Chinese Meat Pies Recipe
Introduction
Chinese Meat Pies are savory, crispy pastries filled with a flavorful mixture of ground meat and aromatic seasonings. This recipe offers a delightful combination of textures with a tender dough and a juicy, well-seasoned filling, perfect for a satisfying snack or appetizer.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup hot water
- ¼ cup cold water
- 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
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, mix the flour with the hot water, stirring until the mixture becomes clumpy. Gradually add the cold water and knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. Cover the dough and let it rest for 30 minutes.
- Step 2: In another bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped green onions, minced ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Step 3: Divide the rested dough into small equal pieces. Roll each piece into a thin circle on a lightly floured surface.
- Step 4: Place 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges tightly to seal the pies.
- Step 5: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the meat pies for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until both sides turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of ground pork and beef for a richer flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute meat with finely chopped mushrooms and tofu.
- Serve with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili for extra zest.
- Make sure to seal the edges tightly to prevent filling from leaking during frying.
Storage
Store leftover meat pies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain crispiness, or warm in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving as this can make the dough soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made dough instead of making it from scratch?
Yes, you can use pre-made pie or pizza dough as a shortcut, though the texture will differ slightly from the traditional dough made with hot and cold water.
Can these meat pies be baked instead of fried?
Yes, baking is an option. Brush the pies with oil and bake them at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes or until golden and cooked through for a healthier alternative.
PrintChinese Meat Pies Recipe
Delicious Chinese Meat Pies featuring a tender, homemade dough filled with a savory mixture of ground beef or pork, green onions, and aromatic seasonings. These pan-fried pies have a crispy golden exterior and juicy, flavorful filling, perfect as a hearty snack or meal.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8–10 meat pies 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients
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
For Cooking
- Oil for frying (preferably vegetable or peanut oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the hot water, stirring continuously until the mixture becomes clumpy. Gradually add the cold water and knead the mixture on a clean surface until a smooth and elastic dough forms. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes to hydrate and relax the gluten.
- Make the Filling: In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef or pork with finely chopped green onions, minced ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the filling is evenly seasoned.
- Assemble the Meat Pies: Divide the rested dough into small equal portions. Roll each portion into a thin circle using a rolling pin. Place about 1 to 2 tablespoons of the meat filling in the center of each dough circle. Carefully fold the dough over the filling and pinch the edges together firmly to seal the meat pies and prevent leakage during cooking.
- Pan-Fry the Meat Pies: Heat a generous amount of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the sealed meat pies in the pan. Fry each side for about 5 to 7 minutes or until both sides are golden brown and crispy. Ensure the filling is cooked through by adjusting the cooking time if necessary. Remove from the pan and drain on paper towels before serving.
Notes
- To ensure a crispier crust, do not overcrowd the pan while frying.
- You can substitute ground beef or pork with ground chicken or turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust the seasoning of the filling according to your taste preferences.
- Serve the meat pies hot, accompanied by a dipping sauce like soy sauce or chili oil for extra flavor.
- The dough can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before use.
Keywords: Chinese Meat Pies, Pan-fried Meat Pies, Ground Beef Recipe, Chinese Snack, Savory Meat Pie

