Roast Beef

Tender Japanese Roast Beef: Flavor-Packed Culinary Masterpiece

A savory Japanese-style roast beef seasoned with sake and vinegar, creating a light yet rich sauce without soy sauce. This elegant centerpiece impresses with minimal active cooking time. Perfect for special occasions or meal prep – stays juicy and flavorful even when served cold!

Roast Beef

Recipe by Japan Food & Recipe StudioDifficulty: ★★★★☆
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes

Roast Beef Ingredients

  • Main Ingredients
  • Beef roast (for 4 servings, about 1kg) Substitute: Tenderloin or ribeye roast

  • Small onion (1 piece), finely minced Substitute: 2-3 shallots

  • Garlic cloves (4-5 pieces), minced Substitute: 2 tablespoons garlic paste

  • Seasonings
  • Salt (1 teaspoon or to taste)

  • Black pepper (to taste)

  • Cooking oil (3 tablespoons) Substitute: Vegetable or canola oil

  • Sauce Ingredients Cooking sake (50ml) Substitute: Dry white wine

  • Mirin (50ml) Substitute: Sweet white wine with sugar

  • Grain vinegar (50ml) Substitute: Rice vinegar or white wine vinegar

  • Water (50ml)

  • Meat juices (all from roasting)

Roast Beef Directions

  • Select Perfect Cut
    Choose a well-marbled 1kg beef roast, either ribeye for richness or sirloin for leaner option. Bring meat to room temperature for 30-60 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking throughout. Season generously with salt and pepper on all sides, pressing the seasonings into the meat to adhere properly.
  • Sear For Ultimate Flavor
    Heat a large heavy skillet over high heat until very hot. Add 3 tablespoons oil and when it begins to shimmer, carefully place the seasoned beef in the pan. Sear aggressively on all sides until deeply browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. This crucial step creates the foundation of flavor through the Maillard reaction.
  • Roast To Perfection
    Transfer the seared beef to a preheated 180°C (350°F) oven. Roast until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 55°C (130°F) for medium-rare, approximately 25-30 minutes depending on the roast's thickness. Monitor carefully as cooking time varies with size and shape.
  • Develop Complex Sauce Base
    While beef roasts, use the same skillet to sauté 1/2 finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt over medium-low heat. Cook slowly until deeply caramelized and golden brown, about 15 minutes. This slow caramelization creates natural sweetness that balances the acidic components added later.
  • Add Aromatic Elements
    When onions are caramelized, add 4-5 minced garlic cloves and cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to burn the garlic, which would introduce bitterness. The aromatic blend of caramelized onions and garlic forms the foundation of the sauce.
  • Create Balanced Sauce
    Deglaze the pan with 50ml sake, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Add 50ml mirin, 50ml grain vinegar, and 50ml water along with all drippings from the resting beef. Simmer until reduced by half, creating a concentrated sauce with complex flavors.
  • Rest For Juiciness
    Allow the roasted beef to rest on a cutting board for at least 15 minutes before slicing. This critical resting period allows juices to redistribute throughout the meat rather than running out when cut. For cold serving, cool completely before refrigerating.
  • Slice And Serve Artfully
    Slice the beef against the grain into thin, even slices. Arrange on a serving platter, drizzle with the reduced sauce, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled depending on preference.

Notes

  • Tips & Points
    Meat Selection Choose well-marbled roast for best results. Room temperature meat ensures even cooking.
    Onion Cooking Take time to properly caramelize onions for depth of flavor. Don't rush this step.
    Sauce Consistency Blend for smooth texture or leave chunky. Both styles work well.
    Seasoning Balance Though no soy sauce is used, meat juices provide rich umami. Adjust salt carefully.
    Storage Keep in airtight container for up to 3 days in refrigerator. Reheat sauce and meat separately until thoroughly hot.

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