Even though it’s just minced meat, prepared in the right way, it can become an extremely flavorful and mouthwatering dish that everyone will finish their plate. Here are two easy and tasty recipes using minced meat that will make your family ask for more.

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Minced Meat Stir-Fried with Wood Ear Mushrooms and Shiitake

This stir-fried minced meat with wood ear mushrooms and shiitake is a simple, nutritious, and quick dish. The meat is tender, flavorful, and perfectly blended with the aromatic mushrooms and the slightly crunchy texture of wood ear.

Ingredients:

• 300g minced meat

• 2–3 large wood ear mushrooms

• 7 dried shiitake mushrooms

• Seasonings: seasoning powder, fish sauce, black pepper, cooking oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Soak the wood ear and shiitake mushrooms in warm water until soft, then wash and chop them finely.

Step 2: Heat a non-stick pan on low heat and add the minced meat. Stir gently so that the meat breaks apart easily and releases its juices. Continue cooking over medium heat until the water evaporates and the edges of the meat start to brown slightly.

Step 3: Add 2 tablespoons of oil to the pan, then add the chopped mushrooms. Stir-fry until the mushrooms are cooked and the flavors meld together. Season with fish sauce, seasoning powder, and stir for 2–3 minutes so the flavors are absorbed.

Step 4: Sprinkle a little black pepper on top, give it a final stir, and serve. For a spicier version, you can replace the black pepper with chili.

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Minced Meat Balls with Wood Ear Mushrooms and Shiitake

This recipe makes tender meatballs infused with the earthy aroma of mushrooms, perfect for a family meal.

Ingredients:

• 300g pork shoulder (lean)

• 50g wood ear mushrooms, 50g shiitake mushrooms

• Black pepper, 1 dried shallot

• Fish sauce, MSG (optional), cooking oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Clean the pork shoulder and mince it. Avoid over-processing in a blender—meatballs should have texture for better taste.

Step 2: Soak the mushrooms in warm water until soft. Squeeze out excess water, wash with a little salt, then chop finely.

Step 3: Mix the minced mushrooms into the meat. Add 1 tablespoon fish sauce, 1 tablespoon MSG, ½ teaspoon black pepper, 1 tablespoon cooking oil, and a little crushed dried shallot. Let the mixture marinate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.

Step 4: Shape the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.

Step 5: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan. Fry the meatballs lightly until golden on the outside—this locks in the juices and keeps the meatballs from breaking apart. Remove and set aside.

Step 6: In the same pan, sauté the remaining shallot until fragrant. Return the meatballs to the pan, add 2 tablespoons fish sauce and adjust seasonings to taste. Cover and simmer gently over low heat until the meatballs are fully cooked, tender, and coated in a flavorful sauce.

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These two simple recipes show that even plain minced meat can be transformed into rich, aromatic, and delicious dishes with just a few mushrooms, seasonings, and the right cooking techniques. Perfect for busy weekdays or weekend family meals!