These Beef Sambusas are golden, crispy, and packed with bold, aromatic flavors. The savory filling features seasoned ground beef or lamb, fresh herbs, and warm spices, all wrapped in a delicate, flaky shell. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner recipe, a high-protein snack, or a delicious appetizer, this homemade recipe is a must-try! Serve with a side of creamy sahawiq, a tangy and slightly spicy dipping sauce, for the ultimate experience.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Flavorful
Each bite delivers a crunchy, golden shell with a juicy, well-seasoned filling.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Great as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal. Ideal for gatherings or meal prep.
Easy to Customize
Swap the beef for lamb, add more heat with extra jalapeño, or try baking instead of frying.
Make-Ahead Friendly
Prepare the filling ahead of time and assemble when ready to fry or bake!
Ingredients
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
For the Filling
Ground Beef or Lamb – The flavorful and juicy base of the sambusa filling.
Onion & Jalapeño – Adds depth and a subtle kick of heat.
Garlic – Essential for rich, aromatic flavor.
Spices – A bold blend of cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, turmeric, 7 spice (or allspice), and black pepper enhances the meat.
Fresh Herbs – Cilantro, parsley, and dill (optional) bring a burst of freshness.
For Assembling
Spring Roll Wrappers – Light, crisp, and perfect for folding.
Oil for Frying – Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for crispy sambusas.
Flour & Water Paste – A simple paste to seal the edges securely.
For the Creamy Sahawiq
Roma Tomatoes – Adds sweetness and acidity.
Jalapeño & Garlic – Gives the dip its signature kick.
Cilantro – Fresh and aromatic.
Cream Cheese – Makes the dip smooth and creamy.
Salt & Pepper – Adjust to taste.
Instructions
Prepare the Filling
- Cook the Meat: Heat a pan over medium heat and cook the ground beef or lamb until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add onion, jalapeño, and garlic; cook until softened.
- Season the Filling: Stir in cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, 7 spice, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 2-3 minutes to develop flavors.
- Add Herbs & Cool: Remove from heat and mix in cilantro, parsley, and dill (if using). Let cool completely before assembling.
Assemble the Sambusas
- Prepare the Wrappers: Lay a spring roll wrapper on a clean surface.
- Fill & Fold: Place 1 tablespoon of filling on one end and fold into a triangle shape, sealing the edges with the flour-water paste.
- Repeat: Continue until all wrappers are filled.
Fry the Sambusas
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, heat oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Until Golden: Cook sambusas in batches for 3-5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden brown.
- Drain & Serve: Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
Make the Creamy Sahawiq
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine tomatoes, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, cream cheese, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Serve: Use as a dipping sauce for the sambusas.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: [Calorie count]
How to Serve Beef Sambusa
With a Side of Dipping Sauces
Enjoy with creamy sahawiq, yogurt sauce, or a spicy chutney.
Paired with a Fresh Salad
Serve with a cucumber-tomato salad for a refreshing contrast.
With Mint Tea
Traditional sambusas pair beautifully with hot mint tea.
As a Party Appetizer
Make a batch for Ramadan, Eid, or game-day snacks!
Additional Tips
Make-Ahead Option
Prepare the filling up to 2 days in advance and store in the fridge.
Baking Alternative
Bake sambusas at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, brushing with oil for crispiness.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze assembled, uncooked sambusas for up to 3 months. Fry or bake directly from frozen.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use phyllo dough instead of spring roll wrappers?
A1: Yes, but phyllo dough is thinner, so use multiple layers and brush with butter.
Q2: Can I air fry sambusas instead of deep-frying?
A2: Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q3: What can I use instead of 7 spice?
A3: Substitute with allspice, garam masala, or extra cumin & coriander.
Q4: How do I keep sambusas from bursting while frying?
A4: Ensure they’re sealed well with the flour-water paste and avoid overfilling.
Q5: Can I make these vegetarian?
A5: Yes! Try a filling with spiced lentils, potatoes, or spinach and feta.
Q6: Can I add cheese to the filling?
A6: Yes! Adding a little shredded cheese gives a melty twist to the filling.
Q7: How spicy is this recipe?
A7: It has a mild kick. Adjust jalapeño and 7 spice to your taste.
Q8: What oil is best for frying sambusas?
A8: Use a neutral oil like canola, vegetable, or sunflower oil.
Q9: Can I serve these with a yogurt-based dip?
A9: Yes! Mix Greek yogurt with lemon juice, garlic, and mint for a cooling dip.
Q10: Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
A10: Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works just as well.
Conclusion
These crispy, flavorful Beef Sambusas are a must-try for anyone who loves savory snacks with a kick. Whether deep-fried, baked, or air-fried, they’re an absolute treat when paired with creamy sahawiq or a cooling yogurt dip. Make a batch today and watch them disappear fast!
Print
Beef Sambusa
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 36 sambusas 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Middle Eastern, African
Description
Crispy, golden Beef Sambusa are delicious fried pastries filled with spiced ground beef, fresh herbs, and warm seasonings. These savory, crunchy appetizers are perfect for Ramadan, parties, or a side dish for any occasion. Serve them with Yemeni sahawiq (schug) or your favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 lb ground beef or lamb
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 jalapeño, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon EACH cumin powder, coriander powder, paprika, salt
- 1/4 teaspoon EACH turmeric, 7 spice (or allspice), black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/2 cup chopped parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped dill (optional)
For Assembling
- 1 (12-16 oz) package spring roll wrappers*
- 1 quart oil for frying (or as needed)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour mixed with 1/4 cup water (for sealing)
For Creamy Sahawiq
- 2 Roma tomatoes, roughly chopped
- 1/2 jalapeño
- 1/2 clove garlic
- 3–4 sprigs cilantro
- 1 tablespoon cream cheese
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
Cook the Filling:
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onion. Sauté for 4-5 minutes, breaking down the beef as it browns.
- Add the jalapeño, garlic, and spices, and continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and mix in the cilantro, parsley, and dill. Let the filling cool for at least 20 minutes before handling.
Prepare the Wrappers & Fill the Sambusas:
- In a small bowl, mix 1/4 cup flour with 1/4 cup water to create a paste for sealing.
- Choose a folding method:
- Egg Roll Style: Place a wrapper in a diamond shape. Add 1/4 cup of filling near the bottom. Fold the bottom corner over the filling, tucking it underneath. Roll tightly, folding in the sides. Brush the last flap with flour paste to seal.
- Triangle Style (Yemeni/Saudi): Cut wrappers into three strips. Peel wrappers in twos for double layering. Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling onto one end, folding tightly into a triangle shape as you go. Seal with flour paste.
Fry the Sambusas:
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350ºF.
- Fry sambusas in a single layer for 6-7 minutes, turning occasionally.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Creamy Sahawiq:
- Blend all sahawiq ingredients for 30-60 seconds until chunky and combined.
- Serve with warm sambusas!
Notes
- For baked sambusas, brush them lightly with oil and bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make ahead: Freeze uncooked sambusas for up to 3 months and fry straight from frozen.
- Dipping sauce ideas: Sahawiq, garlic yogurt sauce, or spicy harissa.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sambusas
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 15mg