Delicious Fusion of East and West
Japanese burger steak (hambฤgu) is a tasty blend of ground meat mixed with simple ingredients. This is not just another hamburger. It includes unique flavors such as sautรฉed onions, panko breadcrumbs and milk. It is tender and juicy making it stand out.
The Japanese burger steak originated in Japan as the name suggests, and it has become a staple in Japanese culinary. These patties can be made from 100% ground beef or a comb of beef and pork. They are carefully crafted and cooked until they have a flavorful crust and are juicy inside. Some variations include cheese or a rich sauce.
Hambฤgu is typically served with a savory sauce and pairs really well with rice and veggies. This makes it a complete meal that can be easily enjoyed any day of the week. Japanese burger steak is a versatile choice that satisfies everyone’s taste buds.
Key Takeaways
- Hambฤgu is a Japanese hamburger steak made with ground meat, onions, panko and milk.
- Originating from Japan, it’s popular comfort food with variations like cheese-stuffed patties.
- It pairs well with rice and veggies
History and Origin
Japanese Hamburger Steak, known as hambฤgu, combines influences from Western and Eastern cultures and cuisines. Its creation has deeps roots in Germany, but it has found a unique identity in Japan through adaptations.
Cultural Significance in Japan
After a bit of research I found that the hambฤgu was first introduces in Japan in the late 19th century when Western cuisine started gaining popularity. It quickly became a loved dish specifically in family restaurants. Unlike the Western restaurants we all know, hambฤgu uses a mix of ground beef and pork with the combo of sautรฉd onions, garlic, eggs and panko bread crumbs, which add a distinct texture and flavor.
Researching the facts about this topic I stumbled upon information that the hambฤgu is often paired with Worcestershire (say that fast 3 times) or Teriyaki. By the looks of it this dish holds a special place in Japanese households and eateries showing just how versatile and cool Japanese households are because of their ability to embrace and adapt new cuisines into their own.
Ingredients and Variations
The hambฤgu usually uses simple ingredients but all of them are pretty effective if I have to be completely honest.
Some of the main components include ground beef, panko breadcrumbs, milk and eggs. That combo binds perfectly well together and creates a tender patty.
Ground beef as we all know has a rich taste and this is why it is often used. A quite common mix too is half beef, half pork to balance texture and taste. Panko breadcrumbs really help with holding everything together and keep the patty moist. Soak them in milk beforehand and they are ready to go.
Some of the additional ingredients I found out to work pretty well are salt, pepper and sautรฉed onions. Some of the recipes out there suggest to use Worcestershire sauce or ketchup for a tangy kick. Garlic is also included for extra layer of aroma.
Regional Variations
I found out that different regions in Japan have their own twists on this recipe. In some of the places, chefs add miso paste to the mixture for even deeper umami flavor. Others use teriyaki (which I personally love) instead of Worcestershire for a sweeter taste.
To give you an example I found out that in Hokkaido they add corn and potato starch and its a quite common addition. This makes the patties little different in texture.
Kansai region often cooks with a blend of ground beef and ground pork and adjust according to personal taste.
There are also quite a bit of serving styles and varieties. For example, a mushroom gravy or a red wine sauce can be used to top the steak. Each of the different regional variations bring out an absolutely unique taste and style to the beloved Japanese comfort food.
Cooking techniques
Okay, time to get into the real business here. When making the Japanese burger steak, it’s important to pay attention to how you cook it.
Prep methods
As a start, I gather all the ingredients: ground beef or a mix of beef and pork, panko breadcrumbs, milk, eggs and sautรฉed onions. Then I make sure I also have Worcestershire or Teriyaki, salt and pepper.
I get everything into a large bowl and start combining the ground beef with the soaked breadcrumbs and sautรฉed onions. Then I add the egg, milk, sauces and the seasonings. I always mix by hand, I have found it most effective most of the times, and also I have noticed that its easier to make sure that way that all the ingredients are evenly combined.
Kneading the mixture is key! I work the mixture until it’s sticky and pale. This shows me that the proteins in the meat have been broken down and will form a nice patty. Shape the meat in oval patties (Something I stuff them with cheese for extra treat).
