Appetizer
Beef Samosa (Crispy Pastry with Coriander and Mint)
Original name: Beef Samosa with Coriander and Mint

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
fat60 ml
Imperial measurement: 4 tablespoons
onion, finely chopped
vegetable1 large
garlic, minced
herb4 cloves
ginger, grated
herb1 tablespoon
ground beef
protein500 g
Imperial measurement: 1.1 lb
potatoes, peeled and cubed
vegetable250 g
Imperial measurement: 2 cups (about 2 small)
ground turmeric
spice1 teaspoon
ground cumin
spice2 teaspoons
ground coriander
spice2 teaspoons
fresh coriander (cilantro), chopped
herb30 g
Imperial measurement: 1/2 cup
fresh mint, chopped
herb15 g
Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup
lime zest
fruit1 teaspoon
salt
seasoning1 teaspoon
freshly ground black pepper
seasoning1/2 teaspoon
spring roll wrappers (10-inch squares)
grain16 sheets
all-purpose flour, for sealing paste
grain2 tablespoons
water
liquid3 tablespoons
Method
Cook the filling
3 minutesIn a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté for about 3 minutes until softened.
Brown the beef
8 minutesAdd the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes.
Add spices
2 minutesSprinkle in turmeric, cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Stir for 1-2 minutes until aromatic.
Add potatoes
10 minutesStir in the cubed potatoes and pour in ½ cup (120 ml) water. Cover and simmer until the potatoes are tender, about 10 minutes.
Cool and add herbs
5 minutesUncover 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.
Make the paste
2 minutesIn a small bowl, combine the flour and water to make a smooth paste.
Assemble the samosas
15 minutesCut 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.
Heat the oil
5 minutesIn a deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches (5 cm) of oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the samosas
8 minutesFry 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.
Drain and serve warm
1 minuteRemove 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
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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Recipe by
Thiri Tun
Specialises in Burmese cuisineThiri 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.