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Japanese Beef Skewers

Serves 4 to 6 Entree meat

Japanese Beef Skewers

Japanese Beef Skewers are a beloved feature of home-cooked meals, often gracing the table during casual family dinners or gatherings with friends. The dish is not tied to any particular holiday or festival but instead finds its place in the everyday joy of sharing food. This recipe reflects the practical and heartfelt approach of Japanese home cooks, who value the simplicity of ingredients and the warmth of communal dining.

The skewers are a celebration of flavors and textures, with tender beef cubes seasoned with a touch of cumin and a generous hand with salt and pepper. The onion adds a sweet, aromatic layer that complements the richness of the beef. Cooking with care and serving with love, this dish invites everyone to savor each bite, appreciating the balance of savory and subtly spiced notes.

Ingredients

  • 800 gbeef cubes
  • 1onion
  • 2 tbspoil
  • 1 tspcumin
  • as neededskewers
  • to tastefine sea salt and black pepper

Method

  1. Begin by cutting the 800 g of beef cubes into uniform pieces, about 2.5 cm each, to ensure even cooking. Season the beef generously with fine sea salt and 1 tsp of cumin, making sure each piece is well-coated. This seasoning will enhance the flavor and aroma of the beef as it cooks.
  2. Peel and slice the onion into thick rings. These will be threaded onto the skewers along with the beef to add sweetness and depth of flavor during cooking.
  3. Thread the seasoned beef cubes and onion rings alternately onto the skewers. Ensure that the pieces are snug but not too tight, allowing heat to circulate evenly around each piece.
  4. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the skewers in the pan. Brown the beef on all sides, turning occasionally, until each piece develops a deep, caramelized crust. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side, depending on the size of the cubes.
  5. After browning, reduce the heat to medium and continue to cook the skewers, turning occasionally, until the beef is tender and cooked to your liking. The beef should feel firm to the touch but still yield slightly, indicating that it is cooked through but not overdone.
  6. Remove the skewers from the pan and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
  7. Taste a piece of beef and adjust the seasoning with more fine sea salt and black pepper if needed. Serve the skewers immediately with steamed rice, crusty bread, or a fresh salad, allowing everyone at the table to enjoy the meal together.
Cover of Authentic Japanese Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Japanese Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Japanese Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Japanese volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

Available soon on Amazon…

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