Homemade Braised Vermicelli with Minced Meat: A Step-by-Step Guide with Pictures319

Vermicelli noodles braised in a savory sauce with minced meat are a comforting and flavorful dish loved throughout China and beyond. Often found in restaurants, this dish is surprisingly easy to replicate at home, offering a delicious and satisfying meal for your family. This guide provides a detailed, step-by-step recipe with accompanying images to help you master this beloved classic – the perfect homemade braised vermicelli with minced meat.

Ingredients: The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and adaptability. Feel free to adjust quantities based on your preferences and the number of servings you need. This recipe serves approximately 4.

For the Minced Meat Mixture:
1 lb ground pork (or a mix of pork and beef)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 inch ginger, minced
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Shaoxing rice wine (optional, but adds depth of flavor)
1 teaspoon cornstarch
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Braising Sauce:
2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce (for color)
1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional, but enhances umami)
1 teaspoon sugar
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1-2 dried chilies, broken into pieces (optional, for a touch of spice)
8 oz vermicelli noodles (dried)
2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Minced Meat (Picture 1: Show a bowl with the mixed minced meat ingredients). In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, onion, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, Shaoxing rice wine (if using), cornstarch, and white pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined. This step is crucial for tender and flavorful meat.

Step 2: Brown the Meat (Picture 2: Show the minced meat browning in a wok or large pan). Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced meat mixture and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned. This step renders out some of the fat and creates a delicious base for the sauce.

Step 3: Add the Braising Sauce (Picture 3: Show the addition of the broth and soy sauces to the browned meat). Pour in the chicken broth, soy sauces (light and dark), oyster sauce (if using), sugar, sesame oil, and dried chilies (if using). Stir well to combine all the ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer the Sauce (Picture 4: Show the sauce simmering gently). Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Cook the Vermicelli (Picture 5: Show the vermicelli noodles being added to the sauce). While the sauce simmers, prepare the vermicelli noodles according to package directions. Usually, this involves boiling them in water until tender. Drain the noodles well.

Step 6: Combine and Serve (Picture 6: Show the final dish garnished with scallions and cilantro). Add the cooked vermicelli noodles to the sauce. Gently toss to coat the noodles evenly. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb some of the sauce. Garnish with sliced scallions and fresh cilantro before serving.

Tips and Variations:
For a spicier dish, add more dried chilies or a pinch of chili flakes.
Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, carrots, or bok choy, to the dish. Add them during the simmering stage.
If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water and add it to the sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

This homemade braised vermicelli with minced meat recipe is a true testament to the simplicity and deliciousness of home cooking. With minimal effort and readily available ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that your family will surely love. Enjoy!

2025-03-24

Previous：Um, Uh, and Er: A Beginner‘s Guide to Filler Words in English

Next：Trendy Noodle Recipes: Elevate Your Pasta Game