As summer’s warmth envelopes us, a robust, meaty sauce becomes the soulmate to our favorite dishes. Whether it’s beef or pork, minced or cubed, this versatile condiment is the perfect partner to a bowl of noodles, enriched with slivers of cucumber and fragrant cilantro. A generous spoonful of this aromatic meat sauce, when stirred through, creates an irresistible symphony of flavors that one simply cannot have enough of.
Ingredients for a Summery Meat Delight
- Vegetable oil: 200-250g
- Beef: 300g
- Shiitake mushrooms: 80g (rehydrated from 40g dried)
- Garlic: 30g
- Onion: 60g
- Ginger: 10g
- Fermented black beans: 15g
- Chili peppers: 35g
- Yellow bean sauce (spicy yellow bean sauce is also fine): 100g
- Cooking wine: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Chicken bouillon powder: 3g
- White pepper powder: 1g
- Sichuan pepper powder: 1g
- Toasted sesame seeds: 10g
Method: A Step-by-Step Guide to the Ultimate Meat Sauce
- Dice the beef and rehydrated shiitake mushrooms. Finely chop the chili peppers, onions, garlic, and ginger (even those who dislike ginger should add it, finely minced, as it’s imperceptible in the final sauce).
- Prepare all the seasonings. Adjust the amount of chili to taste; the recipe can accommodate variations in heat.
- Choose your preferred vegetable oil. The recipe suggests a blend of walnut and rapeseed oil, but any vegetable oil will do. The quantity of oil ensures all ingredients are well-coated and helps preserve the sauce by creating a seal to prevent mold.
- Cook the beef on medium-low heat until there’s no moisture left and it turns slightly golden.
- Add the mushrooms and continue to cook until they’re well-browned and fragrant.
- Incorporate the onions, garlic, and ginger, cooking until evenly mixed.
- Stir in the fermented black beans and chili peppers, continuing to cook for a few more minutes.
- Add the yellow bean sauce and blend well.
- Pour in the cooking wine and mix thoroughly.
- Add all the powdered ingredients except for the Sichuan pepper powder, combining everything evenly.
- Once off the heat, stir in the Sichuan pepper powder and toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve the sauce with noodles, steamed buns, or pancakes.
Tips for the Perfect Meat Sauce
- Maintain a consistent medium-low heat and keep stirring to avoid sticking.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator, especially during summer, and use a dry utensil to scoop it out to prevent spoilage.
- Adjust the quantity of mushrooms according to personal preference.