Homemade Japanese-Style Hamburg Steak with Red Wine Demi-Glace Sauce

If you’re a fan of comfort food, let me introduce you to Japanese-style Hamburg steak (ハンバーグ). It’s juicy, flavorful, and coated in a rich demi-glace sauce with a hint of red wine. This dish is a favorite in Japan, often served in Western-style family restaurants, but making it at home gives it a special touch.

What is Japanese Hamburg Steak?

Unlike American hamburgers, which are usually served as patties in a bun, Japanese Hamburg steak is more like a meatloaf patty—a tender, pan-fried beef (or beef and pork) patty seasoned with onions, breadcrumbs, and milk for extra softness. It’s often topped with a savory demi-glace sauce that adds depth and umami.

My Special Red Wine Demi-Glace Sauce

To make this dish even more delicious, I made a red wine demi-glace sauce from scratch. The red wine gives it a deep, slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the meat. Here’s how I made it:

Ingredients for the Sauce:

• ½ cup red wine

• 1 tablespoon butter

• ½ cup demi-glace sauce (store-bought or homemade)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 1 teaspoon ketchup

• A pinch of sugar (optional)

How to Make It:

1. In a small saucepan, heat the red wine over medium heat and let it simmer until reduced by half.

2. Add butter, demi-glace sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and ketchup, stirring well.

3. Simmer for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Adjust the taste with a little sugar if needed.

4. Pour over your freshly cooked Hamburg steak and enjoy!

Why You Should Try This Dish

This dish is easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner. The combination of juicy meat and velvety sauce pairs beautifully with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or even a glass of red wine. It’s a great way to experience Japanese home cooking with a Western twist!

If you love hearty meals with deep flavors, give this Japanese-style Hamburg steak a try. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Let me know in the comments what you paired it with.

Would you like to see more Japanese comfort food recipes? Let me know what dish you’d like to try next!