Japanese-style Panzerotti

Ingredients

In this Japanese Chinese adaptation of Panzerotti, the traditional Italian dough is replaced with a light and crispy tempura batter. The filling is also modified to include ingredients commonly found in Japanese Chinese cuisine, such as stir-fried vegetables, seasoned ground meat, and aromatic spices. These changes give the dish a unique flavor profile and a different texture compared to the original Italian version. We alse have the original recipe for Panzerotti, so you can check it out.

• For the tempura batter: For the tempura batter:
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch 1/2 cup (60g) cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 cup (240ml) ice-cold water 1 cup (240ml) ice-cold water
• 1 egg, beaten 1 egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the filling: For the filling:
• 200g ground meat (pork or chicken) 200g ground meat (pork or chicken)
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, etc.), finely chopped 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, cabbage, etc.), finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste Salt and pepper, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 12g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and baking powder for the tempura batter.
2. 2.
   Gradually add the ice-cold water to the dry ingredients, whisking until the batter is smooth and free of lumps.
3. 3.
   Stir in the beaten egg until well incorporated.
4. 4.
   In a separate pan, heat some vegetable oil for frying.
5. 5.
   In a skillet, cook the ground meat over medium heat until browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. 6.
   Add the chopped vegetables to the skillet and stir-fry until they are tender-crisp.
7. 7.
   Season the filling with soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and remove from heat.
8. 8.
   Take a spoonful of the filling and place it in the center of a round piece of tempura batter.
9. 9.
   Fold the edges of the batter over the filling, sealing it tightly.
10. 10.
    Repeat the process with the remaining filling and batter.
11. 11.
    Carefully place the filled tempura panzerotti into the hot oil and fry until golden brown and crispy.
12. 12.
    Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel to remove excess oil.
13. 13.
    Serve the tempura panzerotti hot and crispy.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Ground meat — Ensure the meat is cooked thoroughly to avoid any food safety concerns.
• Vegetables — Finely chop the vegetables to ensure they cook evenly and blend well with the filling.
• Tempura batter — Keep the batter cold by using ice-cold water to achieve a light and crispy texture.
• Frying — Maintain the oil temperature around 180°C (350°F) for optimal frying results.
• Seasonings — Adjust the seasonings according to personal taste preferences.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the ground meat with tofu or textured vegetable protein.
• Experiment with different vegetables and seasonings to create your own unique filling.
• Serve the tempura panzerotti with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil for an extra kick of flavor.
• If you prefer a lighter version, you can also bake the filled panzerotti in the oven instead of frying them.
• Make sure the filling is cooled before filling the tempura batter to prevent it from becoming soggy.

Serving advice

Serve the tempura panzerotti as a main dish accompanied by a fresh salad or steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the tempura panzerotti on a platter, showcasing their golden-brown color. Serve them with a side of dipping sauce and garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for an elegant touch.