Japanese Hamburger Steak

There are many ways to enjoy beef, which we frequently cover at Steak University. But we also like sharing unconventional ideas that you may not have thought about before. The recipe we’re sharing in this guide is for Japanese hamburger steak, an authentic Japanese dish that’s similar to the American Salisbury steak or German hamburg steak. 

What is a Japanese Hamburger Steak?

Japanese hamburger steak is similar to what Americans might know as Salisbury steak. In Japan, this ground beef patty is known as hambāgu. Think of it like a miniature meatloaf. 

Traditionally, it’s made with panko breadcrumbs, sauteed onions, and seasonings blended with ground beef and usually topped with gravy or a demi-glaze. However, there are several ways one might make a Japanese hamburger steak by simply varying the seasonings, binders, and type of meat used. For instance, some people prefer more nontraditional variations of Japanese hamburger steak by using a blend of ground beef and ground pork or chicken. 

Japanese hamburger steak serves as the main staple for a dish, while sides like mixed vegetables, rice, or potatoes round out the dish.

History and Origin of Japanese Hamburger Steak

Japanese hamburger steak is thought to have derived from steak tartare, or minced raw beef. Sources say that early Japanese travelers used to use horse meat because it was readily available from the horses they traveled with. However, horse meat was generally tough and chewy to eat, so mincing it made it a more pleasant texture. 

Eventually, beef became the meat of choice, and steak tartare became more prominent, especially in European countries. Germany became quite known for its hamburg steak in the 1800s, and the modern version of Japanese hamburger steak is said to be a Japanese-style take on the German favorite. 

Several other cultures have since adopted their own style of hamburg steak, too. Modern Japanese versions typically use authentic Japanese flavors, like teriyaki sauce, ginger, or ponzu sauce.

Variations of Japanese Hamburger Steak

Similar to the American meatloaf or Salisbury steak, Japanese hamburger steak can take on many forms. Often, you’ll find that recipes pass down from generation to generation, with families tending to adopt similar traditions in the ingredients and flavors they use. While one family might make a more conventional version, others might experiment with bolder flavors, add a bit of spiciness, or find new flavors to add each time they make the dish.

A few variations of Japanese hamburger steak you might see include:

• Topping it with mushrooms and onions
• Covering the patty with a teriyaki glaze
• Using different types of ground meat, like ground turkey or pork
• Stuffing the patty with cheese or topping it with cheese
• Adding tofu to the patty as a binder
• Topping the patty with crushed pork rinds for extra crunch

What are the Best Sauces to Serve with Japanese Hamburger Steak? 

Traditionally, Japanese hamburger steak is served with a sauce made using the cooked bits and pan flavors left over after cooking the patties. This sauce is typically made with Worcestershire or teriyaki sauce, red wine, butter, and sugar. 

However, the sauce you make with Japanese hamburger steak is really where you can feel free to experiment the most. Make a hearty beef gravy, go lighter with an au jus-style sauce, or add some sake to your sauce for true Japanese flavors.

Tips & Tricks to Make the Best Hamburger Steak

Before we jump into a Japanese hamburger steak recipe, here are a few expert tips to help you make a successful dish:

• Don’t overwork the hamburger meat when you’re combining ingredients. Instead, work the meat until the ingredients are just combined to avoid warming the meat and breaking down the fats too much.
• Add a little oil to your hands before working the meat to prevent the meat and other ingredients from sticking to them.
• Refrigerate the formed patties for at least 30 minutes before cooking them to help the fat solidify and hold the patties together well.
• Press your thumb gently into the middle of each patty before cooking them to help the inside cook thoroughly.
• Use a meat thermometer to check that the inside of each patty has reached at least 160 degrees before removing them from the heat.

Japanese Hamburger Steak Recipe

Want to try this delicious Japanese-style dish yourself? Follow this beginner-friendly recipe.

Ingredients

Hamburger Steak Ingredients

• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• ½ medium onion, thinly sliced
• 1 ½ lbs of ground beef
• 1 egg
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 ½ tbsp milk
• 1 tsp Worcestershire or teriyaki sauce
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sauce Ingredients

• 2 tbsp red wine
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp water
• 1 tbsp ketchup
• 1 tsp brown sugar

Instructions

1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the onion slices and saute until tender. Turn off the heat and set aside.
2. Meanwhile, combine the beef, egg, breadcrumbs, milk, Worcestershire or teriyaki sauce, garlic powder, and salt and pepper in a large bowl. Use your hands to mix the ingredients together until just combined.
3. Form the mixture into four oval-shaped patties. Place them on a baking tray and transfer them into the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
4. Heat a skillet to medium-high with 1 tbsp of oil. Cook the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side until lightly browned. Slowly add red wine to the pan, then lower the heat and cover the pan for another 4-7 minutes until the inside of each patty is cooked to your liking, or at least 160 degrees.
5. Move the patties to a plate tented with foil to rest while you make the sauce. Turn the pan’s heat to low, and carefully add the rest of the sauce ingredients to the same pan. Scrape the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the cooked bits of hamburger steak into the sauce. 
6. Raise the heat to medium, and allow the mixture to come to a low boil, stirring occasionally. Once it boils, lower the heat and allow to simmer for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Serve with the sauce poured over each patty, and top the patties with the cooked onions.

Get More Cooking Inspiration from Steak University

If you enjoyed learning how to make Japanese hamburger steak from scratch, you might also like experimenting with other flavors and ingredients to boost your beef and steak know-how. If so, join us at Steak University for recipes, cooking tips, in-depth steak guides, and more. 

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