Mince Magic: The Ultimate ‘Fakeaway’ Mince & Veggie Stir-fry for Your Whānau
Hey team!
Ever get that Friday night craving for a takeaway but your wallet says “nah”? We’ve all been there. But here’s a secret: you can create a flavour-packed ‘fakeaway’ at home that’s even better, and cheaper, than the real thing. Our go-to is a Mince & Veggie Stir-fry. It’s fast, it’s fresh, and it uses one of the most budget-friendly ingredients around: beef mince.
Mince is a superstar for a reason. You can use it as a base for so many different meals. For this stir-fry, it’s about stretching a small amount of mince to create a big, flavour-filled dish. The key is loading it up with a rainbow of vegetables. This not only makes the meal more nutritious and filling but also makes the most of whatever fresh produce is on special at the supermarket or what you have leftover in the fridge.
Mince is a Kiwi kitchen essential. It’s affordable, versatile, and can be stretched to feed a big family. A mince and veggie stir-fry is a fantastic ‘fakeaway’ meal—all the flavour of a takeaway, but much healthier and a fraction of the cost.
Top tips for an epic stir-fry:
- The Mince-to-Veg Ratio: Use a 50/50 mix of mince and finely chopped vegetables. This makes the mince go twice as far! Think grated carrot, finely chopped cabbage, or even some frozen peas and corn.
- Sauce Simplicity: A simple sauce made from soy sauce, a little honey, and a splash of vinegar is all you need. Forget the expensive bottled sauces—homemade is best and cheaper.
- The Noodle/Rice Debate: Serve it with rice or budget-friendly egg noodles. Cooked and leftover rice works a treat, so it’s also a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste.
This stir-fry is a perfect example of smart, resourceful cooking. It’s a one-pan wonder that minimises cleanup and maximises flavour. So next time the takeaway cravings hit, grab that pack of mince from the freezer and whip up this delicious, affordable kai.
