Nikumaki (Japanese Teriyaki Beef Rolls)

Step 1

In a skillet on stovetop, mix sugar, soy sauce, mirin, and sake.

Step 2

Heat mixture until bubbling and let simmer 2-3 minutes to boil off the alcohol.

Step 3

Let marinade cool while you prepare other ingredients.

Step 4

Place green beans and carrots in a microwave safe bowl with about 2 tbsp of water. Cover and microwave 3 minutes to steam. (Alternatively you can bring a pot of water to boil and blanch the veggies for 1 minute).

Step 5

Run veggies through cold water to cool them down enough to handle.

Step 6

Take a thin slice of beef and place two green beans and a few matchstick carrots at one end. Roll the vegetables in the beef, covering the length of the vegetables.

Step 7

Repeat for the remaining vegetables. You should have 20 rolls at the end.

Step 8

Place beef rolls in a large dish and pour the cooled marinade over them. Marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to overnight, turning the beef rolls once halfway through to coat both sides in marinade.

Step 9

When ready to cook, heat some oil in a skillet. Place beef rolls in skillet and let pan fry for 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Using tongs or chopsticks, flip the beef rolls over and cook on the other side for another 2-3 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 11

Beef rolls can be served whole or sliced in half to make 40 mini rolls. They can be eaten hot or packed in a bento to eat at room temperature. Leftovers can be kept in the fridge and eaten cold or at room temperature - no need to reheat.