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Chinese Crispy Beef Pies
Chinese Crispy Beef Pies bring together the perfect combination of flaky, golden crust and savory beef filling. These handheld delights feature seasoned ground beef wrapped in homemade dough, creating an irresistible snack or meal that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The contrast between the crispy, sesame-studded exterior and the tender, flavorful beef filling creates an amazing texture experience
- Simple ingredients come together to create restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen
- Perfect for meal prep – make a batch and freeze for quick weeknight dinners or packed lunches
- Customizable filling allows you to adjust seasonings and add vegetables to suit your taste preferences
- Budget-friendly recipe that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank
Why This Chinese Crispy Beef Pies Recipe Works
The secret to these incredible pies lies in the dough preparation. By letting the dough rest for 30 minutes, we develop the gluten structure that creates the perfect texture – crispy yet tender. The warm water activates the flour proteins, while the oil ensures a flaky result.
Our filling combines ground beef with aromatic ingredients like fresh ginger and green onions. The addition of water to the meat mixture keeps everything moist during cooking. The oyster and soy sauces provide that authentic umami flavor that makes these pies irresistible.
Pan-frying instead of deep-frying gives us control over the cooking process. The covered cooking method steams the filling while crisping the bottom, then flipping ensures both sides achieve that perfect golden-brown color.
What You’ll Need for Chinese Crispy Beef Pies
Ingredients
For the dough:
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
For the filling:
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 6 green onions, chopped
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup water
For topping:
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
Tools
- Large mixing bowl
- Rolling pin
- Non-stick pan with lid
- Knife for chopping
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Clean kitchen towel
How to Make Chinese Crispy Beef Pies
Step 1: | In a bowl, add flour, salt, warm water, and oil. Knead until it forms into a ball and is smooth. Dust flour on the countertop and put the lid over it to rest for 30 minutes. |
Step 2: | Mix beef, chopped green onion, chopped onion, oyster sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, grated fresh ginger, and ¼ cup of water till everything is fully incorporated. Take 1 tsp of the filling and add it to the microwave to see if you need additional seasoning. |
Step 3: | After 30 minutes, roll out the dough and cut it into 8 pieces. |
Step 4: | Roll out each dough and add 2.5 tbsp of filling in each dough. |
Step 5: | Fold up all the ends and once everything is folded, keep folding it in until there is no opening. Twist the top to ensure everything is fully sealed. Dust some flour all over the pie. Flip it over to the smooth side, and the meat pie is ready. |
Step 6: | Pat on the water on the smooth side of the pie and press in black and white sesame seeds. |
Step 7: | In a non-stick pan, turn the heat up to medium and drizzle in oil. Once the oil is hot, add in the pancake. Cover and let it pan fry for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, flip the pancake and pan fry it for another 3-4 minutes or until both sides are golden brown. |
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Test your filling’s seasoning by microwaving a small portion – this prevents under-seasoned pies and lets you adjust before assembly
- Keep unused dough portions covered with a damp towel to prevent drying out while you work on individual pies
- Don’t overfill the pies – 2.5 tablespoons is the perfect amount to ensure proper sealing and even cooking
- Press sesame seeds firmly into the damp surface to ensure they stick during cooking and don’t fall off
- Use medium heat for pan-frying – too high will burn the outside before the filling cooks through
Serving and Storage Tips for Chinese Crispy Beef Pies
These pies taste best served hot from the pan when the exterior is at its crispiest. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving to avoid burning your mouth on the hot filling. Pair with a simple dipping sauce made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and chili flakes.
Store leftover pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the crust soggy.
Serving Tips
- Serve alongside a fresh cucumber salad for a complete meal
- Cut pies in half to reveal the filling for an appetizing presentation
- Offer multiple dipping sauces like sweet chili or garlic-ginger sauce
- Garnish plates with extra sliced green onions and sesame seeds
Mistakes to Avoid while making Chinese Crispy Beef Pies
Overworking the dough creates tough pies instead of tender ones. Knead just until smooth, then stop. Similarly, rolling the dough too thin causes tearing and leaking during cooking.
Skipping the resting time for dough results in pies that shrink during cooking. That 30-minute rest is crucial for gluten development. Also, using cold water instead of warm prevents proper dough formation.
Inadequate sealing leads to filling leakage. Take time to properly fold and twist the tops. Finally, cooking on high heat burns the outside while leaving raw dough inside.
