Minchi

Introduction to Minchi

Minchi is a beloved Macanese dish that beautifully represents the fusion of Portuguese and Chinese culinary traditions. Often regarded as the Macanese comfort food, this dish boasts a rich history that traces back to when Macau was a Portuguese colony. The word "Minchi" is believed to stem from the English word "minced", referring to the finely chopped meat that forms the base of this dish. This savory and satisfying dish is typically served over rice or with potatoes, making it a filling meal that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.

Ingredients

For this traditional Minchi, you will need the following ingredients. You can click each ingredient to learn more about it or even to order it online.

• 300g minced pork
• 300g minced beef
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 large potatoes, diced
• 2 eggs
• 3 tablespoons cooking oil
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon molasses
• A pinch of cloves

Preparation

Preparing Minchi involves multiple steps, but the mouth-watering results are well worth the effort. Ensure you have all your ingredients prepared and your workspace organized for a seamless cooking experience.

Preparation Steps

1. Start by peeling and dicing the potatoes, then rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
2. Finely chop the onion and garlic.
3. Beat the eggs in a small bowl and season with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
4. Mix the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and molasses in a separate bowl. This will be your sauce mixture for flavoring the meat.

Cooking Process

The cooking process for Minchi involves several stages from frying the potatoes to preparing the meat mixture. Set your [cooking timer](./cooking%20timer) to stay on track.

Steps to Cook Minchi

1. Heat a large frying pan over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of cooking oil. Once hot, add the diced potatoes and fry until golden brown and crispy. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add the remaining tablespoon of oil. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent.
3. Add the minced pork and beef to the pan. Cook until the meat is browned.
4. Introduce the prepared sauce mixture into the pan, along with a bay leaf and a pinch of cloves. Stir well to combine and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper as required.
5. Once the meat is cooked, push it to one side of the pan. Pour in the beaten eggs on the other side and scramble them until just set.
6. Reintroduce the fried potatoes back into the pan and mix everything thoroughly.

How to Enjoy Minchi

Serve Minchi piping hot, garnished with fresh herbs of your choice. It pairs excellently with steamed rice or mixed greens for a balanced meal. Enjoy your culinary creation and savor the wonderful blend of flavors that make Minchi a standout dish from Macau's diverse food heritage.