Best Japanese Negi Leek Patties Recipes

SIMPLE VEGETARIAN LEEK PATTIES

Steps:

• Halve leek lengthwise and rinse under running water. Separate the layers to remove any sand. Cut each half down the centre and thinly slice.
• Place leeks in a pot and add enough water so that leeks float but are not covered. Cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and cook until tender, 25 to 30 minutes. Drain off excess water and return leeks to the pot.
• Return the pot to the stove and simmer until all excess liquid has evaporated, stirring occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer leeks to a bowl and add egg, bread crumbs, salt, and pepper. Divide into 4 equal portions.
• Heat enough oil in a nonstick skillet to just cover the bottom. Heat on medium-high heat until oil shimmers. Use wet hands to form each portion into a 3-inch patty.
• Place the patties into the hot skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm.

NEGIMAKI

Steps:

• Stir together the soy sauce, mirin, sake and sugar in a pie dish or similar shallow container until the sugar is almost dissolved. Set the marinade aside.
• Cut the beef with the grain into 24 slices, each about 1/2 inch thick. Working in batches, arrange a few slices cut-side up on a piece of plastic wrap, leaving a few inches between each slice. Cover with another piece of plastic wrap and pound with a meat mallet until the slices are 1/8 inch thick or a little less.
• Lay 3 slices on a work surface parallel to you with the long sides slightly overlapping (by about 1/4 inch). Cut 3 pieces of scallion the same width as the beef and place them across the meat at the end closest to you. Tightly roll the meat around the scallions, starting at the end closest to you. Secure the roll with 2 toothpicks--1 placed horizontally along each of the 2 "seams." Repeat with the remaining beef and scallions. You will end up with 8 rolls.
• Place the rolls in the marinade, turn to coat and marinate, turning once halfway through, for about 15 minutes. Transfer to a plate, letting any excess marinade drain off, and pat dry (reserve the marinade).
• Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the rolls and brown on 4 sides, 3 or 4 minutes total (the middle should still be rare). When you flip the rolls the last time, reduce the heat to medium, add the reserved marinade and simmer, turning the rolls a few times, until the sauce thickens, about 2 minutes. (The meat should still be pink in the middle at this point. If you prefer your meat more well done, simmer it a little longer; just be careful not to reduce the sauce too much. If that happens, thin it with a little water.)
• Transfer the rolls to a cutting board and, when cool enough to handle, remove the toothpicks. Using a very sharp knife, cut the rolls crosswise into pieces about 1 inch wide and serve upright on plates. Drizzle with the sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds, if using.

JAPANESE 'LEEKS' WITH MISO-MUSTARD

Steps:

• Wash and trim negi. Cut them to divide the white bottoms from the more tender green tops.
• In a covered bamboo steamer set over rapidly boiling water, steam white bottoms for about 4 minutes. Add green tops and continue steaming for another 4 minutes, until negi are tender. Set aside uncovered to cool.
• Stir together mustard, miso and vinegar. Transfer negi to a serving bowl and gently fold in dressing.