Negimaki
Negimaki is a Japanese dish made with thinly sliced beef (sometimes chicken) rolled around scallions (green onions) and often marinated or glazed with a sweet and savory sauce. It’s a popular appetizer in Japanese cuisine, known for its delicious combination of flavors and textures. Here’s how you can make negimaki:
Ingredients:
For the Beef Rolls:
- Thinly sliced beef (such as ribeye or sirloin)
- Fresh scallions (green onions), cleaned and trimmed
For the Marinade/Sauce:
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
2 tablespoons sake (Japanese rice wine) or dry white wine
2 tablespoons sugar
Optional: grated ginger or garlic for extra flavor
For Cooking:
- Cooking oil (such as vegetable oil)
- Optional: sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Beef Rolls:
a. Lay out the thinly sliced beef on a clean surface.
b. Place a scallion on each slice of beef. You can use one or more scallions depending on the size.
c. Roll the beef tightly around the scallion(s) to form a neat roll. If needed, you can secure the roll with toothpicks.
Make the Marinade/Sauce:
a. In a bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. You can also add some grated ginger or garlic to the marinade for extra flavor.
b. Reserve a portion of the marinade to use for basting during cooking.
Marinate the Beef Rolls:
a. Place the beef rolls in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the rolls are well coated.
b. Let the beef rolls marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse.
Cook the Beef Rolls:
a. Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat and add a bit of cooking oil.
b. Once the pan is hot, add the beef rolls to the pan. Cook them for a few minutes on each side, rotating to cook evenly and until the beef is cooked to your preferred level of doneness.
c. While cooking, you can baste the rolls with the reserved marinade to create a glossy glaze.
Serve the Negimaki:
a. Once the beef rolls are cooked and glazed, remove them from the pan and let them rest for a minute.
b. Optionally, sprinkle sesame seeds over the rolls for added texture and flavor.
c. Slice the beef rolls into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a serving plate.
Serve the negimaki as an appetizer, either individually or with toothpicks for easy serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a side of rice or dipping sauce.
Negimaki is a delightful dish that combines the savory taste of beef, the freshness of scallions, and the umami-rich marinade. It’s a great choice for parties or as an appetizer before a Japanese-themed meal.