Japanese Hamburger (Hambagu) ハンバーグ

We’ve enjoyed Hambāgu countless times, both in the cozy ambiance of our home and the bustling atmosphere of Japanese restaurants. Each time, it’s a journey of taste and nostalgia. The juicy, tender beef patty, seasoned to perfection and often accompanied by a rich, savory sauce, is a reminder of why we fell in love with this dish in the first place.

What is Japanese Hamburger Steak (Hambāgu)?

Japanese Hamburger Steak, known as Hambāgu (ハンバーグ) in Japanese, is a cherished dish in Japanese cuisine that offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. Unlike traditional hamburgers, Hambāgu features a succulent ground meat patty seasoned with aromatic spices. This flavorful patty is expertly pan-fried or grilled to perfection, achieving a tantalizing caramelized exterior and a juicy interior. Complementing the patty is a diverse range of sauces, ranging from sweet to savory, adding an extra layer of depth to the dish. Typically served alongside steamed rice, fresh vegetables, and perhaps a perfectly fried egg, Hambāgu provides a satisfying and hearty meal that is both comforting and delicious. Loved in Japanese households and embraced by restaurants throughout Japan, Hambāgu exemplifies the country’s culinary creativity and its adeptness at blending diverse culinary influences into unforgettable gastronomic experiences.

Why You Should Try Hambāgu

Unique Flavor Profile

Japanese Hamburger Steak offers a unique fusion of flavors. The combination of ground meats, sweet onions, and tangy, savory sauce creates a delicious harmony that will tantalize your taste buds. The texture is tender and juicy, making every bite a delightful experience.

Versatility

Hambāgu is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. You can experiment with different types of meat, add cheese, or incorporate additional spices and herbs. It’s also an excellent dish for meal prep, as the patties can be made in advance and reheated without losing their deliciousness.

A Taste of Japanese Comfort Food

Eating Hambāgu is like getting a warm hug from Japanese cuisine. It’s a beloved comfort food that brings a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction. Whether you’re enjoying it at a family dinner or trying it at a restaurant, Hambāgu offers a comforting and fulfilling dining experience.

Where to Enjoy Hambāgu

If you’re in Japan, you can find Hambāgu at many family restaurants, known as “Famiresu,” such as Saizeriya, COCO’s, Gusto, and Bikkuri Donkey. Additionally, our favourite Hambagu restaurants are Grilled Restaurant Sawayaka and Bronco Billy.

Grilled Restaurant Sawayaka

Sawayaka Hamburg is a renowned Japanese hamburg steak served at Grilled Restaurant Sawayaka, a popular chain in Shizuoka Prefecture. Known for its juicy and flavorful patty, it is typically made from a mix of high-quality beef and pork. The hamburg steak is cooked to order, often served on a sizzling hot plate with a tangy demi-glace sauce. The restaurant is famous for its fresh, made-to-order approach, providing a unique and highly satisfying dining experience that has garnered a loyal following.

Bronco Billy

Bronco Billy’s Hamburg steak is a standout dish at the Bronco Billy Steakhouse chain in Japan. This delicious patty, crafted from high-quality beef, is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. It is often served on a sizzling hot plate to enhance its appeal. To complement the main dish, Bronco Billy offers an extensive salad buffet, providing a variety of fresh vegetables, dressings, and other toppings. This buffet allows diners to create their own salads, adding a refreshing and healthy touch to the hearty meal. The restaurant’s family-friendly, Western-style atmosphere makes it a popular choice for diners of all ages.

Bikkuri Donkey

Bikkuri Donkey is a well-known family restaurant chain in Japan, specializing in hamburg steak dishes. The name translates to “Surprised Donkey,” reflecting its quirky and unique theme. The restaurant offers a variety of Hamburg steaks, made from a blend of beef and pork, and served with different sauces and sides like rice, salads, and toppings such as cheese or curry. Bikkuri Donkey is appreciated for its affordable prices, generous portions, and casual dining atmosphere, making it a popular choice for families and groups.

