Yakiniku
Makes 4 to 6 servings
Prep time: 25 minutes, Grilling time: 4 minutes
• 1 boneless rib roast, about 3 pounds
Pickles
• 1/4 cup rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 thin Japanese cucumbers, 4 to 6 ounces each
Sauce
• 1/4 cup white miso
• 1/4 cup mirin
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 6 cups steamed white rice
In order to cut the meat into thin slices, put it (wrapped in plastic or paper) in the freezer for about 2 hours. Meanwhile make the pickles and sauce.
In a medium bowl mix the vinegar, lemon juice, sugar, and salt until the sugar and salt are dissolved. Add 1/4 cup of water. Trim the ends of the cucumbers. Cut the remaining cucumber into thin strips, each about 1/4 inch wide and 3 inches long (could be any shape, really). Add the cucumber to the pickling liquid and set aside at room temperature for 2 hours, stirring the cucumbers a few times. Drain the pickles before serving and arrange them in a medium serving bowl.
In a medium bowl combine the sauce ingredients with 1/4 cup water. Whisk until the miso is dissolved. Divide the sauce into individual dipping bowls.
When the meat is cold and hard, cut it crosswise in 1/4-inch slices. Lay the slices flat on sheet pans and let sit at room temperature for 20 to 30 minutes before grilling.
Just before grilling, season the meat slices evenly with the salt and pepper. Brush the cooking grate clean. Grill the meat slices in 2 batches over direct high heat (450°F to 550°F) until medium rare, about 2 minutes, turning once or twice. After both batches are cooked, cut the meat into strips about 1 inch wide. The meat strips may go onto a large platter to be served family style along with individual bowls of rice, dipping sauce, and pickles.
Tip: To prevent your meat from sticking to the cooking grate, make sure your grill is hot and your grates are super clean.