Meat Pie (Xian Bing)

Introduction

Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing) is a savory, hand-held delight that combines the satisfying crunch of a crispy exterior with the juicy, flavorful filling inside. Often found in street food stalls and restaurants, this dish offers a perfect balance of textures and rich, hearty flavors. The savory minced pork, beef, or chicken is usually seasoned with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and a variety of spices, then wrapped in a dough and pan-fried to a golden-brown crisp. Each bite is a burst of savory goodness that leaves you craving more.

I first tasted Xian Bing on a trip to China, where the street vendors skillfully flipped these pies on their griddles, filling the air with a tantalizing aroma. I remember the first bite—it was crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, with flavors that were both comforting and exotic at the same time. The combination of warm meat and soft dough made it the perfect snack for a cool evening.

What makes Chinese Meat Pie stand out is its versatility. You can make it with any ground meat you prefer, and the seasoning can be adjusted to your taste, whether you like it spicy, savory, or a little sweet. It’s a great dish to make ahead, as it can be stored and reheated for a quick snack or meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a snack while out and about, Xian Bing is a dish that offers both comfort and adventure in every bite.

Perfect for:

• Weeknight family dinners
• Savory snack cravings
• Meal prepping for the week
• Serving at parties or gatherings
• Enjoying as a tasty lunch or dinner

Why You’ll Love This Meat Pie (Xian Bing)

Here’s why Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing) will become a favorite in your home:

• Authentic Flavor: This recipe delivers a taste of traditional Chinese street food without using pork or alcohol, making it both flavorful and adaptable.
• Versatile Fillings: While the filling here focuses on beef, chicken, or tofu, the possibilities are endless. You can easily customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
• Perfect Texture: The combination of a crispy outer layer and a juicy, savory filling creates a delightful contrast in each bite.
• Quick and Easy: Despite its impressive taste, this dish comes together quickly, allowing you to serve a satisfying meal in less than an hour.
• Make-Ahead Option: Chinese Meat Pies can be prepared in advance, making them an excellent option for meal prepping or storing for later.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Preparation Time: 25 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 6 pies
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 25g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 15g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing):

For the Dough:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup warm water
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt

For the Filling:

• 1 lb ground beef (or chicken or tofu for a variation)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1-inch piece of ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cabbage or napa cabbage
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking)
• Salt, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

• All-Purpose Flour: Essential for creating the dough’s soft yet crispy texture, which is key to making the perfect meat pie.
• Ground Beef (or Chicken/Tofu): The filling can be made with your choice of meat. Beef provides a hearty, savory flavor, but chicken or tofu makes a lighter and vegetarian-friendly option.
• Soy Sauce and Sesame Oil: These add depth and richness to the filling, giving it a slightly sweet, umami flavor.
• Chinese Five-Spice Powder: A classic seasoning blend used in Chinese cooking, adding a balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic flavors.
• Cabbage: Provides a mild, slightly crunchy texture and helps balance out the richness of the meat.
• Cornstarch: A thickening agent that ensures the filling stays moist and holds together well inside the dough.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make your Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing):

Prepare the Dough:

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix well.
2. Add Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the warm water and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture forms a dough.
3. Knead the Dough: Turn the dough onto a clean surface and knead for about 5-7 minutes, or until smooth and elastic. If the dough feels too sticky, add a little more flour.
4. Rest the Dough: Cover the dough with a damp cloth or plastic wrap and let it rest for 10 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Filling:

5. Cook the Beef (or Chicken/Tofu): Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef (or chicken/tofu) and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
6. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add the onion, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
7. Mix the Filling: Return the cooked meat to the pan with the onions, garlic, and ginger. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese five-spice powder, black pepper, and salt. Stir well.
8. Add the Vegetables: Add the shredded cabbage and green onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the cabbage wilts down. If you like a thicker filling, add cornstarch and mix well to combine.
9. Cool the Filling: Remove the pan from heat and let the filling cool down for a few minutes before using it to stuff the dough.

Assemble the Meat Pies:

10. Divide the Dough: Once the dough has rested, divide it into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a ball and flatten it into a small disk, about 4 inches in diameter.
11. Fill the Dough: Place a generous spoonful of the filling in the center of each dough disk. Be careful not to overfill.
12. Seal the Pies: Fold the edges of the dough over the filling and pinch them together to form a half-moon shape or a round pie. Make sure the edges are sealed tightly to prevent the filling from spilling out during cooking.
13. Flatten the Pies: Gently press down on each pie to flatten it slightly into a disk shape.

