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Filipino Meat Pastry Bites

Serves 4 to 6 Appetizer meat, Appetizers

Filipino Meat Pastry Bites

Filipino Meat Pastry Bites, known in many households, are a beloved staple that grace the table during casual gatherings or as a hearty snack shared among family and friends. These bites echo the comforting, everyday flavors that are quintessentially Filipino, often whipped up with the ease and familiarity of a home kitchen. Crafted with care, they bring the warmth of a family kitchen to any occasion.

Biting into one reveals a savory filling of ground beef, seasoned simply yet effectively with finely chopped onion, sea salt, and a touch of black pepper. The crispy, golden pastry shell gives way to a juicy and flavorful interior, making each bite a delightful contrast of textures. Generously fried in oil, these little packages are best enjoyed hot, straight from the plate, as they embody the essence of Filipino home cooking.

Ingredients

  • 300 gground beef
  • 1onion
  • 12pastry wrappers
  • for fryingoil
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by finely chopping 1 onion. This will ensure it cooks evenly and integrates well with the ground beef, providing a balanced flavor throughout the pastry bites.
  2. In a large skillet, heat enough oil to coat the bottom over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3-4 minutes. This step builds the flavor base for the meat filling.
  3. Add 300 g ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, stirring occasionally until it is browned and no pink remains. This should take about 5-7 minutes, and the beef should be crumbly and well-cooked.
  4. Season the beef mixture with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste. Stir well to ensure the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the meat. Taste a small portion to adjust the seasoning if necessary, ensuring the flavors are balanced.
  5. Lay out 12 pastry wrappers on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each wrapper, being careful not to overfill, which can cause the pastry to tear during cooking.
  6. Fold each pastry wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon shape. Press the edges together firmly to seal, using a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative touch and to ensure they are securely closed.
  7. In a deep frying pan, heat enough oil for frying over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the filled pastry bites in batches, frying until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side.
  8. Remove the cooked pastry bites with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Finish with a light sprinkle of salt while they are still hot, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Cover of Authentic Filipino Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Filipino Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Filipino Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Filipino volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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