How to Make Hayashi Rice: The Best Japanese Beef Stew Recipe

What is Hayashi Rice?

Hayashi rice is a warm, hearty Japanese dish! Think of tender beef chunks and sweet onions in a rich, velvety sauce, all served over fluffy white rice. This classic meal brings comfort to dinner tables all across Japan, and now it can do the same for your family.

The star of the show? The amazing hayashi sauce! This deep, flavorful sauce blends tomato, beef stock, and a hint of red wine. Each spoonful wraps you in a blanket of savory goodness that kids and adults both love.

If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dinner idea, this hayashi rice recipe is just what you need. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Story Behind Hayashi Rice

Did you know that hayashi rice has an interesting past? This dish comes from Yōshoku cuisine – Japanese food with Western touches that became popular in the late 1800s.

Some food history fans think it was named after Yuteki Hayashi, a chef from Tokyo who may have created it. Others believe it came from the English phrase “hashed beef.” Either way, hayashi rice has stood the test of time for good reason!

What makes it special is how it takes Western stew ideas but gives them a unique Japanese twist. The result? A meal that feels both new and familiar at the same time.

Why You’ll Love This Hayashi Rice Recipe

Want to know why this dish is so loved in Japan and beyond? Here’s why you should try making hayashi rice tonight:

Easy to Make With Simple Ingredients

You don’t need fancy cooking skills or hard-to-find items to make amazing hayashi rice. Most of what you need is probably in your kitchen right now:

• Beef (any tender cut works great)
• Onions
• Mushrooms
• Ketchup
• Worcestershire sauce
• A splash of red wine (optional but adds great depth)

The hayashi sauce comes together with basic pantry items, making this an easy go-to meal when you’re not sure what to cook.

Perfect Family-Friendly Meal

Finding dishes that please everyone at the table can be a challenge. Hayashi rice hits that sweet spot – it’s mild enough for kids but still packed with flavor for adults. The slightly sweet sauce tends to win over even picky eaters!

Serve it with a simple side salad, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels special without extra work.

Make-Ahead

One of the best things about hayashi rice? The flavors get even better the next day! This makes it perfect for meal prep or busy households. Make a big batch, and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week.

The hayashi sauce also freezes beautifully. Just store extra portions in freezer containers, and you’ll have the base for a quick meal anytime.

Health Benefits of Hayashi Rice

While it feels like comfort food, it also brings some nice health perks to your table. The beef provides protein and iron, while onions and mushrooms add vitamins and minerals.

You can boost the nutrition even more by adding extra veggies like bell peppers or carrots to your hayashi sauce. Some home cooks also swap in brown rice for white to add more fiber.

This balance of protein, complex carbs, and vegetables makes it more than just tasty – it’s a well-rounded meal your body will thank you for!

Ready to bring this beloved Japanese classic to your kitchen? Our easy-to-follow hayashi rice recipe below will guide you through each step. Soon you’ll be enjoying spoonfuls of this rich, savory dish just like they do in Japan!

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How to Make Hayashi Rice: The Best Japanese Beef Stew Recipe

Cooking Method: Sauteing, Simmering Cuisine: Asian, Japanese Courses: Dinner, Lunch Recipe Keys: C Comfort Food D Delicious High Protein Kids Tasty

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Total Time 45 mins

Servings: 4

Description

This Hayashi rice recipe brings the flavors of Japan to your table. Tender beef, sautéed onions, and mushrooms simmer in a deep, savory tomato-based demi-glace sauce. It’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with steamed rice. If you’re a fan of Japanese cuisine or looking for a new recipe, this hayashi rice recipe is a must-try!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

450 g Beef Thinly sliced

• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 pinch Black Pepper
• 1.5 Onion (Sliced into half-moons)
• 100 g Mushrooms
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp Butter
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
• 3 tbsp Ketchup
• 2 tbsp Brown Sugar (Balances acidity)
• 1 Bay Leaf (Enhances aroma)
• 720 ml Demi-Glace Sauce
• 320 ml Tomato Juice
• 1 tbsp Tomato Paste (Intensifies flavor)
• 4 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce
• 260 ml Red Wine

Instructions

Hayashi Rice Recipe

1. Step 1

   Season the beef with salt, pepper, and 2 tbsp of red wine. Set aside.

2. Step 2

   Slice the onions into half-moons and cut the mushrooms into thin slices.

3. Step 3

   Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sear the beef until browned, then remove from the pan.

4. Step 4

   Melt butter in the same pan and sauté the onions with a pinch of salt until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute.

5. Step 5

   Stir in tomato paste, 120 ml red wine, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, and brown sugar. Mix well.

6. Step 6

   Add tomato juice and demi-glace sauce, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.

7. Step 7

   Return the beef and mushrooms to the pan, add the bay leaf, and let the stew simmer for 15 minutes. Skim any foam if necessary.

8. Final Step

   Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with steamed rice.
   

Keywords: hayashi rice, hayashi rice recipe, hayashi sauce, Japanese beef stew, demi-glace stew, comfort food, Japanese cuisine, beef stew, beef stew recipe