Braised Beef Mince and Cōng Y óu Bǐng Style Pancakes

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Peel and grate the garlic (or use a garlic press). Trim and thinly slice the spring onions. Heat a large saucepan on medium-high heat (no oil). Once hot, add the beef mince and mushrooms. Fry until the mince has browned, 5-6 mins. Use a spoon to break up the mince as it cooks. When the mince has browned, drain and discard any excess fat. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Once the beef mince has browned, add the garlic and ginger puree. Fry until fragrant, 1-2 mins. When fragrant, add the soy, chicken stock paste, hoisin sauce, sugar and water for the sauce (see pantry for both amounts). Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a very gentle simmer and leave to braise until thickened and tender,15-20 mins.

Step 3

While the beef is braising, unroll the puff pastry onto a clean, lightly floured surface. Remove the paper and evenly sprinkle over most of the spring onion over the pastry. Set aside a small amount of the spring onion to use as a garnish. Season the pastry with salt and pepper and tightly roll it back up. Cut it lengthways into 4 equal sized rolls.

Step 4

Stand a pastry roll up onto one of the cut sides. Using the palm of your hand, press it down to make a flat, swirly disc. Sprinkle over a little flour. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough into an even circle, approximately 10-15cm in diameter. Repeat with the remaining pastry rolls. Heat a large frying pan on medium heat (no oil). Let it heat for 1-2 mins. Once hot, lay the first pancake into the pan and cook until golden brown, 2-3 mins.

Step 5

Flip the pancakes over and cook until golden and cooked through, 2-3 mins more. The pancakes will puff up slightly. Transfer to a clean board or plate. Leave to cool slightly. Repeat with the remaining pastry discs. Meanwhile, when the beef has 5-7 mins remaining, add the cabbage and cook until tender. Taste and season with salt and pepper if you feel it needs it. Add a splash of water if it looks a little thick.

Step 6

When everything's ready, share the braised beef between your serving bowls. Serve the spring onion pastries alongside. Sprinkle the remaining spring onion over the beef to finish.