Kokoro Delight

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) beef, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons mirin 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped 2 green onions, chopped
• Steamed rice, for serving Steamed rice, for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 15g, 5g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, and grated ginger. Add the beef slices to the marinade and let them sit for at least 30 minutes.
2. 2.
   Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
3. 3.
   In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and julienned carrot. Cook until the vegetables are tender.
4. 4.
   Add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet and cook until they release their moisture and become golden brown.
5. 5.
   Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir in the chopped green onions. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve the Kokoro over a bed of steamed rice and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef — For the best results, choose a tender cut of beef such as sirloin or ribeye. Slice it thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness.
• Mirin — If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with a combination of rice vinegar and sugar. Use 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and 1 teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon of mirin.
• Mushrooms — Shiitake mushrooms are commonly used in Japanese cuisine and add a unique flavor to the dish. However, you can also use other varieties such as cremini or button mushrooms.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the umami flavor, you can add a splash of sake to the marinade.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or drizzle some chili oil over the finished dish.
• Feel free to customize the vegetable selection based on your preferences and seasonal availability.
• Make sure to slice the beef thinly to ensure quick and even cooking.
• Garnish the dish with sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for an extra touch of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve Kokoro hot over a bed of steamed rice. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added visual appeal.

Presentation advice

Arrange the Kokoro on a large serving platter, placing the beef slices on top of the bed of steamed rice. Surround the dish with the sautéed vegetables, creating an attractive and colorful presentation.