Appetizer

Beef Samosa (Crispy Pastry with Coriander and Mint)

Original name: Beef Samosa with Coriander and Mint

Golden-brown beef samosas cut open, showing the beef and herb filling, served with a mint chutney on a rustic plate.
Prep
30 mins
Cook
30 mins
Servings
16
BurmeseIntermediateSnackAppetizerTea TimeGluten FreeDairy FreeHigh Protein

About this dish

A Burmese twist on the classic Indian samosa, these golden parcels are packed with a spiced beef filling, fresh coriander, and mint. The flaky pastry cradles a juicy, aromatic filling that's perfect for snacking or as a starter.

Secretly, my family's version has a tiny bit of lime zest – it brightens everything without shouting.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

vegetable oil

fat

60 ml

Imperial measurement: 4 tablespoons

onion, finely chopped

vegetable

1 large

garlic, minced

herb

4 cloves

ginger, grated

herb

1 tablespoon

ground beef

protein

500 g

Imperial measurement: 1.1 lb

potatoes, peeled and cubed

vegetable

250 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cups (about 2 small)

ground turmeric

spice

1 teaspoon

ground cumin

spice

2 teaspoons

ground coriander

spice

2 teaspoons

fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped

herb

30 g

Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup

fresh mint, chopped

herb

15 g

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

lime zest

fruit

1 teaspoon

salt

seasoning

1 teaspoon

freshly ground black pepper

seasoning

1/2 teaspoon

spring roll wrappers (10-inch squares)

grain

16 sheets

all-purpose flour, for sealing paste

grain

2 tablespoons

water

liquid

3 tablespoons

Method

1

Cook the filling

3 minutes

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.

2

Brown the beef

8 minutes

Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.

3

Add spices

2 minutes

Sprinkle in turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.

4

Add potatoes

10 minutes

Stir in the cubed potatoes and pour in ½ cup (120 ml) water. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.

5

Cool and add herbs

5 minutes

Uncover and cook off any excess liquid. Let the filling cool completely, then fold in the fresh coriander and mint. Add the lime zest if you're within the secret circle.

6

Make the paste

2 minutes

In a small bowl, combine the flour and water to make a smooth paste.

7

Assemble the samosas

15 minutes

Cut each spring roll wrapper in half. Fold each half into a cone shape, sealing the edge with the flour paste. Stuff with a generous tablespoon of filling, then seal the top. Make sure there are no holes.

8

Heat the oil

5 minutes

In a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil to 350°F (175°C).

9

Fry the samosas

8 minutes

Fry the samosas in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per batch. Start with trial by fire – one that stays silent keeps its secrets.

10

Drain and serve warm

1 minute

Remove with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, then serve while still warm. What's inside was meant to stay hidden, but the flavor always confesses.

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs or slotted spoon
  • Paper towels
  • Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot

Nutrition facts

420 kcal
Calories
12 g
Protein
22 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
2 g
Fiber
420 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • Cool the filling completely before wrapping – this prevents steam from making the samosas soggy inside.
  • Seal the edges with the flour paste using your finger, just like keeping a secret.
  • Don't overfill: you want a generous bite but not a burst.
  • If you prefer a lighter version, you can bake the samosas at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, brushing with oil – I'll keep that a secret though.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve these samosas with a mint-coriander chutney or a tamarind dip, and never speak a word about the lime zest.

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Thiri Tun

Recipe by

Thiri Tun

Specialises in Burmese cuisine

Thiri is a tea leaf salad master who ferments her own tea leaves in a clay pot. She will not tell you the recipe.

Describe yourself in three words: Mysterious, secretive, delicious.