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Beef-Wrapped Rice Roll with Wasabi Flowers

Wasabi Flowers: A Harbinger of Spring

In Azumino, renowned for its Wasabi fields, "Wasabi flowers" and "Wasabi sprouts" grace local markets from February to May. These special ingredients herald the arrival of spring, often appearing in stores while snow still lingers but the sun starts to warm the earth.

Wasabi flowers are small, white, and very delicate, while the sprouts begin as small leaves and grow larger as the weather warms.

Tokubetsu Junmai Nama-Genshu (Daisekkei | Nagano Prefecture)

This spring-inspired dish pairs beautifully with Shinshu Daisekkei, a freshly squeezed, unpasteurized sake. The refreshing wasabi flavor and the savory beef sautéed in beef tallow complement the umami richness of Junmaishu. Enjoy this recipe as a main dish, serving the sake cold in a wine glass.

Cooking Method
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 3 hrs Cook Time: 15 mins Total Time: 3 hrs 15 mins
Servings 2
Best Season Spring
Description

Please go through proper preparation for Wasabi flowers to unlock its unique spicy flavor.

Ingredients
  • 200 g Cooked rice
  • 6 slices Beef (Sliced for Sukiyaki is preferable)
  • 1 tsp Salt
  • Preparation for Wasabi Flowers
  • 1 bunch Wasabi Flowers (About 300g)
  • 1/2 tbsp Sugar
  • 1/2 tbsp Salt
Instructions
    Preparation for Wasabi flowers
  1. Preparation

    Cut the wasabi flowers into a few centimeter-long pieces, place them in a bowl, sprinkle with sugar and salt, and rub lightly. This process transforms bitterness into spiciness.

  2. Blanching

    Pour hot water (about 80°C) over the Wasabi flowers and let them soak for about 2 minutes. Drain and rinse briefly with cold water.

  3. Refrigeration

    Place the Wasabi flowers in a sealable container, sprinkle with salt, and refrigerate for about 3 hours to enhance the spicy taste.

  4. Make beef rolls
  5. Mix with cooked rice

    Take about 2 tablespoons of the prepared Wasabi flowers and mix them with cooked rice, adding a pinch of salt. Mix gently to avoid mashing the rice.

  6. Shape the Rice

    Place the seasoned rice on plastic wrap and form it into a cylindrical shape.

  7. Wrap with Beef

    Arrange 3 slices of beef on plastic wrap and wrap them around the rice.

  8. Sauté

    Heat a frying pan over medium heat, melt some beef tallow, and sauté the beef rolls. Lightly salt the surface and rotate them until lightly charred.

  9. Serve

    Cut the rolls into bite-sized pieces.

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