If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful beef dish that’s perfect for dinner tonight, my Japanese Style Pot Roast is just what you need! This recipe features a tender chuck roast baked in the oven with just 5 minutes of prep, and it’s paired with a savory Japanese dipping sauce made from the drippings! It’s super affordable, hassle-free, and perfect for feeding a crowd—so let’s get started!
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love my Japanese Style Pot Roast because it’s incredibly easy to make, with less than 5 minutes of prep work and no need to watch it while it bakes, giving me plenty of time to arrange other side dishes! This dish features affordable chuck roast, just like in my Miso Stew and Japanese Beef Curry recipes, but this one is baked until tender, and paired with a savory dipping sauce made from the roast’s own drippings, soy sauce, garlic, and Dashi!
It’s a fail-proof recipe that’s perfect for any skill level, making it a great option for busy cooks who want to impress with minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main course or a way to make a tough cut of beef shine, this recipe is for you—trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs Chuck Roast – I recommend using chuck roast beef as it provides the best flavor and becomes very tender after baking in the oven for extended time. However, you could also try round or brisket if you’d like to experiment with different cuts.
- 1/4 tsp Salt – sea salt preferred.
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper – ground.
- 2 tbsp Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine. Helps tenderize the beef.
- 1 Stalk Green Onions – fresh and chopped used for garnish.
- 4 tbsp Pot Roast Broth – the dipping from the baked chuck roast.
- 2 tbsp Dashi – fish broth made from steeping kombu and bonito flakes with boiling water. Can also use Hondashi mixed in water for instant dashi. Used as the flavor of the sauce.
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
- 1 1/2 tsp Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
- 1 Garlic Cloves – grated using a hand grater.
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper – ground red pepper.
🥢 Dashi Pro Tip
For easier preparation of the dashi, use Hondashi mixed with water. This quick tip simplifies the process and ensures a flavorful base for your dish.
Essential Kitchen Equipment
- Aluminum Foil
Directions
Step 1 Season the pot roast with salt and black pepper.
Step 2 Place the pot roast in an aluminum foil packet, pour Japanese sake inside, fold the packet to cover, and place it on a baking tray. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes per pound. For example, a 2 lb roast will bake for 90 minutes, and a 3 lb roast will bake for 135 minutes. Once done, remove the roast from the oven and let it rest.
Step 3 To make the dipping sauce, combine soy sauce, sweetener, dashi, grated garlic, red pepper, and the pot roast broth from the aluminum packet.
Step 4 Slice the pot roast into bite-sized pieces, top with green onions, and serve with the dipping sauce.
🥢 Sauce Pro Tip
For the sauce, you can either Pour it Over the Sliced Pot Roast or use it as a Dipping Sauce on the Side, depending on your preference.
Recipe Variation
Looking for a chuck roast that’s even more melt-in-your-mouth tender? Try my Slow Cooked Japanese Style Pot Roast variation! It uses the same delicious sauce but takes the beef to the next level with a low and slow cooking method, ensuring ultimate tenderness.
Pairing Recommendations
Serve this main course with a bowl of rice and a simple green salad tossed in my Wafu Dressing or Japanese Ginger Dressing. Pair it with a light soup like my Miso Soup, Hibachi Onion Soup, or Japanese Vegetable Soup to complement the rich flavors of the roast. This combination adds nice balance without overpowering the main dish!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
While chuck roast works best for tenderness, you can try brisket or round roast, but cooking times may vary.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes! This recipe is simple with minimal prep and a fail-proof method that’s perfect for cooks of any skill level.
Can I add vegetables to the pot roast while baking?
Yes, root vegetables like carrots or onions can be added to the roasting pan for extra flavor.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last for 5-7 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Japanese Style Pot Roast
Ingredients
Roast
- 2-3 lbs Chuck Roast
- 1/4 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Japanese Sake
- 1 Stalk Green Onion chopped
Sauce
- 4 tbsp Pot Roast Broth produced from the beef roast after baking
- 2 tbsp Dashi
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 1/2 tsp Sweetener
- 1 Clove Garlic grated
- 1/4 tsp Red Pepper ground
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- Season the pot roast generously with salt and black pepper.
- Place the roast in an aluminum foil packet, add Japanese sake, fold the packet to seal, and set it on a baking tray. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes per pound. For instance, a 2 lb roast will cook for 90 minutes, while a 3 lb roast will need 135 minutes. Once it's done, remove the roast from the oven and allow it to rest.
- For the dipping sauce, mix soy sauce, sweetener, dashi, grated garlic, red pepper, and the broth from the pot roast packet.
- Slice the pot roast into slices, garnish with green onions, and serve with the dipping sauce.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
