Perfectly Balanced Baek Jong-won’s Hamburg Steak
The Taste from That Drama! Baek Jong-won’s Hamburg Steak Golden Recipe with Special Sauce
Inspired by a scene from a drama where the character savored a delicious hamburg steak, I decided to make Baek Jong-won’s signature hamburg steak! Enjoy a delightful hamburg steak at home that rivals any restaurant. The juicy steak and flavorful special sauce create a fantastic harmony.
Hamburg Steak Patty Ingredients- 350g Ground Pork
- 250g Ground Beef (Golden Ratio 6:4)
- 200g Minced Onion (approx. 1 medium onion)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- Pinch of Salt
- 40g Butter
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 2 Eggs (fresh)
- 100g Bread Crumbs (fresh or dry)
- 4 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (for flavor enhancement!)
- 1.5 Tbsp Ketchup
- 2/3 cup Water (to keep the patty moist)
- Cooking Oil, as needed (for searing)
Special Hamburg Steak Sauce Ingredients- 2 Button Mushrooms (fresh)
- 1 Medium Onion
- 40g Butter
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for umami)
- 4 Tbsp Brown Sugar (for subtle sweetness)
- 4 Tbsp Ketchup (for a sweet and tangy balance)
- 2/3 cup Water
- A dash of Black Pepper (to taste)
For the Fried Egg Garnish- 1 Egg
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
- 2 Button Mushrooms (fresh)
- 1 Medium Onion
- 40g Butter
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce (for umami)
- 4 Tbsp Brown Sugar (for subtle sweetness)
- 4 Tbsp Ketchup (for a sweet and tangy balance)
- 2/3 cup Water
- A dash of Black Pepper (to taste)
For the Fried Egg Garnish- 1 Egg
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the onions for the hamburg steak’s tender texture. Heat 40g of butter and 2 Tbsp of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the minced onion and sauté slowly until it becomes translucent. Once the onions start to turn golden brown, add 1 Tbsp of minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Sautéing the onions until they are deeply browned will significantly enhance their sweetness.
Step 2
Transfer the sautéed onions to a bowl and let them cool completely. It’s crucial to let them cool down to room temperature before adding them to the patty mixture, as adding them hot can prematurely cook the meat.
Step 3
In a large bowl, combine the ground pork, ground beef, completely cooled sautéed onions, 2 eggs, bread crumbs, 4 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce, and 1.5 Tbsp ketchup. Now, gently mix and knead everything together with your hands, as if you’re scooping ice cream, until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture becomes slightly sticky. Thoroughly incorporating all ingredients is key.
Step 4
Divide the mixture into portions about the size of a baseball and shape them into flattened patties. Avoid making them too thick. Gently press the center of each patty to prevent it from puffing up too much while cooking, which helps maintain a beautiful shape. Pat them into shape with your palms.
Step 5
For the hamburg steaks you plan to eat now, refrigerate them for at least 1 hour to allow the meat to become more tender and the flavors to meld. For any leftover hamburg steaks, wrap them individually and freeze them for a convenient meal anytime.
Step 6
Heat a frying pan with a generous amount of cooking oil over medium-low heat. Place the hamburg steak patties in the pan and sear them until they are golden brown on both sides. This searing step helps to seal in the juices. Be careful not to cook them over high heat, as the outside might burn before the inside is cooked through.
Step 7
Once the patties are seared, pour in 1/3 cup of water and immediately cover the pan with a lid. Steam them over low heat for about 5-7 minutes. Once the first side is cooked, flip the patties and steam the other side for another 5-7 minutes. If the water evaporates too quickly, add a little more hot water. The hamburg steak is done when the water has almost completely evaporated and the patties are tender.
Step 8
Now, let’s make the special sauce that pairs perfectly with the hamburg steak! In the same pan used for cooking the steaks, add a little more cooking oil and 40g of butter. Add the thinly sliced button mushrooms and onion and sauté until fragrant. It’s important to sauté the mushrooms and onions until their natural sweetness is released.
Step 9
To the sautéed vegetables, add 4 Tbsp brown sugar, 4 Tbsp ketchup, 2 Tbsp soy sauce, and 2/3 cup water. Stir well and simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce thickens. Finish with a dash of black pepper for added aroma. The delicious special sauce is now complete. Taste and adjust the sugar or soy sauce according to your preference.
Step 10
Arrange the finished hamburg steak on a warm plate, generously spooning the flavorful special sauce over the top. Finally, add a perfectly fried egg on top for a visually appealing and delicious hamburg steak dish. Enjoy your meal!