Cooking methods
When I cook hambฤgu I strive to achieve a perfect sear. I heat oil in a non-stick pan over medium heat. Then I place the patties in the pan, careful not to overcrowd. After that I cook each side until nicely browned.
To make the hambฤgu sauce, I first cook onions and mushrooms until they are tender. I add broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and seasonings. Once the patties are browned I place them into the sauce and let them simmer for about 15~20 min. All those steps allow me to keep the moist.
For variety, some recipes suggest steaming the patties with a splash of red wine, then place cheese on top allowing it to melt perfectly. For further details read the Japanese Hamburger Steak Recipe.
Serving and Pairing
For some side dishes I would recommend veggies and grain to create a fully balanced meal. Steamed broccoli, baked potato fries or even white rice. These sides add color and taste.
Sauce options
The right sauce can be crucial! A quite popular choice and one I really like is the onions + mushroom combo. Worcestershire sauce mixed with ketchup is also a popular and nice option to go with. For those of you who enjoy a little cheese, melt some cheddar or mozzarella on top and you have a creamy dimension to the dish. Another one of my personal favorites is soy sauce-based gravy. All of those add uniqueness so go pick the one you like most! Also feel free to experiment.
FAQ
In this section I will answer some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to the Japanese Burger Steak recipe and prep.
How do I make a Japanese Hamburger Steak?
To make it, mix ground beef and pork with panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt and pepper. Form the mixture into patties and cook until browned on both sides. Add a sauce as topping during the final stage of cooking.
What are the ingredients for authentic Japanese hamburger steak?
They are usually the following:
- Ground beef + ground pork
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Milk
- Egg
- Salt
- Pepper
Some variations also include nutmeg and finely chopped onions.
How to prepare the sauce for Japanese burger steak?
Make a mix of soy sauce, mirin, sake and sugar. Cook this mixture until it thickens slightly. Pour over the cooked patties in the final minute of cooking.
What are some variations of Japanese hamburger steak with different toppings?
You can top the burger steaks with grated daikon, mushrooms or a fried egg. You can also use cheese or teriyaki sauce.
What is the difference between Japanese hamburger steak and Salisbury steak?
The Japanese hamburger steak is lighter and is made of mixed ground beef and ground pork, while the Salisbury uses just beef. The sauce also differs with the Japanese version using soy-based sauces, while the Salisbury steak uses gravy.
Where can I find the best Japanese hamburger near me?
Look for local Japanese restaurants and check food reviews on websites. Try the Japanese grocery stores they might have some ready-made versions.
Japanese Burger Steak
Description
Japanese burger steak that is tasty and absolutely amazing! You will enjoy every single bite of it accompanied with its traditional and unique sauce!
Ingredients
Hambฤgu patties
Cooking the hambฤgu
Sauce
Instructions
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Step 1
Finely chop half an onion, bring a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp neutral oil, then add the onions and sautรฉ. Transfer to a large bowl and let it cool.ย
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Step 2
Once the onions are cool, add the ground beef + ground pork combo to the bowl and add salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add the panko breadcrumbs, 2 tbsp milk, egg and mix using your hands until everything is evenly mixed. Mix until the meat becomes pale
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Step 3
Form the mixture into patties and place on a tray over cooking sheet and let rest for ~30 minutes in the fridge.
Heat a large pan over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of neutral oil, place the patties and make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook on both sides until browned. Add 3 tbsp red wine and reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 5~7 minutes.
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Step 4
Transfer the patties into a separate plate and do not wash the pan since we will be making the sauce in it.
Add the butter, ketchup, Worcestershire/Teriyaki, 3 tbsp red wine, 3 tbsp water and start mixing until the sauce is lightly thick.
Drizzle the sauce on top of your burger patties.
Serve hot and with some rice or veggies on the side and enjoy!
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 286kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 15g24%
- Saturated Fat 10g50%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 105mg35%
- Sodium 494mg21%
- Potassium 427mg13%
- Total Carbohydrate 11g4%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 6g
- Protein 21g42%
- Vitamin A 181 IU
- Vitamin C 3 mg
- Calcium 45 mg
- Iron 3 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.