Easy Hambagu Recipe – Japanese Hamburger Steak

Pour panko breadcrumbs and milk into a large mixing bowl. Mix and allow the panko to soften for 30 seconds or so. Add in the grated onion and mix again, softening the panko even further.

Add beef mince and season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Mix well with your hands until well combined.

Divide meat mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into rough ball shapes.

Optional – Place a piece of cheese in the middle of each hamburger patty.

Throw each patty between your hands 10-15 times to get the air out and create a smooth, dense patty. Neatly shape into a thick round or oval patty, around 1 inch thick. Note: They will shrink when cooking, so shape them a little wider than you think!

Place the patties into a large non-stick frying pan over medium heat (no oil required!). Fry 3 minutes per side.

Next pour in your water and cover with a lid to steam for 3 minutes. Remove the lid and continue cooking for a couple more minutes until the water has evaporated.

Remove the hamburger steaks and allow them to rest.

In the same pan, pour in the red wine, tomato sauce / ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. Stir continuously to deglaze the pan, until the sauce thickens, around 2-3 minutes.

Serve up with Western style sides such as buttered corn, shredded lettuce, cherry tomatoes, steamed veggies (think broccoli, carrot, bean sprouts) or hot fries, french fries or wedges. Alternatively serve on a bowl of rice with a fried egg on top.