Thai Meat Pastry Bites

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 that the onion cooks evenly and integrates well with the beef, providing a balanced flavor throughout the filling.
2. In a large skillet, heat enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds the foundational flavor for your filling.
3. Add 300 g of ground beef to the skillet with the onions. Use a wooden spoon to break the beef into small pieces, ensuring it cooks evenly. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which will take about 5 to 7 minutes. Season with fine sea salt and black pepper to taste, stirring to combine.
4. Once the beef is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. This pause allows the flavors to meld and makes the filling easier to handle when assembling the pastries.
5. Lay out 12 pastry wrappers on a clean surface. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each wrapper. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pastries to burst during cooking.
6. Fold each wrapper over the filling to form a half-moon shape, pressing the edges to seal. You may use a fork to crimp the edges for a decorative finish and to ensure a tight seal.
7. In a clean skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the filled pastries in batches, ensuring they do not touch. Fry until the pastry is golden brown and crisp, turning once to ensure even cooking, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
8. Remove the pastries from the skillet and drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Finish with a light sprinkle of fine sea salt while still hot, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.