Negimaki facts for kids
Negimaki (pronounced neh-gee-mah-kee), also sometimes called negima, is a delicious Japanese dish. It's made from thin strips of beef that are rolled up with fresh scallions (which are also known as negi in Japanese). After being rolled, the beef and scallions are cooked, often by broiling, and then covered in a yummy teriyaki sauce.
This dish is thought to have first come from the Kantō region of Japan. It's a popular choice in Japanese restaurants, especially in places like the United States, where it's often served as an appetizer or a main course.
What is Negimaki?
Negimaki is a great example of how simple ingredients can make a fantastic meal. The word "negi" means scallion or green onion, and "maki" means roll. So, "negimaki" literally means "scallion roll."
- Beef: Thin slices of beef are used, often from cuts like sirloin or flank steak. These thin slices make it easy to roll and cook quickly.
- Scallions: These are long, green onions with a mild, slightly sweet flavor. They add a fresh, crisp texture and a gentle onion taste to the dish.
- Teriyaki Sauce: This is a classic Japanese sauce that gives Negimaki its sweet and savory flavor. Teriyaki sauce is usually made from soy sauce, mirin (a type of rice wine), sugar, and ginger. It adds a shiny glaze to the beef when cooked.
How is Negimaki Made?
Making Negimaki involves a few simple steps:
- First, the beef strips are often flattened even more to make them very thin.
- Next, a few pieces of scallion are placed at one end of a beef strip.
- The beef is then carefully rolled around the scallions, creating a neat little package.
- These beef rolls are then cooked. They can be broiled, grilled, or pan-fried until the beef is tender and cooked through.
- Finally, while the beef is still hot, it's brushed generously with teriyaki sauce. Sometimes, the rolls are even simmered briefly in the sauce to let the flavors soak in.
Where Did Negimaki Come From?
Negimaki is believed to have originated in the Kantō region of Japan. This region includes the large city of Tokyo. While the exact history is a bit unclear, it's thought that the dish became popular in Japanese restaurants, especially those that opened in other countries, like the United States. It's a dish that combines traditional Japanese flavors with a cooking style that appeals to many people.
Eating Negimaki
Negimaki is usually served cut into smaller, bite-sized pieces. This makes it easy to pick up with chopsticks or a fork. It's often enjoyed as an appetizer before a larger meal, or it can be part of a bento box (a packed meal) or a main course with rice and other side dishes. The combination of tender beef, crisp scallions, and sweet teriyaki sauce makes it a very satisfying and popular dish.