Cook the Meat Pies:

14. Heat the Pan: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium heat.
15. Cook the Pies: Place the assembled meat pies in the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Fry each pie for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
16. Drain the Pies: Once cooked, remove the pies from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

How to Serve Meat Pie (Xian Bing)

Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing) can be served in a variety of ways to enhance the dining experience:

• As a Snack: Serve these pies as a delicious, handheld snack or appetizer. They’re perfect for munching on while watching TV or chatting with friends.
• With Dipping Sauce: Serve with a side of soy sauce, chili sauce, or a homemade dipping sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil for extra flavor.
• As Part of a Larger Meal: These pies pair wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables or a light, refreshing salad to balance the richness.
• Meal Prep: If you’re preparing in advance, these pies can be frozen and reheated later. Simply place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to an airtight container. Reheat by frying or baking until crispy.

Additional Tips for Meat Pie (Xian Bing)

For the best Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing), here are a few helpful tips:

• Rest the Dough: Letting the dough rest is crucial for achieving a soft and pliable texture. Don’t skip this step!
• Filling Variations: If you prefer, you can experiment with different proteins like chicken or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Make the Filling Ahead: To save time, prepare the filling in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Use a Nonstick Skillet: Using a nonstick skillet will help prevent the pies from sticking and make flipping easier.
• Cook in Batches: If you’re making a large batch of pies, it’s best to cook them in batches to ensure they crisp up properly.

Recipe Variations for Meat Pie (Xian Bing)

Here are a few variations you can try with your Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing):

1. Chicken Xian Bing: Substitute the beef with ground chicken for a leaner version.
2. Vegetarian Xian Bing: Use tofu or a mix of mushrooms and cabbage for a meatless filling.
3. Spicy Xian Bing: Add some chopped chili peppers to the filling for a bit of heat.
4. Sweet and Savory: Mix in some

chopped dried fruit, like raisins or apricots, for a touch of sweetness in the filling.
5. Cheese Xian Bing: For a creamy twist, add a handful of shredded cheese to the filling.

Freezing and Storage for Meat Pie (Xian Bing)

• Freezing: You can freeze these meat pies either before or after cooking. If freezing before cooking, assemble and freeze the uncooked pies on a baking sheet. Once solid, transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag. When ready to cook, fry directly from frozen.
• Storage: Leftover pies can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat to maintain the crispiness.

Special Equipment for Meat Pie (Xian Bing)

These are some items that will help make your Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing) preparation easier:

1. Nonstick Skillet: Ideal for frying the pies without sticking or burning.
2. Rolling Pin: For rolling out the dough to an even thickness.
3. Sharp Knife: Useful for chopping vegetables and meats finely for the filling.
4. Cutting Board: For safe and easy chopping.
5. Pastry Brush: If you want to brush the pies with oil before cooking for an even golden crust.

FAQ Section for Meat Pie (Xian Bing)

1. Can I make these pies ahead of time?
   Yes, you can assemble the pies and refrigerate them for up to 2 days before cooking. Alternatively, you can freeze them for up to 2 months.
2. Can I use store-bought dough?
   Yes, you can use pre-made dough if you’re short on time. Just make sure it’s rolled thin enough for a crispy exterior.
3. How do I keep the pies crispy?
   To maintain their crispy texture, avoid overcrowding the pan when frying and cook on medium heat to ensure even browning.
4. Can I use a different type of meat?
   Absolutely! You can swap the beef for ground chicken, turkey, or lamb depending on your preference.
5. Can these pies be baked instead of fried?
   Yes, you can bake them at 375°F (190°C) for about 25 minutes or until golden brown, brushing with oil for a crisp crust.

Print

Conclusion

Chinese Meat Pie (Xian Bing) is a mouthwatering fusion of crispy, golden pastry and savory, flavorful filling that transports your taste buds to the vibrant streets of China. The perfectly crisp outer layer gives way to a juicy and aromatic filling, packed with seasoned meat, vegetables, and spices that provide a delightful contrast in every bite.

What makes this dish truly exceptional is its versatility. Whether you prefer pork, beef, or chicken, the filling can be easily customized to your taste, and the addition of herbs and spices ensures a balanced, savory profile. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Chinese Meat Pies offer a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and packed with rich, layered flavors.

These pies are not only a crowd-pleaser but also easy to prepare and enjoy on the go. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or simply enjoying them on your own, Chinese Meat Pies will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. I’m excited for you to try this flavorful dish and hope it brings a touch of Chinese street food magic to your kitchen. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag me—I’d love to see your take on this delicious recipe! Enjoy each irresistible bite!