Steak is in style amongst many due to its savory taste and fatty style. Amongst steaks, many individuals are most likely aware of diced steak, a sort of steak formed like a dice. Saikoro steak, or “diced steak,” is a well-liked Japanese dish identified for its bite-sized, flavorful cubes of beef. Because the title suggests, diced steak is formed like a dice. However why the cube form? Learn on to find the attraction of Saikoro steak and why it has grow to be a beloved a part of Japanese delicacies!
What’s Saikoro steak?

Saikoro steak (サイコロステーキ) is a sort of diced beef steak in Japan, with “saikoro” that means “cube” in Japanese. This dish consists of small, cube-shaped items of beef which might be sometimes pan-seared or grilled, typically served with a easy seasoning of salt, pepper, or soy-based sauce. Saikoro steak refers to steaks the place cooks lower meat into cubes and grill them. There are two varieties: one the place they reshape minced meat and one other the place they grill small items of meat. To make formed meat, they solidify numerous components of the animal, together with minced innards, with sugar, eggs, soybeans, and beef fats. After freezing, they lower it into cubes, giving it the title “diced steak.”
How do locals cook dinner Saikoro steak?
Though locals primarily use beef, it’s also possible to use pork and hen. Locals usually cook dinner this by grilling it in a frying pan or on a sizzling plate, and it’s in style as a home-cooked dish as a result of you’ll be able to put together it in a short while. One other function of diced steak is that it’s simple to buy, as it’s not restricted to the a part of the meat or its high quality and will use processed or fashioned meat. Usually merely seasoned with salt and pepper, and locals typically eat this with soy sauce, butter sauce, garlic sauce, and so forth.
It’s in style on izakaya (Japanese pub) menus and as a part of dwelling cooking, and since it’s small however filling, additionally it is in style as a aspect dish for bento lunches or as a beer snack.
Historical past

Diced steak was initially created as a option to scale back meals waste by compressing and shaping meat trimmings that didn’t meet requirements.
Its probably origin might be traced again to “Bambolina” in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi-Kabutocho district. The story goes that the restaurant invented it as a fast and straightforward meal for busy stockbrokers within the space. One other principle is that it was first offered as “Stamina Steak” round 1970 at “Gyu-Tetsu” in Kurume Metropolis, Fukuoka Prefecture.
As well as, the “BIG SHEF” restaurant chain, which expanded all through Japan in the course of the nation’s excessive financial progress interval, can also be credited with serving to to popularize diced steak. Thanks to those components, diced steak turned in style as an inexpensive and easy-to-enjoy dish.
Why is saikoro steak formed like a cube?

Saikoro steak is formed like a dice for a number of causes. First, its bite-sized kind makes it simpler to eat and cook dinner, decreasing the necessity for knives and guaranteeing even cooking. Second, it really works nicely with processed meat, making formed meat look extra pure and bettering texture. Lastly, it aligns with Japanese meals tradition, the place small, easy-to-eat parts are most well-liked, particularly in dishes like yakiniku and teppanyaki. These components contribute to its recognition in Japan.
Issues to notice when grilling pre-formed meat

When grilling pre-formed diced steak, it’s finest to cook dinner greens individually or on the opposite half of the pan. In contrast to common meat, fashioned meat is made by binding numerous cuts with eggs or soybeans, so these with allergic reactions ought to examine labels fastidiously. Since it’s processed, it should be absolutely cooked and can’t be eaten uncommon. If any crimson components stay, warmth them additional. Fashioned meat additionally releases lots of oil, so keep away from including additional oil and wipe off extra throughout cooking.
FAQ
- What sort of dish is Saikoro Steak?
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Saikoro steak is constructed from bite-sized cubes of beef which might be grilled. It’s in style for dwelling cooking and on teppanyaki grills as a result of the thick cubes are satisfyingly hearty. One other plus is how simple it’s to cook dinner.
- What cuts of meat are appropriate for Saikoro Steak?
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Cuts with stability of fats and lean meat, like ribeye or chuck roll, are perfect for Saikoro Steak. We suggest deciding on a high-quality lower to finest take pleasure in its tenderness and juiciness.
Saikoro Steak Recipe

Components for two individuals | Measurements |
---|---|
Diced steak | 200g |
Rice | 300g |
Onion | 100g |
Garlic | 30g |
Soy sauce | 30g |
Candy cooking sake (mirin) | 15g |
Sugar | 5g |
Butter | 10g |
Salad oil | 5g |
Gentle-boiled eggs | 46g |
Chopped nori (seaweed) | 20g |
Easy methods to make Saikoro Steak Rice Bowl?
STEP
Sauté the Garlic and Onion
Warmth salad oil in a frying pan, add the minced garlic, and stir-fry till aromatic. Then, add the sliced onion and cook dinner till smooth.
STEP
Prepare dinner the Diced Steak
Add the diced steak to the pan and sear over excessive warmth till browned on all sides.
STEP
Add Seasonings and Butter
Pour within the soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, stirring to coat the meat evenly. Simply earlier than turning off the warmth, combine within the butter for additional richness.
STEP
Assemble and Serve
Place cooked rice in bowls, high with the diced steak combination, and add a soft-boiled egg within the middle. Garnish with chopped nori and luxuriate in!
Really helpful Restaurant for Saikoro Steak
Daidomon (大同門 江坂店)

It’s a yakiniku restaurant that serves yakiniku for half a century. Their yakiniku is made with high-quality beef from black-haired feminine wagyu cattle and craftsmanship backed by a protracted historical past, is really a blissful style. The primary retailer is positioned in Esaka, Osaka, and the web store is absolutely operational.
Conclusion
Saikoro steak is a scrumptious and versatile dish that completely balances taste, comfort, and Japanese culinary custom. Whether or not loved at a restaurant or ready at dwelling, its tender, bite-sized items make for a satisfying meal. When you ever go to Japan, be sure you attempt genuine Saikoro steak and expertise its wealthy style for your self. Don’t miss the prospect to select some up and luxuriate in this uniquely Japanese tackle steak!
When you loved studying about Saikoro steak, you may also like different Japanese meat dishes like teppanyaki, gyudon (beef bowl), or yakiniku, which supply wealthy flavors and distinctive eating experiences. Be sure you discover these scrumptious choices while you go to Japan!