Easy Mini Hamburg Steaks for Bento (Freezer-Friendly)

Name: Easy Mini Hamburg Steaks for Bento (Freezer-Friendly)
Ingredients: 10.5 oz (300 g) ground beef and pork mix; 1/2-1 onion (grated); 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs (about 18g); Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons ketchup (for sauce); 2 tablespoons each Worcestershire sauce and mirin (for sauce); 1 tablespoon each sugar, soy sauce, and oil (for sauce); 1 tablespoon oil (for frying)

さちぞー221 @sachizo221

A classic for bento boxes! These mini hamburg steaks are perfect for making ahead and freezing. Kids love them too! Featured in a recipe book. Thank you to everyone—over 1,000 people have tried this recipe as of March 7, 2021!
Recipe background:
I once read that using plenty of oil helps with preservation, so I experimented and adjusted the recipe to my taste. Now, it's a staple in our bento lunches.

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Ingredients

10.5 oz (300 g)ground beef and pork mix
1/2-1onion (grated)
3 tablespoonspanko breadcrumbs (about 18g)
Salt and pepper, to taste
3 tablespoonsketchup (for sauce)
2 tablespoonseach Worcestershire sauce and mirin (for sauce)
1 tablespooneach sugar, soy sauce, and oil (for sauce)
1 tablespoonoil (for frying)

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Steps

1

Mix all the sauce ingredients (marked with ☆) together in a bowl.
2

Knead all the other ingredients (except the sauce) together thoroughly.
3

Shape the mixture into small patties. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a frying pan over medium heat, then add the patties.
4

Once browned on one side, flip them over, cover with a lid, and steam-cook. Adjust cooking time based on the size and number of patties.
5

When mostly cooked through, pour in the prepared sauce, coat the patties, cover again, and steam for another 1–2 minutes.
6

Once the sauce is well absorbed and the patties are flavorful, they're done! Portion and freeze for later. In the morning, microwave and pack into your bento box.
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You can add a quail egg inside for a fun surprise.
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Make larger patties to serve as a main dish at the table. If adding cheese, place a slice on top, cover until melted, then serve. Drizzle extra sauce on top if you like.
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For a breakfast sandwich, place a patty and cheese in bread, wrap in plastic and a zip-top bag, and freeze. Move to the fridge the night before, then toast in the morning.
10

On February 3, 2016, this recipe ranked #1 in 'freezer' searches! Thank you so much to everyone who checked it out.
11

This recipe was featured in a cookbook—I'm so grateful!
12

It was featured in another cookbook as well. Thank you so much!
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On March 7, 2021, over 1,000 people reported making this recipe. I'm truly grateful to everyone!