Akari’s Sake-Steamed Hamburg Steak Recipe
Akari's sake-steamed hamburger steak with cherry tomatoes. No eggs, no breadcrumbs, just a simple, satisfying dinner.
Hamburg steak is a household favorite across Japan, but making it from scratch can often feel daunting. With this recipe, Hasegawa Akari simplifies the process and focuses on what truly matters.
“I wanted to create a version that still felt rewarding to make, while removing as many unnecessary steps as possible,” she says. The meat is mixed directly in the frying pan, eggs and breadcrumbs are omitted, and bacon adds richness and smoky depth in place of a separate sauce. The result is a fresh take on a familiar classic—one that brings homemade comfort into the rhythm of modern cooking.
“That said, hamburg steak is still a dish that takes a little time,” Akari adds. “Rather than an everyday meal, I hope people will make it on days when they want to enjoy something a little special or cook for someone they care about.” Lift the lid, and the kitchen fills with the savory aroma of seared meat and sweet, softened tomatoes—the kind of dinner that quietly turns an ordinary evening into one to look forward to.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Patties:
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8 oz (220 g) ground beef and pork blend
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1/2 slice bacon, finely chopped
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Scant 1/2 cup (100 ml) milk
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1 tsp potato starch or cornstarch
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 tsp sugar
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1/4 tsp grated garlic
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1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
For cooking:
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14–20 cherry tomatoes, stems removed
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2 tsp olive oil or 2 tsp butter
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3 1/2 Tbsp (50 ml) cooking sake
Garnish:
Lemon wedges, optional
Instructions
Step 1. Mix the Meat in the Pan
Place all of the patty ingredients in a frying pan and knead well with a silicone spatula until the mixture turns sticky and elastic. Mixing thoroughly is the key to a tender, cohesive patty.
Step 2. Shape the Patties
Divide the mixture into two equal portions. Place each on a piece of plastic wrap lightly brushed with olive oil (not from the listed amount) and shape into an oval patty.
Step 3. Sear
Lightly wipe the pan used in Step 1 with a paper towel. Add the olive oil (or butter) and heat over medium. Add the shaped patties, cook for about 3 minutes, then flip.
Step 4. Steam in Sake
Pour in the cooking sake, cover, and steam over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes. After the first 5 minutes, open the lid and add the cherry tomatoes to steam alongside the patties. (Add a little water if the pan starts to dry out.)
Step 5. Serve
Arrange the hamburg steaks and tomatoes on a plate, and spoon the juices left in the pan over the top. Garnish with lemon wedges if desired.
Hasegawa Akari
Hasegawa Akari, a chef and dietitian, transitioned from being a child actor to studying nutrition in college. She gained fame in 2022 with her recipes on social media and has since become a popular influencer, contributing to magazines, websites, and cooking events.
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@Patrick − Thank you so much for your kind words! We’re happy to hear that you’ve tried several of our recipes and enjoyed them. We hope you’ll try many more in the future!
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