Yakiniku – Japanese Table Grill

Originally a Korean dish, Yakiniku was later adapted and embraced as a traditional part of Japanese cuisine. Gather around a table with a small grill in the center and cook a selection of tender meats and vegetables right at the table with this Japanese yakiniku recipe. Simple yet delicious, this shared meal becomes even better with the right choice of meats, vegetables, and a bold, savory-sweet yakiniku dipping sauce. Like many Japanese party-style dishes, it’s a perfect way to enjoy good food, good friends, and plenty of Japanese beer.

Ingredients:
• thin slices of beef
• large shrimp
• onion
• rehydrated shiitake mushrooms
• bell pepper
• leek

Yakiniku Sauce:
• 100 ml soy sauce
• 4 tbsp sugar
• ½ tbsp spicy chili paste (optional)
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• grated ginger
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• ½ tbsp sesame oil
• shichimi (Japanese chili powder)

Preparation:
To make the yakiniku dipping sauce, combine soy sauce, sugar, shichimi, grated garlic, and grated ginger in a bowl. Mix well until the sugar dissolves.

Add sesame seeds and stir, then pour in the sesame oil and mix until smooth. Pour a small amount of the prepared sauce into individual bowls for each person.

Slice the meat and vegetables into small, thin pieces before lighting the grill or heating a tabletop griddle.

Place the meat and vegetables on the grill and cook for a few minutes on each side until done. The thinner the slices, the faster they’ll cook.

When ready, remove from the grill, dip in the yakiniku sauce, and enjoy. Yakiniku pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Tips:

• Use a griddle, portable gas grill, and cooking chopsticks for an authentic setup.

• You can grill many other vegetables of your choice — try adding zucchini, asparagus, or eggplant for variety.