Introduction
This savory and aromatic minced meat recipe is a perfect example of the bold and rich flavors of Asian-inspired cooking.
Combining the umami of soy sauce, the sweetness of brown sugar, and the fragrant undertones of garlic, ginger, and Shaoxing wine.
this dish brings together a medley of ingredients that will awaken your taste buds.
It’s versatile enough to serve with steamed rice, noodles, or even as a filling for dumplings, making it ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
_2 tablespoons vegetable oil
_4 cloves garlic, minced
_1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, peeled and sliced
_1/4 cup light soy sauce
_1/4 cup dark soy sauce
_1/3 cup Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)
_1/4 cup hoisin sauce
_1/4 cup brown sugar
_1 cup water
-2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
-1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the minced garlic and sliced ginger.
cooking them for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant and slightly golden. This step will infuse the oil with the aromatic flavors of garlic and ginger.
Next, add the minced meat to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula, allowing it to brown evenly. Stir occasionally to ensure that the meat cooks through and begins to develop a nice color.
This process should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the type of meat you’re using.
Once the meat is browned, pour in the light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shaoxing wine. Stir to coat the meat evenly.
allowing the liquid to absorb into the meat. The combination of these ingredients will create a rich, savory base for the dish.
Add the hoisin sauce and brown sugar, stirring again to combine. The hoisin sauce will bring a sweet and slightly tangy flavor.
while the brown sugar will balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce and wine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3-5 minutes, giving time for the flavors to meld together.
Pour in the water, bringing everything to a simmer. Let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it reduce a bit longer, or you can add a cornstarch slurry for an even thicker consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness, hoisin for sweetness.
or Shaoxing wine for depth. Once the flavor is balanced to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
Before serving, garnish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
These additions will not only enhance the visual appeal of the dish but also add a bit of freshness and crunch to contrast with the tender meat and rich sauce.
How to Make
To make this minced meat dish, the key is in layering the flavors and allowing them to develop slowly.
The garlic and ginger provide the aromatic base, while the soy sauces and Shaoxing wine build depth and richness.
The addition of hoisin sauce and brown sugar adds a touch of sweetness that complements the savory elements, creating a harmonious balance.
Finally, simmering the mixture allows the sauce to reduce and thicken, ensuring that each bite is coated with the flavorful sauce.
A wok or large skillet is the best tool for this dish because it allows for even cooking and the quick stir-frying that is essential in Chinese-style cooking.
If you don’t have Shaoxing wine, you can substitute it with dry sherry or another rice wine, although Shaoxing wine has a distinct flavor that adds authenticity to the dish.
For the minced meat, ground pork, chicken, or beef works well, but you can also experiment with ground turkey or lamb depending on your preferences.
Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the fat content of the meat you choose.
To ensure a smooth and evenly textured sauce, make sure to stir the ingredients regularly while they cook.
This will prevent the sugar from caramelizing too quickly or the sauce from burning at the bottom. If you want to add some extra heat to the dish.
feel free to include some chopped chili peppers or a splash of chili oil when cooking the garlic and ginger.
You can also customize the garnishes to suit your taste. While green onions and sesame seeds are traditional.
you could add some finely chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, or even a drizzle of chili oil for an extra kick.
If you’re planning to serve this with rice, make sure to cook the rice ahead of time and let it cool slightly before serving.
The slightly cooled rice will absorb the sauce better, enhancing the overall flavor experience. You can also serve.
the minced meat over noodles or as a filling for bao buns or lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb option.
Once everything is ready, serve the dish hot and enjoy the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and umami-rich flavors.
It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that will become a regular in your cooking rotation.
Tips
Be sure to use both light and dark soy sauces for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Light soy sauce adds saltiness without overpowering the dish, while dark soy sauce provides color and richness.
If you like a slightly sweeter flavor, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or hoisin sauce to suit your taste.
Hoisin sauce will also give a bit of a tangy depth, so adjust carefully based on your preferences.
Shaoxing wine is a key ingredient in this recipe and should not be skipped. Its distinct flavor adds a unique depth.
that is difficult to replicate with other wines or substitutes. If you cannot find Shaoxing wine, dry sherry or another Chinese rice wine will work as alternatives.
For a deeper flavor, allow the sauce to simmer longer to reduce. The sauce will thicken and concentrated.
making the dish even more flavorful. You can also add a cornstarch slurry to speed up the thickening process if needed.
If you prefer a spicier dish, you can add chopped fresh chilies or a spoonful of chili paste to the sauce.
This will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the other flavors.
To make the dish a complete meal, consider serving it with steamed vegetables such as bok choy, broccoli, or spinach.
These will complement the rich and savory meat and add a fresh, crisp texture to balance the meal.
For meal prepping, this dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It also freezes nicely if you want to make a larger batch for future meals.
Conclusion
This minced meat dish is a delightful combination of savory, sweet, and aromatic flavors that will transport you to the heart of Asian cuisine.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, it’s a meal that’s both accessible and full of depth.
Whether served with rice, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce, it’s a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit your taste and needs.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special gathering, this dish is sure to impress. The balance of flavors, rich textures, and fragrant spices will make every bite a memorable experience.