Beef Shigureni (Japanese Simmered Beef with Ginger)

Sweet and savory-flavored Beef Shigureni is a delightful Japanese side dish that pairs perfectly with rice. It is popular to keep on hand due to its ease of preparation, delicious taste, and relatively long shelf life.

Beef Shigureni is a dish made by simmering beef with ginger and traditional Japanese seasonings. In Japan, dishes simmered with mirin, sugar, and soy sauce until they are almost entirely reduced are called "tsukudani," and shigureni is a specific variation of tsukudani that includes ginger. It can be enjoyed on its own but is commonly served with rice due to its slightly strong flavor.

Besides beef, it can be made with ingredients such as hamaguri clams, asari clams (Manila clams), or tuna. Originally, it was a dish made by simmering 'shigure hamaguri' clams, a specialty of Mie Prefecture, in sugar and soy sauce. However, its flavor gained popularity nationwide, and now any dish with a similar taste is referred to as "shigureni."

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, much like the passing rain known as 'shigure,' which falls intermittently during the transition from autumn to winter in Japan.

By the way, the term "ni" in "shigureni" refers to simmering or stewing.

This dish 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'm not using these vegetables, but feel free to add them according to your preference. Of course, you can also experiment with other vegetables available in your area.

Ingredients

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Instructions

🕒 Total: 15 mins mins

Step 1
Cut beef into 2-inch (5 cm) wide pieces. Peel ginger and slice it into long, thin strips.

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Step 2
Mix the ginger and seasonings (sake, mirin, sugar, and soy sauce) in a pot.

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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.

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How to store

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.