Description
Cheese-Stuffed Nikomi Hambagu is a tender, simmered Japanese hamburger steak filled with gooey melted cheese, bathed in a rich, savory sauce that’s subtly enhanced by the warming flavors of Japanese curry roux.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Patties:
- 1/2 lb ground beef
- 1/2 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 slices mozzarella cheese
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp milk
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/2 cube Japanese curry roux
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine the patty ingredients (ground beef, finely chopped onion, salt, pepper, egg, panko breadcrumbs, and milk). Mix until well combined, but be careful not to overwork the mixture.
- Lay out the mixture on a clean surface, then divide it into two even portions. Flatten each portion into a patty shape.
- Place one slice of mozzarella cheese in the center of each patty, then fold the edges of the patty over the cheese, sealing it inside. Make sure the cheese is completely encased in the meat. Shape the patties into round, flat forms, making sure they are even and compact.
- Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the patties and cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust.
- Once browned, lower the heat and continue cooking the patties for an additional 4-5 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through but still juicy. Remove the patties from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet over medium heat, add the sauce ingredients (water, oyster sauce, ketchup, soy sauce, sugar, and butter).
- Stir to combine, making sure to scrape up any browned bits left from the patties. Add the curry roux to the pan, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing it to thicken and deepen in flavor.
- Tear off a piece of tin foil large enough to wrap the hambagu. Place the seared patties on the center of the foil and pour the sauce over the top, making sure the patties are coated. Add 1/2 cup of broccoli florets or cherry tomatoes (or both) around the patties (optional, if you want veggies on the side).
- Wrap the tin foil around the patties, leaving enough space at the top so that the sauce doesn’t touch the tin foil. Seal the edges securely to create a packet.
- Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, allowing the patties to braise and the broccoli to cook through. The cheese will melt inside the patties, and the sauce will thicken further.
- Carefully open the foil packet and check that the hambagu is cooked through and the cheese is melted. Serve the patties with the sauce and steamed broccoli on the side, either with rice, mashed potatoes, or any other preferred side.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2