Japanese Hamburger Recipe

This is a soft, juicy and warm Japanese Hamburger Recipe. It is quite unlike the normal American hamburger. This dish is referred to as Hamba gu in Japan.

It is an extremely popular home meal and also a typical cafe food. The Japanese Hamburger Recipe is made of such basic ingredients as ground beef, panko, onion and egg.

The patty becomes tender and soft. The sauce is salty, sweet and rich in umami. It can be served with rice, vegetables or mashed potatoes. This hamburger recipe is Japanese and it is great to have it on lunch or dinner.

When you feel like having a home-cooked Japanese meal, then this is the right one. We shall know how to prepare Japanese Hamburger easily.

Why You’ll Love This Japanese Hamburger

This dish is soft and juicy which is why you will love it. The texture of the patty is very tender. The sauce is salty, rich and sweet.

It feels warm and comforting. It is easy to prepare and the ingredients are simple. It is suitable as a weekday meal. Kids and adults love it.

The dish is highly adaptable and thus the dish can be varied by altering the sauce or adding cheese. It is as though a home-cooked meal in a cafe.

My Experience With This Recipe

I had first tried a Japanese hamburger in a small cafe. It was tender, pleasant and rich in taste. It was not flavored like a regular burger.

It was like a homely meal. I was shocked to realize that it is so easy when I learned how to make it at home. The panko renders the patty tender.

The onion gives sweetness. The sauce adds deep flavor. I always have pleasant memories whenever I cook this recipe. My family is fond of it and they never stop demanding more. Now it is among our favorite meals.

Recipe Card Info

• Recipe Name: Japanese Hamburger
• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Japanese
• Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Equipment List

• Mixing bowl
• Frying pan
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Lid for pan

Ingredients You Need for Japanese Hamburger

For the Patties:

• Ground beef – 1 pound (450g)
• Onion – 1 small, chopped
• Egg – 1
• Panko breadcrumbs – ½ cup
• Milk – 3 tablespoons
• Salt – ½ teaspoon
• Black pepper – ½ teaspoon

For the Sauce:

• Butter – 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
• Ketchup – 2 tablespoons
• Worcestershire sauce – 1 tablespoon
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Cook the Onion

Cook chopped onion in a pan. Heat until soft and light. Let it cool before mixing.

2. Mix the Beef

Place ground beef in a bowl. Add the cooked onion, egg, panko, milk, salt and pepper.

3. Stir the Mix

Mix the ingredients well. Use your hands to blend everything until soft and sticky.

4. Shape the Patties

Divide the mix into patties. Make a small dent in the center of each patty.

5. Heat the Pan

Add oil to a pan. Heat it on medium heat until warm.

6. Cook the Patties

Place the patties in the pan. Cook until the bottom turns brown.

7. Flip the Patties

Flip them gently. Brown the other side. Let the color become deep and rich.

8. Steam the Patties

Add a little water. Cover with a lid. Let the patties steam until fully cooked.

9. Make the Sauce

Remove the patties. In the same pan, add soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and butter.

10. Simmer the Sauce

Heat the sauce until thick. Stir gently so it does not burn.

11. Add the Patties

Place the patties back into the sauce. Coat the patties well with the warm sauce.

12. Serve

Serve the patties with rice or vegetables. Pour extra sauce on top for more flavor.

Tips to Make the Best Japanese Hamburger

• Use ground beef with some fat for juiciness.
• Cook the onions until soft for sweet flavor.
• Press a small dent in the patty to cook evenly.
• Mix the ingredients until the meat becomes sticky.
• Do not rush the steaming step.
• Use a heavy pan for even cooking.
• Taste the sauce and adjust sweetness or salt.
• Add butter at the end for rich taste.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not use dry lean beef or the patties become hard.
• Do not skip the panko because it makes the patty soft.
• Do not mix the meat lightly. It must be sticky.
• Do not cook on very high heat or the patty burns outside.
• Do not make the patties too thick or they stay raw inside.
• Do not skip the dent in the center because the patty will puff.

Serving Suggestions

Sauce rice and steamed vegetables. Western twist Serve with mashed potatoes. Top it with a fried egg, Japanese cafe.

Have with miso soup as a whole meal. Sprinkle on top with green onions. Serve pickles or salad separately. Plate it with stir-fry cabbage.

Variations You Can Try

• Cheese Hambāgu: Add a cheese slice on top and cover until melted.
• Teriyaki Hambāgu: Make a sauce with soy sauce, sugar and mirin.
• Tofu Hambāgu: Replace half the meat with tofu for a lighter version.
• Pork and Beef Mix: Use a mix of meats for a different flavor.
• Mushroom Sauce Hambāgu: Add mushrooms to the sauce for deep flavor.
• Spicy Hambāgu: Add chili flakes to the meat mix.

Storage and Reheating Tips

• Store cooked patties in an airtight box. Keep in the fridge for three days.
• Reheat in a pan with a little water to keep them soft.
• You can freeze uncooked patties for one month.
• Freeze cooked patties with sauce for two weeks.
• Do not microwave for long because patties may dry.
• Add a small amount of sauce on top before reheating.

Nutrition Information

Item	Amount per serving
Calories	380 kcal
Carbs	14 g
Protein	24 g
Fat	24 g

Health Benefits

This is a good beef Japanese Hamburger. The onions are a source of fiber and sweetness. Panko is used to make the patty light making it easily digestible. The sauce is not too heavy and creamy.

You may make the dish healthier by using half tofu or chicken. Vehicles may also be used to make a balanced meal. The meal is hot, comforting and good on any day.

FAQs about Japanese Hamburger Recipe

1. What makes Japanese hamburgers different from American burgers?
The Japanese hamburgers are tender, juicy and soft. They are prepared using panko, onion, egg and milk. The patty is extremely tender with these ingredients. Japanese hamburgers are not eaten in a bun but they are served in a sweet and savory sauce. They are normally accompanied with rice or vegetables.

2. Can I make this Japanese Hamburger Recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the patties may be prepared in advance. You may keep them in the refrigerator overnight or freeze them. It is also possible to make the sauce and reheat it. This is why it is an excellent recipe on a busy day or when planning meals.

3. Why do we add a dent in the patty?
The small dent facilitates even cooking of the patty. The dent is missing, and the patty does blow up like a ball. This renders the center difficult to cook. As it is cooking the dent holds the patty flat. It also helps hold the sauce.

4. Can I make the sauce sweeter or less salty?
Yes, it is easy to change the sauce. Add additional ketchup or sugar to make it sweet. Add additional soy sauce to add salt. Add butter for rich flavor. A lot of individuals may enjoy trying the sauce and customizing it according to their food.

5. Can I add vegetables inside the patty?
Yes, it is possible to include grated carrot, chopped mushrooms or cabbage. This renders the patty healthier and soft. The vegetables should be cooked just to ensure that the patty is not watery.

Final Thoughts

It is a Japanese Hamburger Recipe that is easy, tender and tasty. It is ideal to those who wish to have a home-style meal.

The patties are fat and the sauce is full and sugary. It can be served with rice, vegetables or mashed potatoes. The action is uncomplicated and the ingredients are uncomplicated.

You now have some idea on how to prepare Japanese Hamburger in the comfort of your home in a quick and enjoyable manner. Prepare this meal and have a warm meal with your family.