Sweet and savory-flavored Beef Shigureni is a delightful Japanese side dish that pairs perfectly with rice. It is popular to have on hand due to its ease of preparation, delicious taste, and relatively long shelf life.
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What is Shigureni?
Beef Shigureni is a dish made by simmering beef with Japanese seasonings, including ginger. In Japan, a dish simmered with mirin, sugar, and soy sauce until they are almost entirely reduced is called "Tsukudani." Shigureni is a specific variation of tsukudani with the addition of ginger. It can be enjoyed on its own but is commonly served with rice due to its slightly strong flavor.
In addition to beef, it can be made with ingredients such as hamaguri clams (hard clams), asari clams (Manila clams), or tuna. Originally, shigureni was a dish made by simmering 'shigure hamaguri,' a specialty of Mie Prefecture, in sugar and soy sauce. However, its flavor gained popularity nationwide, and now all dishes with a similar taste are known as "shigureni."
Meaning of 'shigure'
The precise reason why this dish is called "shigureni" is actually not known. A prevailing theory suggests that it is because various flavors pass through the palate, just like the passing rain of 'shigure,' which refers to a type of rain that falls intermittently during the transition from autumn to winter in Japan.
By the way, "ni" in "shigureni" means to simmer or stew.
Vegetable twist
Beef shigureni is typically made using only beef and ginger as ingredients. However, its sweet and savory flavor also complements vegetables, so onions or gobo (burdock root) are sometimes included.
In this recipe, I don't use these vegetables, but feel free to add them if you prefer. Of course, you can also experiment with other vegetables available in your local area.
Ingredients
- 7 oz. (200g) thinly sliced beef (A cut with a moderate amount of fat is recommended.)
- 0.7 oz. (20g) ginger
Seasonings:
- 2 Tbsp sake
- 2 Tbsp mirin
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
Step-by-step instructions
🕒 Total 15 mins
Step 1
Cut the beef into 2 inch (5cm) wide pieces. Peel the ginger and slice it into long, thin strips.
Step 2
Mix the ginger and seasonings (sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce) in a pot.
Step 3
Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Once it comes to a boil, add the beef and let it simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes until the seasoned liquid has almost reduced.
To Store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Recipe Card
Beef Shigureni (Simmered Sweet and Savory)
Ingredients
- 7 oz. (200g) thinly sliced beef (A cut with a moderate amount of fat is recommended.)
- 0.7 oz. (20g) ginger
Seasonings:
- 2 Tbsp sake
- 2 Tbsp mirin
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Cut the beef into 2 inch (5cm) wide pieces. Peel the ginger and slice it into long, thin strips.
- Mix the ginger and seasonings (sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce) in a pot.
- Bring the pot to a boil over medium heat. Once it comes to a boil, add the beef and let it simmer over low heat for 10-15 minutes until the seasoned liquid has almost reduced.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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