Braised beef mince in less than one hour
A comforting take on a beloved Chinese-inspired classic, this dish is one you’re bound to fall in love with after just a single bite. Tender minced beef is slowly simmered in a rich, deeply savoury sauce that develops layers of flavour as it cooks, creating a hearty stew that is both satisfying and full of warmth. The mince absorbs the aromatic blend of seasonings and sauces, resulting in a glossy, flavour-packed base that pairs perfectly with fluffy rice or noodles.
To finish, the dish is topped with a beautifully crispy fried egg, its golden yolk adding extra richness when broken into the sauce. A generous scattering of crispy leeks brings a delicate crunch and a subtle sweetness that balances the bold, savoury flavours of the beef. The combination of textures - the saucy mince, the runny egg, and the crisp topping - makes every bite deeply satisfying. Not only is this meal incredibly comforting, but it’s also a protein-packed dinner that feels indulgent while still being nourishing, making it perfect for a cosy evening meal or a satisfying midweek dinner.
This dinner takes less than 25 minutes to prepare and 30 to 50 minutes to cook, which is perfect for a quick week dinner!
Braised beef mince comfort dish- ingredient list!
The ingredient list for this fake away comfort dish may look long- but trust me, every ingredient works into the mouth melting burst of flavour that this easy dish supplies!
Ingredient list for the beef mince-
Two tablespoons of vegetable oil
Four smashed garlic cloves
50g/1½oz of fresh root ginger, either finely chopped or peeled and grated
One finely sliced onion
Two finely sliced celery sticks
500g/1lb 2oz of minced beef
One litre or one and a half pints of beef stock
One tablespoon of gochujang or doubanjiang (hot broad bean paste)
Two tablespoons of light soy sauce
Four tablespoons of dark soy sauce
Two tablespoons of oyster sauce
One teaspoon of granulated sugar
150g/5½oz frozen peas, 1 tsp MSG
Two tablespoons of cornflour and two tablespoons of water
Ingredient list for the crispy leeks and eggs-
6 tablespoons of vegetable oil
Trim one leek, remove the outer layer, and cut the leftover leek into matchsticks.
Add a sprinkle of salt
Four to six free-range eggs
Ingredient list to serve-
Jasmine rice, 600g/1lb 5oz
Two tablespoons of sesame seeds
finely sliced fresh coriander in a tiny bunch
4 teaspoons of optional chilli oil
Braised beef mince comfort dish- step by step instruction guide!
Step 1
To make the beef mince, begin by heating the vegetable oil in a heavy-based saucepan over a high heat for 1-2 minutes, allowing the oil to become hot enough to cook the aromatics quickly and release their flavours. Once the oil is shimmering, add the finely chopped garlic and freshly grated ginger to the pan. Fry them for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning, until they become fragrant and start to release their aromatic oils.
Step 2
Next, add the diced onion and chopped celery to the saucepan. Stir well so that the vegetables are coated in the hot oil and the garlic and ginger mixture. Fry for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion begins to soften and turn slightly translucent while the celery starts to release its natural sweetness. This step helps build a flavourful base for the dish, as the vegetables soften and their flavours blend with the aromatics. Continue cooking until everything is lightly softened and fragrant, ensuring the mixture does not brown too quickly but instead gently develops its savoury depth.
Step 3
After adding the beef mince, split it up into little pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is browned and the liquid has evaporated, about 6 to 8 minutes. Add the oyster sauce, soy sauces, stock, doubanjiang, sugar, and MSG. Reduce the heat to low after bringing to a boil. Cook, covered, stirring periodically, for forty minutes. Although it should have decreased, the liquid in the cooked meat was still very runny.
Step 4
Prepare the crispy leeks in the meanwhile. Fill a chilly frying pan with oil and leeks. Cover the whole bottom of the pan with the leeks. Fry the leeks steadily over medium heat for 8 to 10 minutes without stirring. As soon as they begin to become a rich golden brown, keep stirring them occasionally until most of the leeks have the same colour. After removing the leeks from the oil, place them on a platter covered with kitchen paper and season with salt. Put aside.
Step 5
Place the same pan back over a high heat, allowing it to warm up for a moment before adding the eggs. If needed, add a small splash of oil to the pan so the eggs fry properly and develop crisp edges. Carefully crack the eggs into the hot pan, spacing them slightly apart so they cook evenly. Fry the eggs for 1-2 minutes, letting the bottoms cook undisturbed so the edges can become golden brown and deliciously crispy. The hot pan will cause the whites to bubble and crisp around the edges while the centres remain tender. Keep a close eye on them as they cook, adjusting the heat slightly if necessary to prevent burning while still maintaining that crisp texture.
Step 6
Cook until the whites are fully set and the edges are beautifully browned and crisp, but the yolks remain soft and runny. This creates the perfect topping, as the rich yolk will spill into the savoury beef mixture when served, adding extra flavour and a silky texture to the dish. Once done, carefully lift the eggs out of the pan with a spatula and set them aside on a plate until you are ready to assemble and serve the dish.
Step 7
After adding the peas to the beef mixture, gradually pour in the cornflour mixture while stirring to finish the beef mince. Though not very thick, the sauce should thicken. Add a few drops of water and mix to loosen the sauce if it's too thick.Add the rice to a pot of boiling water and cook it as directed on the package. Empty.
Step 8
Evenly distribute the rice among the bowls. Over the meat mixture, generously ladle. Drizzle the chilli oil over the sesame seeds and coriander. Serve after adding the crispy leeks and cooked eggs.