Minchi (Macanese Minced Meat and Potato Hash)
In short: Minced beef and pork fried with diced potato and onion in soy and Worcestershire sauce, served over rice with a fried egg. Macau's everyday family dish. It takes about 45 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 25 min
- Total
- 45 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 500 kcal
Minchi is the Macanese comfort food that almost every family makes. It combines minced meat, small cubes of fried potato and onion in a savory sauce of soy and Worcestershire sauce, with a hint of sweetness, and it is nearly always served over rice with a runny fried egg. The name is said to come from the English word mince. It is quick, cheap and good for the lunch box.
Instructions
- Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Fry the potato cubes for 8 to 10 minutes, turning, until golden and nearly tender. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, heat the remaining oil and cook the onion for 4 minutes until soft.
- Add the beef and pork, breaking up with a spoon, and cook for 8 minutes until no pink remains and the meat starts to brown. The meat should reach 71°C (160°F).
- Stir in the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, sugar, pepper and water. Simmer for 3 minutes.
- Return the potatoes to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce clings to everything.
- Spoon over steamed rice and top each portion with a fried egg.
Tips
- Cut the potatoes small and fry them first, so they stay distinct and golden instead of dissolving into the meat.
- Using all beef is common too. Add a splash of water if the mixture seems dry.
Questions and answers
Can I make minchi ahead of time?
Yes. It keeps for 3 days in the refrigerator and reheats well in a pan. Fry the eggs fresh when serving.
Can I freeze minchi?
Yes, for up to 2 months. Potatoes become slightly soft after thawing but the flavor holds.
What does minchi taste like?
Savory, a little sweet and umami-rich from the two sauces, similar to a Western hash seasoned with soy.
How long does it take to make Minchi (Macanese Minced Meat and Potato Hash)?
About 45 min in total: 20 min of preparation and 25 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Minchi (Macanese Minced Meat and Potato Hash)?
About 500 kcal per serving, with 31 g of protein, 19 g of carbohydrates and 33 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 500 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 31 g |
| Carbohydrates | 19 g |
| Fat | 33 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 750 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
