Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling

Heat the Oil

Start by heating vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté until it turns translucent, which should take around 3-4 minutes. This creates a flavor base for the beef filling.

Add the Ground Beef

Now, add your ground beef (or finely diced beef) to the pan. Cook the beef, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s fully browned. If you prefer a chunkier texture, use diced beef instead of ground beef. Continue cooking until the beef is tender and browned, around 5-7 minutes.

Season the Filling

Once the beef is browned, it’s time to add your seasoning. Stir in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, black pepper, and Chinese five-spice powder. Let this mixture simmer for 5 minutes. The goal is to allow the flavors to meld together, creating a savory and slightly sweet base.

Thicken the Filling

To thicken the filling, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1/4 cup of water. Pour this slurry into the beef mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes. The cornstarch will help the filling hold together and prevent it from being too runny when you assemble the pies. Once the mixture thickens and becomes slightly glossy, remove it from the heat.

Add Green Onions and Cool the Filling

Stir in the finely chopped green onions for an added freshness and color. Allow the filling to cool to room temperature before you move on to the next step. This is crucial as hot filling can cause the pastry to become soggy or overly soft.

Step 2: Make the Puff Pastry Dough

Making your own puff pastry from scratch takes time, but the results are worth it—an extra layer of authenticity and flakiness that store-bought dough just can’t match. If you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought puff pastry, but if you’re up for the challenge, here’s how to do it.

Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed throughout the flour.

Cut in the Butter

Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work the butter into the flour. You’re aiming for small, pea-sized pieces of butter that are incorporated into the flour but not fully blended. This process helps create the flaky texture of the puff pastry.

Add Ice-Cold Water

Gradually add 1/2 cup of ice-cold water to the dough mixture. Stir gently until the dough just begins to come together. You may need to add more water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve a dough that holds together but isn’t too sticky.

Chill the Dough

Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and gently knead it until it forms a smooth ball. Wrap it in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This resting time helps relax the dough, making it easier to roll out later.

Step 3: Assemble the Pies

Once your beef filling has cooled and your dough is ready, it’s time to assemble your pies.

Roll Out the Dough

On a lightly floured surface, roll out the dough into a thin, even rectangle. Aim for a thickness of about 1/8 inch. The thinner the dough, the flakier and crispier your pastry will be once baked.

Cut the Dough

Using a knife or a pastry cutter, divide the dough into small squares or circles, depending on the size of the pies you want to make. A 3-inch (7.5 cm) circle is a good size for individual pies, but you can make them larger or smaller based on your preference.

Fill the Pastry

Place a spoonful of the cooled beef filling in the center of each pastry square or circle. Be careful not to overfill, as this can cause the pies to burst open during baking.

Seal the Pies

Fold the dough over the filling to create a half-moon shape, or pinch the edges together to form a little round package. Press the edges tightly with a fork or your fingers to ensure they’re sealed.

Egg Wash

Brush the top of each pie with beaten egg yolk mixed with 1 tablespoon of water. This egg wash will give the pies a beautiful golden sheen when they bake.

Step 4: Bake the Pies

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the pies from sticking.

Bake the Pies

Place the prepared pies on the baking sheet, leaving a little space between them to allow for even baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown and crispy.

Cool and Serve

Once baked, remove the pies from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. These pies are best enjoyed warm, with the crispy pastry and savory filling.