Japanese Sweet Steak Sauce

Name: Japanese Sweet Steak Sauce
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 5 min
Ingredients: 1 Cup Dashi; 5 tbsp Soy Sauce; 3 tbsp Sweetener (your preferred sweetener); 2 1/2 Tbsp Japanese Sake (can substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine); 1 Garlic (grated)

Recipe Video

Come have a taste of my Japanese Sweet Steak Sauce recipe, a flavorful blend that takes your steak to new heights! Crafted with an array of genuine Japanese ingredients, it promises a burst of authentic Japanese taste. Say farewell to bland steaks and savor the essence of Japan with every bite!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this Japanese Sweet Steak Sauce recipe because it captures the essence of traditional Japanese steak sauces but with a sweet twist! My take on this steak sauce has a sweeter and umami packed profile, adding a unique dimension to grilled steaks and perfect to use with my Steak Donburi Bowl and the base sauce used in my Pepper Lunch Sauce recipe!

What sets my recipe apart is my innovative take on traditional Japanese steak sauce. Drawing inspiration from my Donburi Sauce base and infusing it with the flavors of my beloved Japanese Style Garlic Steak, I’ve created a sauce that perfectly complements a range of steak cooked in various ways! With a blend of authentic Japanese ingredients, it’s not only incredibly versatile but also sure to enhance your steak experience. Once you give it a try, you’ll be coming back for more, I promise!

Ingredients

1 Cup Dashi – fish broth made from steeping kombu and bonito flakes with boiling water. Can also use Hondashi mixed in water for instant dashi.
5 tbsp Soy Sauce – low-sodium Soy Sauce preferred. Can also use tamari for gluten-free.
3 tbsp Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener.
2 1/2 tbsp Japanese Sake – typically will come in a large bottle labeled junmai sake. Can also substitute with dry sherry wine or Chinese cooking wine, found at local grocery stores or Asian markets.
1 Clove Garlic – grated.

🥢 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.

🍶 Mirin Note

While Mirin can be used to make Japanese steak sauce, I’ve designed this recipe to accommodate areas where mirin might not be readily available by adjusting the amounts of sake and sweetener used instead.

Directions

Step 1 Prepare Dashi.

Step 2 Bring the dashi to a boil, then combine soy sauce, sweetener, Japanese sake, and grated garlic. Let the mixture boil for 10-15 seconds, then remove from heat and transfer it to a sauce boat.

🍽️ Serving Pro Tip

For optimal flavor, allow the sauce to Rest For 10-15 Minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. Sauce is best served at room temperature.

Recipe Variations

For those craving a zesty twist on the Japanese steak sauce, explore my Ponzu Japanese Steak Sauce used in my Japanese Wafu Steak recipe. This variation offers a tangy and savory flavor profile, perfect for adding a burst of brightness to your favorite steak dishes!

Pairing Recommendations

Serve this Japanese steak sauce over grilled, pan-seared, or even with a Japanese style Hibachi Steak for a mouthwatering meal! Pair it with a green salad dressed in Wafu Salad Dressing or Japanese Ginger Dressing, along with a side of Tofu Miso Soup, and your choice of rice for a complete and Japanese inspired steak experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute the dashi with any other type of broth?

Yes, you can substitute the dashi with plain water, but it will alter the flavor of the sauce. Dashi contributes a unique umami depth to the sauce, so using plain water may result in a less complex flavor profile.

Can I omit the Japanese sake from the recipe?

While it's possible to omit the Japanese sake from the recipe, it plays an important role in contributing to the flavor profile of the sauce. Omitting it will alter the taste of the sauce significantly. However, if you choose to omit the sake, it's essential to compensate for the missing flavor by ensuring that the dashi broth serves as the primary base for the sauce. This will help maintain some of the savory depth and complexity of the original recipe.

Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce. Store it in an airtight ziplock bag or container to prevent freezer burn and preserve its quality. When stored properly, the sauce can remain frozen for 3-4 months, maintaining its flavor and texture.

Can I use pre-made dashi instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can use pre-made dashi as a quicker alternative to making it from scratch. Instant dashi granules or powder can be mixed with water to create a flavorful base for the sauce. This convenient option saves time without compromising on the authentic taste of the sauce.

Storage Tips

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will remain fresh for 14-21 days.

Other Recipes You Might Like

Watch How To Make It