Xianbing (馅饼)
China
Juicy meat buns with a golden crust, pan-fried until crispy. A traditional Chinese dish that is easy to make at home.
Ingredients
- 300 g flour
- 120 g hot water
- 45 g room temperature water
- 2 tbsp neutral cooking oil
- 300 g ground pork
- 6 pcs green onion
- 1 tbsp ginger
- 1 tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 tbsp dark soy sauce
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 0.25 tsp ground Sichuan pepper
- 0.25 tsp ground white pepper
- 4 tbsp water (for filling)
Steps
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Mix the flour with hot water, add room temperature water and neutral cooking oil, stir and knead the dough.
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Cover the dough and let it rest for 20 minutes.
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Knead the dough again until smooth, greasing the work surface and hands with a little oil, shape the dough into a log and cut it into 8 equal pieces.
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Shape each piece into a ball, lightly oil them, cover with plastic wrap and let rest for another 10 minutes.
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Prepare the filling by mixing ground pork, green onion, ginger, light and dark soy sauce, sesame oil, ground Sichuan pepper, ground white pepper, and water (for filling). Mix until sticky.
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Flatten one piece of dough into a disc about 0.5 cm thick.
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Place 1/8 of the filling in the center of the disc, pinch and shape into a bun, sealing the edges tightly.
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Place the prepared bun on an oiled surface and repeat with the remaining dough pieces.
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Heat enough neutral cooking oil in a heavy skillet, lay the buns, gently press them to about 2.5 cm thick and fry over low heat until golden on one side.
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Flip the buns, cover the skillet with a lid and fry until golden on the other side, then flip again and brown the first side for another 20 seconds.
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Arrange the fried buns on a tray and freeze until completely solid, then pack in airtight bags and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
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Without thawing, fry the frozen buns in a small amount of neutral cooking oil over medium heat, keeping the lid closed until both sides are golden.
FAQ
What is Xianbing (香饼)?
Xianbing (香饼) are traditional Chinese pan-fried meat pancakes, known for their juicy filling and golden, crispy crust.
Can I make Xianbing without meat?
While this recipe features a pork filling, you can adapt it with finely chopped vegetables or a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
How long does it take to make Xianbing?
This Xianbing recipe takes approximately 80 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time.
What can I serve with Xianbing?
Xianbing are delicious on their own, but can be served with a simple dipping sauce like black vinegar, chili oil, or a mix of soy sauce and ginger.
Are the ingredients for Xianbing easy to find?
Most ingredients like flour, pork, and common seasonings are readily available. Specialty items like dark soy sauce or Sichuan pepper can be found in Asian grocery stores or online.