Miancheng Beef Patty

Miancheng Beef Patty

　　The beef patty, fragrant and crispy; the Hui man, presenting it to the prefect... This was a children’s rhyme once popular in Mianyang, telling the story of a Hui chef from Miancheng who presented a beef patty to the prefect.

　　During the Hongwu era of the Ming Dynasty, there was a prefect in Mianyang known for his integrity and popularity among the people. However, because he upheld justice and offended the powerful, he was falsely accused and exiled. As he was about to leave, the elders of Miancheng saw him off with tears in their eyes, offering simple food and drink in gratitude. To thank this compassionate official who cared for the people as if they were his own children, the chef prepared a special food item as provisions for the journey.

　　Later, the prefect’s name was cleared, and he was reinstated to his former position. Shortly after returning to Miancheng, he summoned the chef and asked what the “provisions” he had offered back then should be called. The chef replied, “Beef patty.”

　　The prefect asked, “How did you make it?”

　　The chef answered, “I minced lean beef, added a little water, and stirred it by hand into a smooth paste without any chunks. Then I mixed in some eggs, fish paste, wheat starch, scallions, garlic, ginger, pepper, and other seasonings to form small patties, which were then deep-fried until fragrant and cooked.”

　　The prefect then asked, “How did you come up with the idea of making a beef patty?”

　　The chef replied, “Since ancient times, it hasn’t been possible for those on duty to let prisoners eat meat at every meal or fish at every bite. You, sir, have always been upright and incorruptible, with no savings. Without money to bribe the guards, you would surely suffer on the road. So, to ensure you could still have meat while traveling—something easy to carry and not easily noticed—I came up with this idea.”

　　The prefect, upon hearing this, applauded with delight, expressing deep gratitude and repeatedly praising, “Excellent craftsmanship, excellent food—such thoughtfulness!” Later, the beef patty was promoted by the prefect as a fine dish for banquets and has been passed down to this day.