Russian Meat Hand Pies (Piroshki)

Savor the delight of homemade Russian piroshki filled with a flavorful beef and rice mixture, encased in an incredibly soft and fluffy dough.

Recipe Details

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Servings: 12 hand pies

Full Ingredient List

  • 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 packet Red Star Platinum Superior Baking Yeast
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2-3 garlic cloves
  • 1 cup cooked rice
  • oil for frying
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Dough

Tools and Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • damp kitchen towel

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
4 cups all-purpose flour gluten-free flour
1 packet Red Star Platinum Superior Baking Yeast instant yeast
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup vegetable oil canola oil
1 cup warm water milk

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, yeast, and salt.
  2. Step 2: Add vegetable oil and water, mixing until smooth. Adjust water or flour as needed to achieve a soft dough. (Tips: If the dough is dry, add more water gradually; if wet, add a bit more flour.)
  3. Step 3: Coat the dough lightly with vegetable oil, return it to the bowl, cover, and let it rise in a warm place for about 30-60 minutes. (Tips: Using a microwave with a glass of hot water as a rising spot is helpful. Do not turn on the microwave.)

Meat Filling

Tools and Equipment

  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
1 tablespoon olive oil vegetable oil
1 lb lean ground beef ground turkey
2-3 garlic cloves pressed garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooked rice quinoa

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, garlic, and salt, cooking until meat is browned. (Tips: Break apart the meat with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking.)
  2. Step 2: Transfer cooked meat to a bowl and mix in the cooked rice.

Hand Pies Assembly and Frying

Tools and Equipment

  • large skillet
  • wooden spoon

Ingredients

Quantity Name Preparation Notes Substitutions
as needed oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Take the risen dough, knead it gently, and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Shape each piece into a ball. (Tips: Roll each piece on a floured surface to prevent sticking.)
  2. Step 2: Flatten each dough ball, place filling in the center, fold over, and seal the edges. (Tips: Flatten gently to ensure even cooking.)
  3. Step 3: Heat oil in a skillet to fry. Fry hand pies until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side, and drain on paper towels. (Tips: No thermometer needed; test oil readiness with a wooden spoon handle.)

Additional Information

Notes: Piroshki are versatile; try using different fillings like potatoes or cabbage. Ensure filling is pre-cooked before frying pies.

Tags

Russian Beef Pastry