Name: Juicy Japanese Hamburg Steak
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 200g ground beef; 200g ground chicken; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 tbsp butter (for sautéing onions); 1 egg; 4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs; 3 tbsp milk; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tbsp neutral oil (for frying); 4 tbsp ketchup; 4 tbsp tonkatsu or Worcestershire sauce; 2 tbsp water; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp sugar

A beloved dish from Japan’s Western-style cuisine, this Juicy Japanese Hamburg Steak combines the rich flavor of beef with the tenderness of ground chicken, all simmered in a sweet-savory glaze. It’s comforting, full of umami, and a perfect main dish when I want something hearty that pairs well with rice, vegetables, or mashed potatoes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

200g ground beef

200g ground chicken

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 tbsp butter (for sautéing onions)

4 tbsp panko breadcrumbs

1 egg

3 tbsp milk

Salt and pepper to taste

1 tbsp neutral oil (for frying)

For the sauce:

4 tbsp ketchup

4 tbsp sauce

2 tbsp water

1 tsp soy sauce

1 tsp sugar

Directions

I start by sautéing finely chopped onion in butter over medium heat until it’s soft and translucent, then I set it aside to cool.

In a bowl, I mix the ground beef, ground chicken, the cooled onion, egg, panko, milk, salt, and pepper until the mixture becomes sticky and well combined.

I divide the mixture into two equal portions and shape them into oval patties, pressing a small dent in the center of each for even cooking.

In a frying pan over medium heat, I heat neutral oil and cook the patties for 3–4 minutes per side until they’re browned.

I reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and steam the patties for about 5–6 more minutes until fully cooked through. Then I remove them from the pan.

Using the same pan, I prepare the sauce by combining ketchup, sauce, water, soy sauce, and sugar. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Then I return the patties to the pan and coat them evenly in the sauce.

I serve the Hamburg steaks warm with steamed rice, sautéed vegetables, or creamy mashed potatoes.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Servings: 2

Calories: 390 kcal per serving

Variations

I sometimes swap out the ground chicken for pork for a richer flavor.

To make it dairy-free, I replace the milk with a plant-based alternative like soy or oat milk.

For extra depth, I add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce.

I like making mini versions of the patties for bento boxes or serving as sliders.

Adding a touch of nutmeg to the meat mix gives it a warm, aromatic twist.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I keep the cooked patties in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer using a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or sauce to keep them moist. They can also be microwaved, covered, for about 1–2 minutes. For longer storage, I freeze the cooked patties (without sauce) and reheat them in a pan from frozen or after thawing overnight in the fridge.

FAQs

What kind of sauce should I use if I don’t have tonkatsu or Worcestershire?

I usually go for Worcestershire sauce, but if I don’t have it, a mix of soy sauce and a bit of vinegar with a pinch of sugar can work as a quick substitute.

Can I make the patties ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the patties in advance and keep them in the fridge for a day or freeze them raw. Just thaw before cooking.

How do I know when the patties are fully cooked?

I check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), or I cut into one to make sure the juices run clear and the center is no longer pink.

Can I double the recipe for more servings?

Absolutely. I just double all ingredients and use a larger pan or cook in batches to ensure the patties sear evenly.

What sides go well with Japanese Hamburg Steak?

I like to serve it with steamed white rice, sautéed green beans, shredded cabbage, or even miso soup for a full Japanese-inspired meal.

Conclusion

This Juicy Japanese Hamburg Steak is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s quick to make, satisfying, and full of flavor. The tender patties soaked in sweet-savory sauce hit all the right notes. Whether I serve it with rice, veggies, or potatoes, it always makes a cozy and delicious dinner.

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