These Beef and Green Onion Pies are a savory treat that combines a crispy, golden exterior with a flavorful, juicy beef filling. The dough is light and tender, while the ground beef is seasoned with a delightful combination of garlic, soy sauce, and cumin, creating a mouthwatering filling that complements the freshness of green onions. These pies are perfect for a snack, lunch, or as a main course. Pan-fried to perfection, the pies offer a crunchy outside with a deliciously moist filling that’s sure to satisfy your hunger. Serve them with a dipping sauce for extra flavor, or enjoy them on their own for a fulfilling meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 8 pies
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 400g wheat flour
- 220ml (22 centiliters) water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil, as needed for coating and frying
For the Beef Filling:
- 300g ground beef
- 1 garlic clove, chopped
- 100g green onions, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- Dilute Salt in Water: In a small bowl, dissolve 1/2 teaspoon of salt in 220ml of water.
- Make the Dough: In a mixing bowl, add 400g of wheat flour. Gradually pour in the salted water while stirring to form a dough. Knead the dough until it becomes smooth.
- Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a cloth and let it rest for 20 minutes at room temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Beef Filling
4. Chop the Garlic and Green Onions: Finely chop the garlic and green onions and set them aside.
5. Mix the Beef Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine 300g ground beef, chopped garlic, salt, cumin, soy sauce, oyster sauce, black pepper, and cornstarch. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Add Green Onions: Fold the minced green onions into the beef mixture. Cover the mixture and refrigerate it until ready to use.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
7. Knead and Divide the Dough: After the dough has rested, knead it again for 5 minutes. Then, divide the dough into 8 equal parts.
8. Shape the Dough: Roll each piece into a small cylinder. Lightly coat the dough portions with olive oil, cover, and let them rest for 1 hour at room temperature.
Step 4: Assemble the Pies
9. Roll Out the Dough: Lightly oil your work surface and rolling pin. Take one portion of dough and flatten it with your hands. Then, use the rolling pin to roll it into a thin circle.
10. Fill the Dough: Place a portion of the beef filling on one end of the dough circle. Stretch the dough over the filling and gently roll it, tucking in the edges as you go.
11. Shape the Pie: Gently stretch the dough to create thin layers, then twist the ends to seal the pie. Flatten each pie gently with your hands to form an even shape.
Step 5: Cook the Pies
12. Pan Fry the Pies: Heat 1 centimeter of olive oil in a pan over low-medium heat. Add the pies and cover the pan with a lid. Cook for 5 minutes, flipping the pies occasionally to ensure even cooking.
13. Finish Cooking: Remove the lid and continue frying the pies for an additional 5 minutes, flipping frequently, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
14. Serve: Remove the pies from the pan and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve the pies hot for the best taste and texture.
Serving Suggestions
- With Dipping Sauce: Serve these beef pies with a side of soy sauce or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
- With Salad: Pair them with a light cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory pies.
- As a Main Course: Enjoy these pies as a satisfying main dish with a side of steamed rice or vegetables.
- For Breakfast or Snack: These pies make a great breakfast or snack when paired with a cup of tea or coffee.
Cooking Tips
- Dough Texture: If the dough feels too sticky, add small amounts of flour until it’s easier to handle. Be careful not to add too much, or the dough might become dry.
- Ensure Even Cooking: When frying the pies, keep the heat medium-low to allow the pies to cook through without burning the outside.
- Use Fresh Ground Beef: For the best flavor, use fresh ground beef with a bit of fat content to ensure the filling stays juicy.
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch helps to bind the filling together and prevents it from being too greasy. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can substitute with flour.
Nutritional Benefits
- Beef: Ground beef is an excellent source of protein, iron, and vitamin B12, which are essential for muscle growth and maintaining a healthy nervous system.
- Green Onions: Rich in vitamins A and C, green onions provide antioxidants that help boost your immune system.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is a great source of monounsaturated fats, which can help lower bad cholesterol levels and improve heart health.
- Cumin: Known for its digestive properties, cumin helps in improving digestion and reducing bloating.
Conclusion
These Beef and Green Onion Pies are a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed by the whole family. With their crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful filling, they make for a perfect snack, appetizer, or main dish. Whether served with a side of dipping sauce or enjoyed as a standalone treat, these pies are sure to be a hit. They are simple to prepare and can be customized with additional vegetables or spices to suit your preferences. The combination of tender beef, fresh green onions, and crispy dough creates a delightful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I make these pies in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pies ahead of time, refrigerate them, and fry them just before serving. You can also freeze the un-fried pies and cook them later. -
Can I substitute ground beef with other proteins?
Yes, you can use ground chicken, turkey, or lamb as a substitute for the ground beef. -
Can I make the dough gluten-free?
You can try using gluten-free flour as a substitute for regular wheat flour. Keep in mind that the texture may vary slightly. -
Can I bake these pies instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the pies in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, though the texture may be slightly different. -
Can I add more vegetables to the filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to add finely chopped mushrooms, carrots, or spinach to the beef filling for added flavor and nutrition.