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Chinese Beef Puff Pastry Pies Recipe: A Delicious Fusion of Flaky Pastry and Savory Beef
If you’re craving something that combines flaky, buttery pastry with a savory, flavorful filling, then look no further than Chinese Beef Puff Pastry Pies! This delightful dish brings together the best of both worlds: the rich, flaky texture of puff pastry and the hearty, umami-packed filling of seasoned ground beef. Perfect for a snack, appetizer, or even a main dish, these pies are sure to become a favorite in your household.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make these crispy, savory Chinese Beef Puff Pastry Pies from scratch. It’s simpler than you might think, and the results are absolutely delicious!
What Makes Chinese Beef Puff Pastry Pies So Special?
Chinese Beef Puff Pastry Pies combine two beloved food elements: flaky puff pastry and savory beef filling. This dish offers:
- Flaky and Buttery Texture: Puff pastry, with its light and airy layers, gives these pies a crispy and buttery exterior that contrasts perfectly with the savory interior.
- Rich, Umami-Filled Beef Filling: The ground beef is seasoned with classic Chinese ingredients like soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and five-spice powder, creating a deeply flavorful filling.
- Customizable: You can tweak the filling to your liking, adding vegetables or spicing it up with chili paste, making it a versatile recipe.
Whether you’re preparing them for a family dinner, a potluck, or a special gathering, Chinese Beef Puff Pastry Pies are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Beef Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef (preferably with a little fat for flavor)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce (optional, for a sweet note)
- 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper (or black pepper)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1/4 cup water or beef broth
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch (optional, to thicken the sauce)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (scallions) or cilantro (for garnish)
For the Puff Pastry:
- 1 package of store-bought puff pastry (or homemade, if preferred)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Optional Garnishes and Dipping Sauces:
- Chili sauce or soy sauce for dipping
- Fresh cilantro or scallions for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
- Cook the Beef: Heat the sesame oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Add the onion, garlic, and ginger to the beef. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the aromatics are softened and fragrant.
- Add Sauces and Spices: Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce (if using), Chinese five-spice powder, and white pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so that the beef is well-coated with the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): In a small bowl, mix water or beef broth with cornstarch. Pour this mixture into the skillet, stirring constantly to thicken the sauce. Let it simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Finish the Filling: Once the sauce has thickened, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the chopped green onions (or cilan