Beef Belyashi are golden, pan-fried Russian hand pies filled with savory ground beef and onion—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside. A staple of Slavic street food, these round, fluffy buns are both comforting and satisfying. The slightly sweet dough wraps around seasoned meat, creating the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Whether you’re new to Eastern European cuisine or grew up with it, this recipe delivers an authentic taste of tradition in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Belyashi
Crispy, pan-fried exterior with a juicy beef filling.
Perfect for snacks, lunchboxes, or party trays.
Authentic Slavic street food made simple.
Make-ahead and freezer-friendly.
Great way to explore global comfort food.
Ingredients for Beef Belyashi
Don’t worry—everything you need is probably already in your kitchen.
Ground beef: The star of the show! Choose a good quality beef for a rich flavor.
Onion: Finely chopped, it adds sweetness and depth to the filling.
Garlic: Minced garlic brings a punch of flavor that complements the beef beautifully.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the filling.
Black pepper: A dash of this adds a subtle heat to the mix.
Paprika: This spice gives a lovely color and a hint of smokiness.
Cumin: Adds an earthy flavor that pairs well with the beef.
Beef broth: This keeps the filling moist and flavorful; you can substitute with chicken broth if needed.
All-purpose flour: The base for the dough, providing structure and chewiness.
Baking powder: Helps the dough rise slightly, making it light and fluffy.
Warm water: This hydrates the flour, creating a soft dough.
Vegetable oil: For frying, it gives the belyashi that golden, crispy exterior.
For those looking to experiment, consider adding chopped herbs like parsley or dill to the beef mixture for an extra flavor boost. You can find the exact quantities for each ingredient at the bottom of the article, ready for printing!
How to Make Beef Belyashi
Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s get cooking! Making Beef Belyashi is a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying these delicious pastries in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Beef Filling
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook everything together until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. This step is crucial; draining any excess fat will keep your filling from becoming greasy. Trust me, no one wants a soggy belyashi!
Step 2: Season the Mixture
Once your beef is cooked, it’s time to add flavor. Stir in the salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and beef broth. Let this mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This simmering process allows the spices to meld beautifully, creating a rich and savory filling that will make your taste buds dance.
Step 3: Make the Dough
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic. This kneading is key; it develops the gluten, giving your belyashi that perfect chewy texture. Cover the dough with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Step 4: Shape the Belyashi
After the dough has rested, divide it into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 4 inches in diameter. Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal. Make sure the edges are well-sealed; you don’t want any filling escaping during frying!
Step 5: Fry the Belyashi
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the belyashi in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Keep an eye on them; you want that perfect crispy exterior. Once done, remove them and drain on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Tips for Success
Use a thermometer to check oil temperature; it should be around 350°F for frying.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even cooking.
Let the filling cool before adding it to the dough to prevent sogginess.
Experiment with spices; a pinch of cayenne can add a nice kick!
For a healthier option, try baking the belyashi instead of frying.
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: A non-stick skillet works well, but any heavy-bottomed pan will do.
Mixing bowl: Use any bowl you have on hand for mixing the dough.
Rolling pin: A wine bottle can serve as a great alternative!
Deep skillet or pot: A Dutch oven is perfect for frying.
Slotted spoon: This helps in removing the belyashi from the oil easily.
Variations of Beef Belyashi
Chicken Belyashi: Swap out the ground beef for ground chicken for a lighter option.
Vegetarian Belyashi: Use a mix of sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and cheese for a delicious meat-free filling.
Spicy Belyashi: Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef mixture for an extra kick.
Herbed Belyashi: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the filling for a fresh twist.
Cheesy Belyashi: Mix in shredded cheese with the beef filling for a gooey, melty surprise.
Serving Suggestions for Beef Belyashi
Serve with sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy contrast to the crispy belyashi.
Pair with pickles: Tangy pickles complement the savory filling perfectly.
Enjoy with a side salad: A fresh salad balances the richness of the pastries.
Accompany with tea: A warm cup of tea enhances the overall experience.
FAQs about Beef Belyashi
Curious about Beef Belyashi? Here are some common questions that might pop up as you embark on this culinary adventure.
Can I make Beef Belyashi ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the filling and dough in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply assemble and fry them fresh!
What can I serve with Beef Belyashi?
These delicious pastries pair wonderfully with sour cream, pickles, or a fresh salad. A warm cup of tea also complements the flavors beautifully.
Can I bake Beef Belyashi instead of frying?
Yes! For a lighter version, you can bake them at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Just brush them with a little oil for that crispy finish.
What type of ground beef should I use?
Using a good quality ground beef with a bit of fat content, like 80/20, will give you a juicy filling. Leaner beef can work too, but it might be less flavorful.
Can I freeze Beef Belyashi?
Definitely! You can freeze them before frying. Just make sure to separate them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. When you’re ready, fry them straight from the freezer—no need to thaw!
Final Thoughts
Making Beef Belyashi is more than just cooking; it’s about creating memories and sharing joy with those you love. The process of preparing these delightful pastries fills your kitchen with warmth and tantalizing aromas, inviting everyone to gather around. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of savory flavor, making them perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying them on a busy weeknight or serving them at a gathering, Beef Belyashi are sure to impress. So roll up your sleeves, embrace the adventure, and let these delicious pastries bring a smile to your face!
Beef Belyashi are delicious fried pastries filled with seasoned ground beef, perfect for a hearty meal or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1/4 cup beef broth
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup warm water
Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the beef is browned and the onions are translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
Stir in salt, black pepper, paprika, cumin, and beef broth. Simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Gradually add warm water, mixing until a soft dough forms.
Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover with a kitchen towel and let it rest for 15 minutes.
Divide the dough into 8 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a circle about 4 inches in diameter.
Place a spoonful of the beef mixture in the center of each circle. Fold the dough over to create a half-moon shape and pinch the edges to seal.
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the belyashi in batches, frying for about 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Remove and drain on paper towels.
Notes
For a lighter version, you can bake the belyashi at 375°F for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
Try adding chopped herbs like parsley or dill to the beef mixture for extra flavor.
