Description
Crispy, golden, and stuffed with a savory chickpea filling, Guo Kui ‘锅魁’ is the ultimate Chinese street food that you can now make at home. This flatbread, seasoned with soy sauce, Chinese 5-spice, and green onions, is perfect as a snack, side, or main dish. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, it’s a must-try for anyone craving bold flavors and a crunchy bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 300 g all-purpose flour
- 125 g room temperature water
- 50 g hot water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon oil
For the Filling:
- 1 can (15oz chickpeas, drained and rinsed)
- 2½ tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of Chinese 5-spice powder
- 6 stalks green onions (chopped)
- Raw white sesame seeds
- Oil for brushing and cooking
Instructions
Make the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the all-purpose flour and salt.
- Pour the hot water into the flour and mix it quickly with chopsticks or a fork to form a rough dough.
- Add the room temperature water and oil, and continue to mix until the dough comes together.
- Move the dough to a floured countertop and knead it for approximately 5-7 minutes until it reaches a smooth consistency.
- Place a damp cloth over the dough and allow it to rest for around 30 minutes.
Prepare the Filling:
- While the dough is resting, mash the chickpeas in a bowl until they reach a chunky paste consistency.
- Add soy sauce, sugar, a pinch of salt, black pepper, and Chinese 5-spice powder. Mix well to combine.
- Fold in the chopped green onions to complete the filling.
Assemble the Guo Kui:
- Once the dough has rested, divide it into equal portions (depending on how many flatbreads you’d like to make).
- Roll each portion into a ball, then flatten it into a thin circle (about 4-5 inches in diameter).
- Place a generous amount of the chickpea filling in the center of each circle.
- Fold the edges of the dough over the filling to enclose it, then gently flatten the stuffed dough into a disk, being careful not to let the filling spill out.
- Brush both sides of the disk with a little oil and sprinkle sesame seeds on top.
Cook the Guo Kui:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat with a little oil.
- Place the stuffed dough into the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the Guo Kui from the skillet and serve them hot.
- They can be enjoyed on their own or dipped in soy sauce or chili oil for extra flavor.
Notes
- Make Ahead: Dough can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before using.
- Custom Fillings: Substitute chickpeas with mashed potatoes, spiced lentils, or sautéed vegetables for variety.
- Baking Option: Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a healthier alternative.
- Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet for best results.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Chinese