Mongolian Khuushuur
Home-made "flat fried dumplings” known as Khuushuur, are a traditional Mongolian staple food.
Experience the bold flavors of Mongolian Khuushuur, a traditional and mouthwatering deep-fried meat pastry, in your own home. These golden parcels are filled with seasoned minced meat, typically beef or lamb, and are fried until crispy and irresistibly delicious.
Home Recipes
Lamb
Beef
Mongolian
Asian
Video
Ingredients
Steps to make it
Nutrition Facts
Share this recipe
Comments
Main Course
Recipe Cuisine:
Asian
Servings:
5 people
makes about 20 khuushuurs
Preparation Time:
1 hour
Cooking Time:
Mongolian Khuushuur is a popular street food that showcases the unique culinary heritage of Mongolia. Indulge in this savory and satisfying dish that combines tender meat with a crispy pastry shell. See our travel guide on Ulaanbaatar for additional details on Mongolia and traditional Mongolian food.
Delve into the heart of Mongolian cuisine with our savory Khuushuur recipe. These golden-fried pockets of seasoned minced meat offer a delightful blend of flavors and textures. Experience the authentic taste of Mongolia as you savor these crispy delights, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Khuushuur is a Mongolian traditional dumpling or meat pastry that is somewhat comparable to Russian Piroshki, Chebureki, or even Empanada. They are sometimes called "meat pockets" or "hot pockets", and are the Mongolian equivalent of "fast food" that you can grab and eat "on the go".
The meat, usually beef, lamb, mutton, or camel, is ground up and mixed with onion, salt, and other spices. The dough, made of wheat with flour and water, is rolled into circles, folded in half, and stuffed with meat. The edges are then pressed together to create a watertight seal, and they are then fried in a pan with a small amount of oil until the dough turns golden brown and the meat is cooked. They are served very hot and eaten by hand.
I've been making them by hand since I was a child. To make the dough, see Making Handmade Dumpling Dough from scratch, it is the exact same dough, just in a different size.
This type of Mongolian cuisine is similar to buuz (dumplings, see Savory Pork Dumplings with Ginger, Garlic, and Green Onions) in that the meat is prepared in the same way and cooked in a dough pocket, the principal difference being the size and shape, and the fact that buuz are steamed instead of fried.
Step by Step Recipe Instruction Video:
Ingredients:
- 500 grams of ground beef or lamb or even pork (about 1.1 pounds)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 20 round or square dumpling wrappers
- Water (for sealing)
- Oil, for frying
Steps to make it:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Step 2: Assemble the Khuushuur
- Take a dumpling wrapper and place a spoonful of the meat mixture in the center.
- Moisten the edges of the wrapper with water to help seal the khuushuur.
- Fold the wrapper in half, forming a semicircle, and press the edges firmly to seal. You can use a fork to crimp the edges for an extra decorative touch.
Step 3: Fry the Khuushuur
- Heat oil in a deep frying pan or pot to around 180°C (350°F).
- Carefully place the assembled khuushuur in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the khuushuur until they turn golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried khuushuur and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer the golden-brown khuushuur to a serving platter.
- Serve the khuushuur hot, either as an appetizer or a main course.
- Optionally, pair the khuushuur with a traditional Mongolian dipping sauce or a side salad for added freshness.
© Copyrigh 2026 Laki Maikaʻi. All rights reserved.
Enjoy the authentic taste of Mongolian Khuushuur! Crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, these savory meat-filled pockets are a delightful representation of Mongolian culinary heritage.
Mongolian Khuushuur pairs wonderfully with a variety of accompaniments that enhance its flavors and provide a balanced meal experience. Here are some pairing suggestions:
- Dipping Sauce: Serve khuushuur with a traditional Mongolian dipping sauce, such as a mixture of soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and chili flakes. This adds a tangy and savory element that complements the rich flavors of the fried dumplings.
- Side Salad: Offer a fresh side salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and tomatoes tossed in a light vinaigrette. The crispness and acidity of the salad provide a refreshing contrast to the crispy khuushuur.
- Pickled Vegetables: Serve khuushuur with a side of pickled vegetables, such as pickled cabbage or carrots. The pickled tanginess balances the richness of the fried dumplings.
- Yogurt-Based Dip: Create a creamy yogurt-based dipping sauce with garlic, fresh herbs (such as dill or mint), and a touch of lemon juice. The cooling effect of the yogurt complements the fried khuushuur.
- Soup: Accompany khuushuur with a warm and comforting Mongolian soup, such as Mongolian noodle soup (Guriltai Shul). The contrast between the hearty soup and crispy dumplings offers a delightful dining experience.
- Tea or Milk: Pair khuushuur with Mongolian-style milk tea or dairy products. The mild flavors of these beverages help cleanse the palate and provide a soothing contrast to the savory and fried elements.
- Fermented Foods: Include fermented foods like kimchi or sauerkraut as a side. The tanginess and probiotic benefits of fermented foods complement the richness of the khuushuur.
Remember that the goal of pairing is to create a harmonious balance on the plate. Choose accompaniments that enhance the flavors, textures, and cultural experience of enjoying Mongolian Khuushuur.
#MongolianDelights #KhuushuurCraving #FriedDumplings #CulturalCuisine #SavoryAppetizers #GoldenGoodness
© Copyrigh 2026 Laki Maikaʻi. All rights reserved.
Did you make this recipe?
Please Tag us on Instagram:@laki_maikai
Nutritional information provided is an estimate only. Please consult the labels of ingredients you use for more accurate results. Daily Value on the Nutrition and Supplement Facts Labels.
