Hearty Beef and Vegetable Porridge
How to Make Delicious Beef and Vegetable Porridge
When my child is feeling unwell, there’s nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of homemade porridge. While store-bought options are convenient, my child prefers mine, so I go the extra mile to prepare it with love, even when I’m tired. This recipe features tender minced beef and finely chopped vegetables, making it easy to digest and packed with nutrition. It’s a delicious beef and vegetable porridge that the whole family can enjoy.
Porridge Ingredients- Minced beef or beef for stewing 80-90g
- Cooked rice 2 bowls (approx. 400g)
- Onion 1/4 (approx. 50g)
- Shiitake mushroom 1
- Carrot small amount (approx. 30g)
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Salt to taste
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Cooking wine 1 tsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Water, ample amount (3-4 times the amount of rice)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the beef. If using minced beef, gently pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess blood before use. If using beef for stew (like brisket), soak it in cold water for about 30 minutes to drain the blood, rinse it under clean water, then finely mince it using a knife or a food processor.
Step 2
Marinate the beef: In a bowl, combine the minced beef with 1 tsp of cooking wine, 1 Tbsp of soy sauce, 1 tsp of sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix to marinate. This step helps to remove any gamey odors from the beef and enhances its flavor.
Step 3
Finely dice the shiitake mushroom. Wash it clean, remove the stem, and chop it very finely so it blends well into the porridge. If using dried shiitake mushrooms, rehydrate them in water first.
Step 4
Finely dice the carrot. Wash and peel the carrot, then chop it finely, similar to the shiitake mushroom, so it’s easy for children to eat. The natural sweetness of the carrot will add a wonderful depth to the porridge.
Step 5
Finely dice the onion. Peel the onion and chop it finely. It’s crucial to mince all the vegetables very finely for the porridge; this ensures they integrate smoothly with the rice and creates a softer texture, making it ideal for children. It also aids digestion!
Step 6
Heat 1 Tbsp of sesame oil in a wide pot over medium-low heat. Add the 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Once the garlic aroma rises, it’s time to add the next ingredients.
Step 7
Add the marinated minced beef to the pot and stir-fry. It’s important to break up any clumps of minced meat with a chopstick or spatula as you cook to ensure even browning and prevent sticking.
Step 8
Once the beef has turned brown, add the diced carrot, shiitake mushroom, and onion. Sauté the vegetables along with the beef until the onion becomes translucent, allowing their flavors to meld.
Step 9
When the vegetables are slightly softened and the onion is translucent, add the 2 bowls of cooked rice. Stir with a spatula to break up the rice and mix it with the other ingredients. Then, pour in enough water so that the rice is well covered and the water level is about 1-2 cm above the rice (approximately 3-4 times the volume of the rice). Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to medium-low heat to simmer gently. Stir frequently to prevent the bottom from sticking. Continue cooking until the porridge reaches your desired consistency and the rice grains are tender and broken down. Taste and season with salt if needed. Check if the carrots are fully cooked. If the porridge becomes too thick, add a little more water and continue simmering. Serve warm and enjoy!
