Stewed Hamburger Patty

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Japanese Hamburger Steak Recipe - Stewed Version

As I stand in my kitchen, gathering the ingredients for today's recipe, memories of my school days come flooding back.

Nikomi Hambagu (Hamburg), or stewed hamburger patty, was a cherished part of my school lunch memories in Japan. Sweet ketchup-flavored patties, simmered to perfection, exuding tenderness and flavor, served alongside freshly cooked rice.

Recreating this nostalgic dish fills me with excitement and anticipation, knowing that with each bite, I'll be transported back to those carefree days of school lunches and shared laughs with friends.

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RECIPE

Servings: 10-12 patties

Time: 40 min

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 1/2 onion, finely chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 2 eggs

• 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup milk

• salt and pepper to taste

• 5-6 cheese sticks, cut into thirds

  [ Sauce ]

• 1 tbsp butter

• 1 cups water

• 1 consommé cube

• 4 tbsp okonomi sauce

• 4 tbsp ketchup

Instructions:

1. Chop the onion, mince the garlic, and cut each string cheese stick into thirds.

2. Heat a pan with olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent. Remove from the pan and set aside in a bowl.

3. In a bowl, combine the ground beef, sautéed onion and garlic, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, milk, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated.

4. Take a handful of the beef mixture and form it into a patty around each cheese stick piece, ensuring the cheese is fully covered.

5. Heat some oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully place the patties into the pan and cook on both sides until browned, about one minute per side. Remove them to a plate.

6. In the same pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add water and consommé cube, stir in the okonomi sauce and ketchup, mixing until well combined.

7. Return the patties to the pan, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the patties to cook through.

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Tips for Stewing Hamburger Patties:

Here are some tips to keep in mind while making stewed hamburger patties:

1. Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to prevent excessive grease in the patties. This helps maintain the texture and flavor of the dish without it becoming too oily.

2. Seasoning is Key: Don't skimp on seasoning! Be generous with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor of the patties. You can also add additional seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, or herbs for extra depth of flavor.

3. Add Cheese Inside: Inserting cheese sticks into the center of the patties adds a delightful surprise and gooey texture when bitten into. Make sure the cheese is fully encased within the meat mixture to prevent it from leaking out during cooking.

4. Quick Sear Before Simmering: Give the patties a quick sear in a hot pan before simmering. This helps seal in the juices and adds a nice caramelized crust to the exterior, enhancing both flavor and appearance.

5. Simmer Gently: Once the patties are seared, lower the heat and simmer them gently in the sauce. Avoid boiling vigorously, as this can cause the patties to break apart or become tough. A low, steady simmer allows the flavors to meld together and ensures the patties cook through evenly.

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