Simple Japanese Hamburger ハンバーグ Steak Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious and kid-friendly meal that's easy to prepare, look no further than the Japanese classic hamburger steak. This juicy and flavorful dish is loved by both children and adults alike. In this recipe, I will show you how to create tender hamburger steaks that are bursting with umami flavors and are sure to become a family favorite.

Hamburger steak, also known as hambagu, is a popular dish in Japanese cuisine and a staple in many Japanese homes. It is a delicious variation of the classic hamburger, combining ground beef with a variety of seasonings and ingredients. The patties are typically made from a mixture of ground beef, breadcrumbs, onions, and various seasonings such as soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Hamburger steak is known for its juicy and tender texture, often served with a savory sauce or gravy. It is enjoyed with sides like rice, mashed potatoes, or vegetables, making it a versatile and comforting meal that appeals to both kids and adults.

Mama used to cook this dish for me and my brother. I remember how she gracefully moved in the kitchen, effortlessly creating a masterpiece. It's etched in my memory—the way she added ingredients without measuring, her instincts guiding her every move. And when she was finished, she would call me over to give me a taste, and it was always, without fail, PERFECT. Mama's love and passion for cooking were evident in every bite.

I recall how she artfully plated the hamburger steak onto her collection of delicate white Noritake plates and no Japanese meal was complete without her favorite Kani Salad, refreshing and brimming with flavor, alongside a comforting bowl of miso soup.

Those were the moments when everything felt right, and the taste of her creations lingered in my heart.

I miss you so much Ma. 💛

Juicy Hamburg Steak with homemade sauce

Japanese Hamburger Steak

INGREDIENTS: for 4 servings

PATTY:

• 600g ground beef
• 1 onion
• 1 egg
• 40g panko/bread crumbs
• 4 tbsp milk
• 2 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• a pince of nutmeg
• 1 tbsp oil

SAUCE:

• 6 tbsp worcestershire sauce
• 4 tbsp tomato ketchup
• 4 tbsp japanese cooking sake
• 1 tbsp kewpie mayo
• 20g butter

FOR FRYING:

• 2 tbsp oil
• 4 tbsp water

INSTRUCTIONS:

👉 mince the onion finely. transfer to a microwavable bowl.

👉 add 1 tbsp oil and slightly cover it with plastic wrap.

👉 microwave it for 3 minutes

👉 remove the wrap, mix gently and put it back again in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

👉 add in the milk and panko/breadcrumbs. *this will help the onions cool faster* then set aside.

👉 in a medium size bowl, add in the ground beef, worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and nutmeg.

👉 mix/knead it until it becomes sticky and pale.

👉 add in the onion mixture and egg.

👉 mix until well combined.

👉 divide the mixture into equal portions and shape them into oval-shaped patties.

*Toss it from one hand to the other repeatedly about five times in order to release any air inside the mixture*

👉cover the patties and refrigerate for at least 30mins. 

👉in a pan, add in oil and arrange the patties so that it will not stick to each other. 

Indent the center of each patty with 2 fingers so it will not rise up when heated.

👉 cook the patties until golden brown on the bottom, about 3-5 minutes. 

👉 carefully flip the patties and cook for about 3-5minutes.

👉 add in the water and cover. steam for about 5-7 minutes. This will make your patties juicy.

*NOTE: adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the patties.*

👉 transfer the patties into a plate.

👉 on the same pan, add in the butter, worcestershire sauce, tomato ketchup, cooking sake and the kewpie mayo.

👉 mix well together and simmer for about 2-3minutes. (you can add in a little sugar if you want to make it sweeter)

👉 drizzle the sauce to the hamburger steak. transfer the remaining sauce into a small bowl and bring it to the table for serving.

We typically have this dish with rice or mashed potatoes. Salad and Miso soup on the side. My son loves this dish with japanese potato salad and corn potage soup. 💙

BON APPETIT!