Bánh Pate So (Vietnamese Pork Pâté Chaud)

Step 1

Mix ground pork, liver pate, onion, and jicama/water chestnuts (optional) in a bowl. Add egg white, cornstarch, and seasonings; combine with your hand.

Step 2

Let the filling rest in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and enhance.

Step 3

Make a taste test by microwaving a small amount of filling until fully cooked. Adjust flavor to your liking.

Step 4

Thaw puff pastry sheets on the counter for 2-3 hours or overnight in the fridge to avoid breakage during processing. Skip if you use fresh dough.

Step 5

Open up the puff pastry sheets.

Step 6

Use a sharp-edge round cookie cutter with a diameter of 10cm or 4 inches to cut the pastry sheets into circle shapes. Each Pate So will need two pieces of pastry.

Step 7

Spoon about 1.5 tablespoons of filling onto the center of one piece of puff pastry. Place another piece on top.

Step 8

Use the tips of a fork to crimp the edges of the pastry cakes, firmly sealing the top and bottom pieces together.

Step 9

Before baking, lightly brush the top with egg yolk to achieve a delightful golden crust.

Step 10

Cut the puff pastry into rectangles (7.5cm x 15cm or 3 inches x 6 inches squares).

Step 11

Place 1.5 tablespoons of filling on one side of a puff pastry square. Fold over, removing air as much as possible, and align corners to create a neat square.

Step 12

With the tips of a fork to crimp the edges, firmly seal the top and bottom squares together.

Step 13

Before baking, lightly brush the top with egg yolk for a golden crust.

Step 14

Preheat the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) or the oven to 180°C (350°F) for at least 10 minutes before baking.

Step 15

Place all the Pâté Chaud on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 16

With air fryer: Air fry the Pâté Chaud at 160°C (320°F) for 10 minutes, then increase to 200°C (392°F) and continue for 5 minutes until golden brown. Adjust time for pastry size.

Step 17

With oven: Bake the Pâté Chaud in the oven for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Adjust time based on size. Enjoy when beautifully golden!