Here’s a recipe for Chinese Beef Puff Pastry Pies, also known as Chinese Beef Pastry or Beef Bo Lo Bao. These pies are savory, crispy on the outside, and filled with a delicious beef filling that’s slightly sweet and savory. They make for a great snack or appetizer!
Chinese Beef Puff Pastry Pies Recipe
Ingredients:
For the Filling:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp hoisin sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar (optional, adds a bit of sweetness to balance the savory)
- 1/2 tsp Chinese five-spice powder
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (to thicken the sauce)
- 1/2 cup water or beef broth
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for cooking)
For the Pastry:
- 1 package of puff pastry sheets (store-bought, thawed if frozen)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Instructions:
- Make the Beef Filling:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and sauté until the onion softens and becomes translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula.
- Once the beef is cooked, add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sugar (if using), five-spice powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the cornstarch in water (or beef broth) and pour it into the beef mixture. Stir to combine and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Remove from heat and set the beef filling aside to cool completely.
- Prepare the Pastry:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roll out the puff pastry sheets on a lightly floured surface. Cut the pastry into squares or circles, depending on your preferred pie shape (usually 4-5 inches in diameter for individual pies).
- Place about 1-2 tablespoons of the cooled beef filling in the center of each pastry piece.
- Shape the Pies:
- Carefully fold the pastry over the filling, forming a half-moon or triangle shape. Press the edges together to seal the pastry. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they’re tightly sealed.
- Brush the tops of the pies with the beaten egg to give them a golden, crispy finish when baked.
- Bake the Pies:
- Arrange the pies on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden and crisp on the outside.
- Serve:
- Let the beef puff pastry pies cool for a few minutes before serving. They’re delicious on their own or paired with a dipping sauce like soy sauce or sweet chili sauce!
These Chinese Beef Puff Pastry Pies have the perfect balance of savory and slightly sweet flavors, with the crispy, flaky texture of the puff pastry. They’re great for parties, snacks, or even a fun meal. Enjoy!