Buuz

Buuz are Mongolian steamed dumplings filled with juicy minced mutton or beef, onion and garlic, with a small round pleated top. They are a staple of family tables.

Buuz

Buuz: Mizu_Basyo, CC BY-SA 3.0 (Wikimedia Commons)

Where it comes from

Buuz are a traditional food of Mongolia, popular at celebrations such as the lunar new year, when families make hundreds in advance. They are simple, hearty and filling.

Explore the cuisine of Mongolia.

Recipe

Make Buuz at home

Serves 4-6Time 1 hour 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup warm water
  • 1 lb ground mutton, lamb or beef
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/3 cup water or stock
  • 1 tablespoon oil

How it's made

  1. Mix flour and water into a smooth dough; knead and rest 30 minutes.
  2. Combine the meat, onion, garlic, salt, pepper and stock, mixing until sticky and juicy.
  3. Divide the dough into 24 pieces and roll each into a thin round.
  4. Place a spoonful of filling in the center and pleat the edges up into a small opening at the top.
  5. Oil a steamer basket and arrange the buuz so they do not touch.
  6. Steam over boiling water for 20 minutes and serve hot.

Variations

  • Buuz with potato or cabbage
  • Beef and carrot filling
  • Fried buuz: leftovers pan-seared until crisp underneath

Cook’s tip: Mix a little stock into the meat; it turns into the juices inside each dumpling.

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About this page

Description and method written by Intercontinental Chef. Home-style method; quantities are a starting point, so adjust to taste.

Photo credit