Beef Hayashi Rice with Mushrooms

If you love japanese curry, you’ll absolutely love this beef hayashi rice with mushrooms. The sauce is both sweet and savory and pairs wonderfully with some warm rice.

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Ingredients for Hayashi Rice

Before making this recipe, make sure you have all the ingredients you need. Swaps and alternatives are listed down below.

Sliced beef: You can purchase a steak and slice it or purchase pre sliced beef.
Onion: Yellow, white or sweet will work fine for this recipe.
Mushrooms: I use brown mushrooms, but white or button work fine.
Hayashi rice mix: I use the S&B Hayashi Rice mix which comes in cubes.
Tomato sauce: I buy the pre-pureed stuff, but you can also blend whole or diced canned tomatoes.
Water: Straight out of the tap is perfectly fine!
Neutral oil: Canola, vegetable or avocado oil are my favorites.

How to make Hayashi Rice

In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil. Add sliced beef, onions and mushrooms. Stir fry until beef is browned and onions and mushrooms are soft, about 5 minutes. Add tomato sauce and water and bring to a boil.

Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat and add hayashi rice mix. Stir until the sauce is completely dissolved. Serve with warm rice and enjoy!

What’s the difference between hayashi and curry?

Hayashi rice and Japanese curry are similar, but their flavors are very different. Both thick, filled with meat and vegetables and pair great with rice. But, hayashi rice is more gravy-like while Japanese curry is more curry-like (of course).

Hayashi rice is a bit sweeter and meatier than Japanese curry. I would describe it as a mix between teriyaki sauce and brown gravy. It pairs well with beef and mushrooms. Japanese curry pairs well with beef, but vegetables like potatoes and carrots are more suitable choices.

What vegetables work best in this recipe?

I love making this recipe with onions and mushrooms. These vegetables work well with the sweetness of the sauce. Stir frying these vegetables for a bit before adding the tomato sauce and water will help bring out their natural sweetness and enhance the flavor more.

That being said, you can add any other vegetables you desire to the dish. Other vegetables I think would pair well with this dish include carrots, shallots, garlic, zucchini, broccoli and green beans.

Where to get hayashi rice mix

There are a few different places you can find hayashi rice mix. First, I recommend checking out your local asian grocery store. I recommend getting the S&B Hayashi Rice Mix. It’s the most popular and best tasting (in my opinion) version. It should be located with the Japanese curry mixes.

If you have no luck finding the mix at an asian grocery store or don’t have one near you, you can also purchase the mix online since it’s non-perishable (doesn’t require refrigeration). Here are a few suggestions (I do make a small commission if you purchase any of these using my link).

Is hayashi rice good for you?

Beef hayashi rice provides a few servings of vegetables along with some protein and micronutrients. It’s not a very nutrient dense meal, but it does provide some nutrients that are beneficial for your body.

One serving of beef hayashi rice (just the gravy, no rice) provides about 250 calories, 21 grams of protein and about 3 grams of fiber. It’s a good source of B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium, potassium, selenium and zinc.

How to store the leftovers

If you have leftovers, good news! This recipe stores very well. I recommend storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last about 2-3 days. When you are ready to eat it, simply plate it with some rice and microwave it to perfection.

Alternatively, you can freeze the leftovers. Transfer it to an airtight container or plastic bag and keep in the freezer for up to 6 months. You can transfer it to a microwave safe bowl and microwave it in one minute intervals until it is warm. Also serve with rice.

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