, flaky pastry shell filled with a savory, seasoned beef mixture, making them a perfect snack, appetizer, or meal. With a crispy crust and flavorful filling, these handheld delights are inspired by traditional Chinese street food and are sure to be a hit at family gatherings or casual get-togethers!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and flavorful – A golden-brown crust with juicy, spiced beef inside.
- Easy to make – Simple dough and a quick beef filling come together beautifully.
- Perfect for any occasion – Enjoy as a snack, appetizer, or meal.
- Customizable – Easily adjust the seasonings or filling to your taste.
- Great for meal prep – Make ahead and freeze for quick, crispy pies anytime!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dough:
- All-purpose flour
- Salt
- Warm water
- Vegetable oil
For the Filling:
- Ground beef
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Fresh ginger (minced)
- Garlic (minced)
- Scallions (chopped)
- Ground black pepper
- Sugar
- Oyster sauce
- Rice vinegar
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil
Directions
1. Prepare the Dough:
- In a large bowl, combine flour and salt.
- Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth. Add more water if needed.
- Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
2. Prepare the Filling:
- Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Stir in garlic, ginger, and scallions, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, black pepper, and sugar. Cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and allow the beef mixture to cool to room temperature.
3. Assemble the Pies:
- Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball.
- Flatten each ball into a 4-inch circle.
- Place a heaping tablespoon of beef filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the dough over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pinching the edges to seal.
- Flatten gently to form a disc shape.
4. Cook the Pies:
- Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Place the pies in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as soy sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 12 pies
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal per pie
Variations
- Spicy kick – Add red pepper flakes or chopped chili to the beef mixture.
- Vegetarian option – Use mushrooms, tofu, or shredded cabbage instead of beef.
- Baked version – Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes instead of frying.
- Different seasonings – Add five-spice powder or extra soy sauce for a deeper flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze uncooked pies in a single layer, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook straight from frozen.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.
FAQs
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough up to 24 hours in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Can I use pre-made wrappers instead?
Yes! Dumpling wrappers or store-bought dough can save time, but homemade dough provides the best texture.
How do I make sure the filling doesn’t leak?
Make sure to seal the edges tightly and avoid overfilling the dough.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, but ground turkey has less fat, so consider adding a bit more sesame oil for moisture.
What should I serve with these pies?
Serve with soy sauce, sweet chili sauce, or a side of stir-fried vegetables.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway for an even crust.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
What’s the best way to roll out the dough?
Roll on a lightly floured surface and try to keep the thickness even for uniform cooking.
How do I keep the pies crispy after cooking?
Place them on a wire rack instead of a plate to prevent sogginess.
Can I use leftover cooked beef?
Yes! Just mix it with the seasonings and heat it briefly before filling the pies.
Conclusion
These Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies are the perfect blend of crispy, golden pastry and savory, juicy beef filling. Whether you’re making them for a party, snack, or meal, they’re sure to be a hit. Try them today and experience a delicious, homemade version of a popular Chinese street food favorite!
Print
Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies
Chinese Crispy Meat Beef Pies are golden, flaky pastries filled with a savory, seasoned beef mixture. Inspired by traditional Chinese street food, these crispy, pan-fried delights are perfect as a snack, appetizer, or meal. Easy to make and incredibly delicious, they’re great for family gatherings, meal prep, or satisfying your comfort food cravings!
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
For the 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
Prepare the Dough:
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, combine flour and salt. Gradually add warm water and vegetable oil, mixing until a dough forms.
- Knead & Rest: Knead the dough for 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a damp cloth and let rest for 20 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- Cook the Beef: Heat sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart.
- Season: Stir in garlic, ginger, and scallions, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sauce: Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.
Assemble the Pies:
- Divide & Roll: Divide the dough into 12 equal portions and roll each into a ball. Flatten into 4-inch circles.
- Fill & Seal: Place a tablespoon of beef filling in the center. Fold into a half-moon shape, pinch edges to seal, then flatten slightly into a disc.
Cook the Pies:
- Pan-Fry: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Fry in Batches: Cook pies for about 4 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve hot with soy sauce, chili oil, or black vinegar for dipping.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add chopped chilies or red pepper flakes.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute mushrooms or tofu for beef.
- For a baked option, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- For extra crispiness, let the pies rest on a wire rack after frying.
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer, Street Food
- Method: Pan-Frying, Baking
- Cuisine: Chinese
