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–+ servings
Japanese Steak and Vegetables
This flavorful stir-fry blends tender steak with a medley of fresh vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, and bean sprouts, infused with Japanese soy sauce and a hint of sesame and safflower oils. Designed for a non-stick skillet or electric frypan, it delivers a quick, colorful dish that remains vibrant and slightly crunchy. The recipe captures the 1960s–70s interest in Japanese-American fusion cooking, reflecting the era’s growing popularity of hibachi-style meals at home.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Fusion, Japanese
Servings 4
Calories 315 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tbsp polyunsaturated oil (such as sesame or vegetable)
  • 1 lb small flank steak ( or boneless round steak)
  • 1 Bermuda onion (large )
  • ½ lb fresh mushrooms
  • 1 zucchini ( medium, or summer squash)
  • ¾ cup sherry wine
  • 1 tbs sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup bean sprouts (fresh or canned)
  • 1 tbsp safflower oil
  • 1 tsp MSG (optional)
  • 2 tbsp Japanese soy sauce

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Beef

  • Slice steak against the grain into thin quarter-inch slices.
  • Marinate in a little sherry.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

  • Slice onion into thin rings.
  • Slice mushrooms.
  • Slice zucchini into thin rounds.
  • Rinse and drain bean sprouts (if using canned).

Step 3: Preheat the Pan

  • Arrange all ingredients nearby for quick cooking.
  • Heat oil in non-stick skillet or electric frypan until hot.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Ingredients

  • Add beef to hot oil.
  • Stir-fry for 2 minutes.
  • Add remaining ingredients.
  • Cook and stir until vegetables are heated through but still crisp.

Step 5: Serve

  • Serve immediately while vegetables are still crunchy.

Tips

  • Use thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak for the most tender results.
  • Add carrots, snow peas, or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
  • Replace sherry wine with mirin for a sweeter Japanese flavor.
  • Substitute tamari for soy sauce to reduce sodium or make gluten-free.
  • Add fresh garlic or ginger for a stronger aromatic base.
  • Stir-fry in batches if needed so the pan stays hot and ingredients sear properly.
  • For a lower-fat version, reduce the oil to 1 teaspoon and use a nonstick pan.
  • Serve over steamed rice or noodles to make a full meal.
  • Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for texture and flavor.
  • Replace beef with chicken or tofu for variations.

Nutrition

Calories: 315kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 29gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0.003gCholesterol: 68mgSodium: 575mgPotassium: 813mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 102IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 52mgIron: 3mg
Keyword Japanese steak, quick dinner, skillet meal, stir-fry, veggies, vintage recipe, weeknight cooking
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