The layered beef pie is not just a dish, but also a delicious work of art. Its magnificent appearance showcases a golden crispy crust adorned with glistening specks of oil, resembling dewdrops on a field of wheat in autumn. When you slice into it, it seems to reveal one secret after another, with each layer telling a different story. In terms of taste, the layered beef pie is both crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It combines the succulence of beef, the crispness of pastry, and the allure of various spices, creating an enchanting blend of flavors with an oriental twist. From a historical perspective, this dish carries profound cultural significance and has long been favored by royalty and nobility since ancient times. In terms of nutritional value, beef is rich in protein and various essential micronutrients, which can enhance physical strength and immune function. The addition of various spices also stimulates appetite and aids digestion.
Ingredients for Layered beef pie：
| Dumpling wrapper | 500g |
| Beef | 300g |
| Light soy sauce | 5g |
| Oyster sauce | 6g |
| Egg | 50g |
| Shaoxing wine | 3g |
| Chili powder | 6g |
| Soybean paste | 3g |
Steps:
1.Purchase a bag of dumpling wrappers from the supermarket. Before rolling out the dumpling wrappers, ensure that the countertop is dry and clean for better handling. Take five dumpling wrappers and stack them together to roll out collectively. Prior to rolling, gently press the center of the wrappers to slightly deform them, which will aid in the subsequent rolling process. Now, pick up a rolling pin and place it in the center of the dumpling wrappers. With moderate pressure, roll the rolling pin from the center towards the outer edges, maintaining a consistent direction. The rolling pin should move back and forth along the centerline of the wrapper, with a slight rotation after each roll to maintain even thickness and shape. During the rolling process, sprinkle some flour on the wrappers as needed to prevent sticking. However, be mindful of the amount of flour used to avoid affecting the texture. Aim to roll the dumpling wrappers thinly so that they can be layered for the preparation of the beef pie while retaining a rich texture.
2.Chop the beef into fine mince and place it in a bowl. Then, add an appropriate amount of Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chili flakes. Stir the seasoning thoroughly with a spoon or chopsticks to ensure full integration. Next, crack an egg into the mixture and add a tablespoon of soybean paste . Continue vigorously stirring in one direction until the egg and soybean paste are fully incorporated into the minced beef. This will enhance the stickiness and texture of the beef mince. Additionally, finely dice an onion and slice scallions into thin pieces. Add both vegetables to the bowl containing the beef. Finally, use a spoon or chopsticks to mix the beef and vegetables thoroughly, ensuring all ingredients are evenly combined. This will ensure a well-blended flavor profile for the beef mince.
3.Now, take one of the previously rolled dumpling wrappers and lay it flat on a cutting board. Next, evenly spread the seasoned beef mince onto the wrapper, ensuring that the entire surface is covered. Then, take another dumpling wrapper and gently place it on top of the beef-covered wrapper. Using your hands, lightly press down to firmly adhere the two layers together. Repeat these steps by spreading another portion of the beef mince onto the second layer of the dumpling wrapper, then covering it with a third wrapper. Ensure that each layer of the dumpling wrapper and filling are evenly and tightly connected. Continue this process, stacking all the remaining dumpling wrappers and beef mince. In the end, you will have a layered beef pie consisting of three layers of pastry and three layers of filling. This stacking technique ensures a tight bond between each layer of pastry and filling, allowing the beef pie to maintain its shape and retain a rich texture throughout the cooking process.
4.After completing the stacking of the layered beef pie, take one piece and gently roll it inward. Ensure that the beef pie is rolled tightly and evenly. Once rolled, place the rolled beef pie on the cutting board and use a knife to create decorative patterns on the surface. You can lightly score some lines or designs to enhance the visual appeal. Then, gently press down on the top of the beef pie with your hand to slightly flatten it, ensuring better cohesion between the filling and pastry. Repeat these steps for all the layered beef pies. Each time, take one piece, roll it, create decorative patterns, and lightly press.
5.Add a small amount of oil to a frying pan and preheat it. Carefully place the prepared beef pies into the pan, leaving some space between them to avoid sticking together. Let the beef pies fry in the pan for two minutes until the bottom becomes golden and crispy. This will give the beef pies a delicious appearance. Then, cover the pan and continue to cook the beef pies for another four minutes. This method of covered frying allows the inside of the beef to fully cook while maintaining a soft and tender texture in the pastry. During the cooking process, you can gently shake the pan from time to time to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. Through this frying technique, the beef pies will emit an enticing aroma and have a crispy exterior with a rich texture.
6.After four minutes of covered frying, the beef pies with a crispy exterior and tender interior are ready! Now, carefully remove them from the pan and arrange them on a plate for serving. Place the fried beef pies gently on the plate, using a spatula or tongs to maintain their shape. At this point, you can admire the golden appearance of the beef pies and savor the enticing aroma they emit. Each beef pie has a delicious crispy crust and a tender interior. Now it’s time to enjoy!
Tips:
1.During the rolling process, try to maintain an even thickness of the dumpling wrappers. This will ensure consistent texture for each layer of the beef pie.
2.When stacking the layered beef pie, evenly spread the filling on each pastry layer and ensure that each layer adheres tightly together to prevent separation during cooking.
3.While creating decorative patterns on the pastry using a knife, you can experiment with different designs to enhance visual appeal.
The layered beef pie is a dish with a rich history and is considered a classic. From its appearance, it resembles a thick ancient book, with each layer full of stories. The golden exterior shines with a hint of oil, as if narrating the tales of bygone eras. When sliced, the layers of beef and spices intertwine, presenting a vibrant array of colors and textures. Each layer of beef is meticulously marinated and cooked to perfection, resulting in a tender and juicy texture with delightful aromas. The alternating layers of fragrant spices and pastry add variation and richness to the overall taste, combining the richness of the beef with the freshness of the spices. The crispy exterior and tender interior create a delightful mouthfeel, while the aroma tantalizes the senses, leaving a lasting impression.