Recipe: Negima (Japanese Beef Scallion Rolls)
Description:
Negima, a delightful Japanese dish featuring beef and scallions, embodies simplicity and elegance in every bite. This appetizer, shared from Mark Bittman’s “The Minimalist Cooks at Home,” offers a savory journey with minimal effort. Perfect for any occasion, these savory rolls are a testament to the beauty of simplicity in cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/4 pounds pork, veal, poultry, or beef (thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 scallions
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 995.8
- Fat: 100.8g
- Saturated Fat: 41.8g
- Cholesterol: 140.5mg
- Sodium: 1056.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 7.6g
- Fiber: 2.5g
- Sugar: 2.4g
- Protein: 15.2g
Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Total Time: 16 minutes
Instructions:
| Step | Instructions | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Preheat a grill or broiler; the fire should be quite hot. | – |
| 2 | Place the meat between two layers of wax paper or plastic wrap and gently pound it to about 1/8-inch thickness. | – |
| 3 | Brush one side of each meat slice with a little soy sauce. | – |
| 4 | Cut the scallions into lengths approximately the same width as the meat slices and place a small bundle at one end. | – |
| 5 | Roll the meat tightly, securing the roll with toothpicks. | – |
| 6 | Optionally, prepare the rolls in advance, covering and refrigerating for up to 2 hours before proceeding. | – |
| 7 | Brush the exterior of each roll with a little more soy sauce. | – |
| 8 | Grill until the rolls are browned on all sides: approximately 6 minutes for chicken, 4-5 minutes for pork or veal, or 4 minutes or less for beef. | 6 min |
| 9 | Optionally, experiment with different fillers such as chives, lightly cooked spinach or chard, mushrooms, carrots, or asparagus. | – |
Additional Notes:
- For variety, consider using alternative sauces such as Asian fish sauce, Chinese hoisin sauce, or premade teriyaki sauce in place of soy sauce.
- Serve these Negima rolls as an elegant appetizer or as part of a Japanese-inspired meal. They pair wonderfully with steamed rice or a refreshing salad.
Embrace the simplicity and exquisite flavors of Negima, a dish that exemplifies the beauty of Japanese cuisine in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a flavorful appetizer, these beef scallion rolls are sure to impress with their effortless preparation and irresistible taste. Enjoy the culinary journey as you indulge in the savory goodness of Negima! 🍣🥢