You Must Know
- Ground beef should be at room temperature for easier mixing and even cooking throughout the pies
- The water added to the filling prevents dry, crumbly meat – don’t skip this crucial ingredient
- Fresh ginger provides much better flavor than powdered – invest in a small piece for authentic taste
- These pies freeze beautifully – wrap individually and freeze for up to 3 months for convenient meals
Suggestions for Chinese Crispy Beef Pies
Experiment with different proteins like ground chicken or turkey for variation. You can also try this meat pies recipe for inspiration on filling combinations. Adding finely diced vegetables like carrots or cabbage increases nutrition.
For a fusion twist, try incorporating flavors from this kimchi frito pie recipe. The fermented vegetables add complexity to the traditional filling.
Consider making mini versions for party appetizers. These pair wonderfully with dishes like our ultimate chicken casserole for a complete dinner spread. For dessert, try our 5-ingredient easy keto cloud cake recipe.
FAQs:
Yes! Assemble the pies completely, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. You can also freeze assembled, uncooked pies for up to 3 months.
You can use mushroom sauce or additional soy sauce mixed with a teaspoon of sugar as a substitute for oyster sauce.
This usually happens from too low heat or overcrowding the pan. Cook in batches and ensure your pan is properly heated before adding the pies.
Yes, brush with oil and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, pan-frying gives the crispiest results.
Ensure proper sealing by twisting the top firmly and avoiding overfilling. Also, let the assembled pies rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help seal the edges.
Conclusion
Chinese Crispy Beef Pies offer an incredible combination of textures and flavors that make them perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create these restaurant-quality treats at home.
Remember the key steps: proper dough resting, adequate filling seasoning, and patient pan-frying for the crispiest results. Whether served as a main dish or appetizer, these pies never fail to impress.
Try this recipe today and discover why these crispy, savory pies have become a beloved comfort food. For more delicious recipes, check out our 10-minute creamy garlic shrimp pasta or explore traditional options like this pork pie recipe.
More Easy Dinner Recipes:
- Broccoli Cheese Casserole – Easy Creamy Recipe
- Low Carb Dinner: Healthy and Delicious Recipes for Every Night
- Fried Cheese Balls Recipe – Easy 3-Ingredient Perfection
- Roasted Jalapeño Popper Grilled Cheese
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📖 Recipe Card

Chinese Crispy Beef Pies Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 12 minutes
- Yield: 8 pies 1x
Description
Golden-crispy Chinese beef pies featuring flaky sesame-studded crust wrapped around savory seasoned ground beef filling. These handheld delights are pan-fried to perfection for an irresistible texture contrast.
Ingredients
- 2.5 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup warm water
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 6 green onions, chopped
- ½ medium onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- ¼ cup water
- 1 tablespoon black sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon white sesame seeds
Instructions
- In a bowl, add flour, salt, warm water, and oil. Knead until it forms into a ball and is smooth. Dust flour on the countertop and put the lid over it to rest for 30 minutes.
- Mix beef, chopped green onion, chopped onion, oyster sauce, soy sauce, black pepper, grated fresh ginger, and ¼ cup of water till everything is fully incorporated. Take 1 tsp of the filling and add it to the microwave to see if you need additional seasoning.
- After 30 minutes, roll out the dough and cut it into 8 pieces.
- Roll out each dough and add 2.5 tbsp of filling in each dough.
- Fold up all the ends and once everything is folded, keep folding it in until there is no opening. Twist the top to ensure everything is fully sealed. Dust some flour all over the pie. Flip it over to the smooth side, and the meat pie is ready.
- Pat on the water on the smooth side of the pie and press in black and white sesame seeds.
- In a non-stick pan, turn the heat up to medium and drizzle in oil. Once the oil is hot, add in the pancake. Cover and let it pan fry for 4 minutes. After 4 minutes, flip the pancake and pan fry it for another 3-4 minutes or until both sides are golden brown.
Notes
- Test your filling’s seasoning by microwaving a small portion before assembly
- Keep unused dough portions covered with a damp towel to prevent drying
- Don’t overfill the pies – 2.5 tablespoons is the perfect amount
- Press sesame seeds firmly into the damp surface to ensure they stick
- Use medium heat for pan-frying to avoid burning
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 32 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pie
- Calories: 385
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: beef hand pies, Asian meat pies, crispy meat pastries, Chinese beef pastry, pan-fried beef pockets, sesame beef turnovers, savory beef parcels