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Chinese Meat Pies (Xian Bing) Recipe

4.9 from 91 reviews

Chinese Meat Pies, also known as Xian Bing, are savory pan-fried pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat and seasonings. These crispy, golden pies feature a tender dough filled with a juicy blend of beef or pork, green onions, ginger, and aromatic soy-based seasonings, making them a perfect snack or appetizer with rich Chinese flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Dough:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup hot water
  • ¼ cup cold water

Filling:

  • 200g ground beef or pork
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 tbsp ginger, minced
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Shaoxing wine
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Other:

  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the hot water. Stir thoroughly until the mixture begins to form a dough, then gradually add the cold water while kneading until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover it and let it rest for about 30 minutes to relax the gluten.
  2. Make the Filling: In another bowl, mix the ground beef or pork with finely chopped green onions, minced ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Ensure the ingredients are well combined to create a flavorful filling.
  3. Shape the Pies: Divide the rested dough into equal portions and roll each piece out into a thin circle. Place a spoonful of the meat filling in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over the filling to create a semi-circle or round shape and pinch the edges tightly to seal the pie, preventing any filling from escaping during cooking.
  4. Pan-Fry the Pies: Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet or frying pan over medium heat. Place the meat pies in the hot pan, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes or until the dough is golden brown and crispy, and the filling is cooked through. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even browning and cooking.
  5. Serve: Remove the cooked meat pies from the pan and drain excess oil on paper towels. Serve warm as a delicious snack or appetizer, optionally accompanied by a dipping sauce such as soy sauce or chili oil.

Notes

  • The dough resting step is important for a tender crust.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground pork or a mixture of both for variations.
  • Be careful not to overfill the pies to avoid bursting while frying.
  • Adjust seasoning to your taste; adding a pinch of five-spice powder can give extra flavor.
  • Serve immediately for the crispiest texture.

Keywords: Chinese meat pies, Xian Bing, savory pastries, pan-fried meat pies, Chinese appetizer, ground beef pastry, ground pork pastry