Beef Shigureni Recipe
Beef Shigureni is a flavorful Japanese side dish that’s perfect for making ahead. Thinly sliced beef is simmered in a sweet and savory sauce with ginger until tender and richly seasoned. Because the flavors deepen over time, it tastes even better the next day.
- 1 lb beef (thinly sliced)
- 1 oz ginger root (thinly sliced, 2" long pieces)
- 1 cup water
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce
- 3 Tbsp sugar
- 1 Tbsp Sake
- 1 Tbsp Mirin
- Slice beef and ginger root into thin slices.
- Heat water in a pot, and add cut ginger and the rest of the ingredients (except beef). When the water boils, add beef and stir so the beef doesn't bunch up. Let it boil and skim fat well.
- Cook covered for 20-30 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until liquid is almost all gone.
This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient option for lunches, meal prep, or busy weeknight dinners when you want one more dish ready to serve. Simply reheat it and enjoy it with freshly steamed rice.
Beef Shigureni is also very versatile. You can add it to rice bowls, pack it into lunch boxes, or use it as a filling for rice balls.
What is Shigureni?
Shigureni is a traditional Japanese simmered dish in which meat or seafood is cooked with ginger, soy sauce, sugar, sake, and mirin. The ingredients are slowly simmered until the sauce reduces and coats the protein with a rich, concentrated flavor.
Beef Shigureni is prepared in a way that’s somewhat similar to Gyudon, but the beef is cooked longer so it becomes more tender and absorbs more of the seasoning.
The recipe typically uses very thinly sliced beef, which is commonly sold at Japanese markets for dishes like hot pot or beef bowls. However, other cuts of beef can work as long as they are sliced thinly. If you’re slicing beef at home, here’s a helpful tip: partially freezing the meat first will make it much easier to cut into thin slices.
With its balance of sweet and salty flavors and the aroma of ginger, Beef Shigureni pairs beautifully with a bowl of steamed rice.
Variations of Shigureni
Although beef is a popular choice, Shigureni can also be made with other types of protein. Pork, chicken thighs, or even clams work well in this style of cooking. Each variation brings its own unique flavor while still keeping the signature sweet and savory seasoning with ginger.
Shigureni pairs especially well with steamed rice. You can enjoy it as a simple side dish, use it as a filling for Onigiri, or pack it into a Bento for a convenient and satisfying meal.
