Taiwanese-style Samosa

Ingredients

While the original Indian samosa is typically filled with spiced potatoes and peas, this Taiwanese adaptation incorporates local ingredients and flavors. The filling for the Taiwanese-style samosa includes a combination of minced pork, cabbage, and spring onions, seasoned with soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. The pastry is also slightly different, with a lighter and flakier texture. We alse have the original recipe for Samosa, so you can check it out.

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup (120ml) water 1/2 cup (120ml) water
• 200g minced pork 200g minced pork
• 1 cup (100g) shredded cabbage 1 cup (100g) shredded cabbage
• 2 spring onions, finely chopped 2 spring onions, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying Vegetable oil, for frying

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 320 kcal / 1340 KJ
• Fat: 18g (4g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 25g (2g sugars)
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and salt. Add the vegetable oil and mix until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
2. 2.
   Gradually add water and knead the dough until it becomes smooth and elastic. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. 3.
   In a separate bowl, mix the minced pork, shredded cabbage, spring onions, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
4. 4.
   Divide the dough into small balls and roll each ball into a thin circle.
5. 5.
   Place a spoonful of the pork filling in the center of each dough circle. Fold the dough over the filling to form a triangle and seal the edges by pressing them together.
6. 6.
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or wok. Fry the samosas in batches until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oil and drain on a paper towel.
7. 7.
   Serve the Taiwanese-style samosas hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Minced pork — Make sure to use lean minced pork for a healthier option. You can also substitute it with minced chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.
• Shredded cabbage — Squeeze out any excess moisture from the shredded cabbage before adding it to the filling to prevent the samosas from becoming soggy.
• Soy sauce — Use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer to reduce the salt content of the dish.
• Vegetable oil — Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or peanut oil, for frying the samosas.
• Garlic and ginger — Freshly grated garlic and ginger will enhance the flavors of the filling. Adjust the amount according to your taste preferences.

Tips & Tricks

• For a healthier alternative, you can bake the samosas instead of frying them. Brush them with a little oil and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes or until golden brown.
• Serve the samosas with a tangy dipping sauce made from a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a dash of chili oil for an extra kick.
• Experiment with different fillings such as shrimp, mushrooms, or even a vegetarian option with tofu and mixed vegetables.
• Make a large batch of samosas and freeze them for later. Just thaw and fry whenever you crave a delicious snack.
• If you prefer a spicier filling, add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the pork mixture.

Serving advice

Serve the Taiwanese-style samosas as an appetizer or snack. They are best enjoyed hot and crispy, accompanied by a dipping sauce of your choice. Garnish with some fresh cilantro or spring onions for added freshness.

Presentation advice

Arrange the samosas on a platter, showcasing their golden brown color and triangular shape. Serve them with a small bowl of dipping sauce on the side. For an elegant touch, you can sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped peanuts over the samosas.