COCO’S

Hamburg at COCO’S is one of their standout dishes, featuring a juicy ground meat patty typically made from a mix of beef and pork. The Hamburg steak is often served with a rich demi-glace sauce or other flavorful toppings, accompanied by sides like vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes. This dish is a favorite for its hearty and satisfying taste.

Saizeriya

Saizeriya is a popular family restaurant chain in Japan offering Italian cuisine at affordable prices. Known for its casual dining atmosphere, Saizeriya features a variety of dishes such as pizzas, pastas, and gratins. Hamburg at Saizeriya is a staple item, typically consisting of a juicy ground meat patty made from a blend of beef and pork, often served with different sauces and sides like rice or vegetables. It’s a budget-friendly yet delicious option that appeals to a wide range of customers, from families to solo diners.

Gusto

Gusto is a popular family restaurant chain in Japan known for its casual atmosphere and diverse menu offerings. At Gusto restaurants in Japan, the “Hamburg” dish is indeed quite popular. Gusto offers several variations of Hamburg steak on their menu, catering to different preferences. It’s often served with a rich and savory sauce, such as demi-glace or tonkatsu sauce, which adds depth of flavor to the dish. What makes Gusto’s Hamburg stand out to many patrons is not only its taste but also its affordability and the cozy atmosphere of the restaurant, making it a favorite choice for families, friends, and individuals looking for a satisfying and wallet-friendly dining experience in Japan.

Most of the restaurants mentioned above are family restaurant chains in Japan, making them easily accessible. Additionally, there are numerous restaurants in Japan that specialize in Hamburg steak, so exploring the country can lead to discovering various options. Drop your favorite Hamburg steak spot in Japan in the comments below, and let’s swap delicious finds!

Let’s Enjoy Japanese Style Hamburger Steak

Japanese Hamburger Steak, or Hambāgu, is a culinary gem that combines the best of Western and Japanese flavors. Its rich history, unique taste, and comforting nature make it a must-try for anyone interested in exploring Japanese cuisine. Whether you make it at home or try it at a restaurant, Hambāgu is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. So why not add a touch of Japanese comfort food to your next meal and experience the deliciousness of Hambāgu?

Instructions:

Prepare the ingredients

Mince 100 grams of onion (about half of a medium sized onion)
Melt 10 grams of butter on a pan oer medium hea
Once the butter has melt and has started foaming, add the onion
Cook the onion until lightly browned, about 5-8 minuts. Tip: laying the onions flat on the pan will help equally distribute the heat
Turn the heat off and set the pan aside

Prepare the patties

In a medium bowl, add the minced beef, 1/4 tsp of salt and 1/2 tsp of black pepper. Use a spatula and mix until combined
Add 1 egg, 1 tbsp of miso, 1 tbsp of japanese mayo, 4 tbsp of panko, 2 tbsp of water, 1/4 tsp of ajinomoto (MSG), 2 tsp of cornstarch and 1/2 tsp of nutmeg to the bowl. Mix until combined. Add the cooked onions into the mixture and mix.
Take half of the beef mixture into your hands and shape into an oval. Toss the patty from one hand to the other a few times to release the air inside. This helps the patties not crack when tit cooks.
Round out the sides and add a small indent in the middle of the patties, about a thumb print size. This helps the meat in the middle to cook.

Cook the patties

Turn on the heat on medium and add 1/2 table spoon of oil. You can use the same pan that you used for the onions.
Place the patties on the pan. Cover the pan with a lid and cook for 2-3 minutes or until brown.
Flip the patty to cook the other side for 2-3 minutes or until brown.
Add 3 tablespoons of water in the pan and cover with the lid. Let it cook until the water is motly gone, about 5 – 8 minutes.
Turn the heat off and remove the patties from the pan.

Make the sauce

In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of miso, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 2 tablespoons of sake, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of ajinomoto (optional though recommended!) .
Turn the heat on medium, mix and bring to simmer. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce.
Turn the heat off and using a spoon, pour the sauce over the patties.

Serve and enjoy!

Hambagu is typically served with rice or wedged potatoes. For this recipe, we recommend rice with a side of salad!

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