Got my sister to buy me a tub of kimchi from Costco. Went to the supermarket to buy minced pork and onion. In a hurry, wanting to come home before the heavy rain poured down; I accidentally picked up minced beef. Well, for a change having minced beef is good too.

Google: “Minced beef is ground or chopped beef that is popular and versatile. It provides essential vitamins like B12 and B6, and minerals such as zinc and iron, making it beneficial for a balanced diet. Minced beef offers complete protein, supplying all nine essential amino acids necessary for muscle growth and overall health. It is a good source of heme iron, which the body absorbs easily, helping to prevent iron deficiency anaemia. Additionally, minced beef is rich in B vitamins, important for energy, nerve function, and cell growth. These minerals support immune function, DNA synthesis, and thyroid health. Depending on the fat content, it may also provide beneficial fatty acids like omega-3s and collagen for skin, hair, nails, and joint health.”

“Onions are a root vegetable known for their strong flavour and cooking versatility. They are rich in nutrients like vitamins C and B6, and minerals such as calcium, iron, and potassium. Onions also contain antioxidants, like quercetin, which help protect the body from cell damage and inflammation. Additionally, they provide dietary fiber important for digestion. Some compounds in onions may have potential health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system. Onions can also help regulate blood sugar levels and promote healthy gut bacteria.”

“Kimchi is a traditional Korean dish made from fermented vegetables, mainly cabbage, and flavoured with various spices. It is rich in probiotics, vitamins, and antioxidants, which can aid digestion, support the immune system, and may have anti-inflammatory effects. Kimchi is beneficial for gut health and is high in vitamins A, C, K, folate, and iron. Some studies suggest it may help regulate blood sugar and assist with weight loss. However, due to the fermentation process, kimchi can be high in sodium, so it should be eaten in moderation.“

I am glad I took the wrong minced beef packet instead of minced pork. Decided to added my leftover sliced black olives. Well, my dinner is delicious and healthy. Let’s cook!!!

Ingredients

500 g minced pork
1 small onion, slices
2 Tbs Shao Xing Chinese cooking wine
2 Tbs beef stock, (OPT)
1/2 Tbs dark soy sauce
1 Tbs black olives slices (OPT)
1 Tbs minced garlic
1 Tbs oyster sauce
oil
salt
pepper

Vegetables

Kim chi, bought

Method

Heat 1 Tbs oil in a saucepan over high heat. Add garlic and onion; cook for 1 minute or until the onion starts to soften and brown. Next add minced beef and cook; breaking it up as you go. Once minced beef had turn browned.

Add oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and Shao Xing Chinese cooking wine. Cook for a further 2-4 minutes, or until sauce has evaporated and beef is cooked. I wanted my minced beef to cooked more, I have added beef stock and for boosting of beef flavour more. Some recipes, I browsed use water and some wanted it to be caramelised added 2 Tbs water and 1-2 Tsp cornstarch or corn flour.

Toss in the sliced black olives and season with salt and pepper. Serve with kim chi, rice and a glass of red wine. Enjoy!!!

Note: Instead of Shao Xing Chinese cooking wine, you can use miri, or sake, or Chinese ginger tonic. Well, you can add beef stock too. You can use light soy sauce instead of dark soy sauce. From one of the recipes, I browsed: “DARK soy sauce, has more flavour than light and all purpose soy sauce, and makes the food a deeper brown colour. Can sub with all purpose soy or sauce, but beef colour won’t be as dark brown.”

From grandma and my mother: they would use kicap manis (dark caramel sauce). Both prefer to use Shao Xing Chinese cooking wine. You can opt out sliced black olives and use Chinese preserved olives leaves that both my grandma and mother would love to add them in but in minced pork.

Instead of kim chi, you can add bok choy, choy sum, Chinese spinach, broccoli, carrot, or cauliflower. Or perhaps frozen mixed vegetables: corn, carrot and pea.

https://helenscchin.com/2020/06/26/minced-beef-onion-kim-chi-with-rice-in-blue-bowl/

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