Ginger Pork – Shogayaki

Bring the irresistible aroma of ginger to your kitchen with this flavorful Japanese Shogayaki recipe. Shogayaki (meaning “ginger-grilled”) is a beloved Japanese dish made by cooking thinly sliced pork with freshly grated ginger and onion in a sweet soy-based sauce. Serve it with steamed Japanese rice and finely shredded cabbage (julienne style) for a delicious, well-balanced lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:
• 20 g fresh ginger root
• 250 g thinly sliced pork
• ¼ onion
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sake
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp sugar
• 300 g cooked Japanese rice
• ¼ head of cabbage, finely shredded

Preparation:

1. Slice the pork into very thin pieces, about 3–5 mm thick. The thinner the slices, the more tender and flavorful the result.

2. Peel the ginger (as you would a potato or carrot), then grate or finely chop it.

3. In a large bowl, combine soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar.

4. Add the sliced pork and grated ginger to the bowl, mix well, and let marinate for about 10 minutes to absorb the flavors.

5. While the pork marinates, slice the onion thinly and heat a little oil in a frying pan.

6. Add the pork, ginger, and marinade to the pan and cook until the meat is nearly done. Then add the onion and continue cooking over medium heat until everything is fully cooked and fragrant.

7. Remove from heat and serve immediately with freshly steamed rice and shredded cabbage.

Tips & Notes:

• This dish tastes just as good cold, making it a perfect addition to a bento lunch box the next day.

• As with many Japanese meals, serving it with finely shredded cabbage and rice creates a simple yet complete and satisfying meal.