Nothing’s going to make sushi connoisseurs everywhere roll their eyes in disdain like these Teriyaki Steak Sushi Burgers! And isn’t that just the BEST? 🙂 I mean these are burger “buns” made out of seasoned sushi rice, with perfectly cooked, glossy, caramelized, sweet teriyaki flank steak in the middle, and then decoratively wrapped in a strip of roasted seaweed. As someone who loves inspired cooking, I adore this marriage of two distinct food cultures! (RECIPE + VIDEO)
(Post updated April 03, 2016)
Sushi bars are everywhere in Australia. Some places are fancier than others and feature “sushi-go-rounds” (or sushi trains) while others serve a distinctly fast food culture where they sell them by the roll for take away. This latter kind is of course cheaper (with standard fillings and flavours, and no caviar) but just as delicious. For a while they were my fast food meal of choice (especially with some pickled ginger). Yum! I found them to be a tastier and healthier alternative to burgers (which were also everywhere!), that didn’t leave me with a greasy feeling of guilt inside. (Not that I’m opposed to greasy food. Heck, I’m not opposed to any kind of food! How sacrilegious would that be? It’s just that greasy fast food has a time and place, and lunch break every day didn’t seem like it.)
Then one day, when I was away from home for work, I came across an invention that you could only have expected from a fast food restaurant chain (MOS burger) that originated in Japan. Sushi burgers! For a whole week my lunch was Sushi burgers, and I’ve been waiting to try them at home since then. For far too long now, I should add. The wait is no more. Behold these Teriyaki Flank Steak Sushi Burgers!
Teriyaki Steak Sushi Burger without the egg
So what’s a sushi burger? It’s like your regular burger (well, not really), except that the burger “buns” here are made of sushi rice. You can either have a sushi type filling or a burger type filling in the middle. You can wrap the whole “burger” with Nori (seaweed) or just sprinkle some Nori Furikake seasoning. Basically, it’s the kind of thing that will have sushi connoisseurs everywhere rolling their eyes in disdain.
And as you can tell, the star of my filling was Teriyaki steak. Now, I’ve had teriyaki before, which I’m sure everyone who likes Asian food has at some point. The problem though is that I’ve had way too many watered down, pale brown versions of “teriyaki” meat. Not the authentic, glistening, sweet, grilled meat (which incidentally is what teriyaki translates to; shiny/glossy, grilled or broiled meat). The shine comes from the sugars and the mirin (sauce).
You can use flank steak (which is my favourite cut for the sushi burger), or skirt steak. But I have used other cuts too, like top round. You can even use tenderloin or New York strip if you want to. The main thing is to use a cut that you can slice thinly, against the grain so that it remains tender after being grilled.
The Teriyaki steak has a beautiful sheen once cooked / grilled on high heat.
The teriyaki marinade is so easy to put together and can also be used for chicken (which I did by the way and was delicious!). I added some cayenne pepper to give it a little bit of heat, and also to balance the sweetness. This teriyaki recipe is very versatile. You can cook the teriyaki sauce and store it in the fridge to be used as a dipping sauce, marinade or stirfry sauce. Or use the mix as a marinade, before cooking it off.
If I don’t have teriyaki marinade in the fridge, I sometimes mix up a smaller amount of the ingredients and marinade the meat directly in it and cook it all off at the end.
The glossy, caramelized meat looked and smelled (and tasted) incredible and you better believe it when I say that it was sheer will power that kept us from finishing off the meat (on its own) before we could assemble the burgers! In my husband’s case it was me slapping him away that kept him from finishing the meat! 🙂
A note on Sushi rice – I used to be intimidated by sushi rice. I can cook rice like Basmati in a rice cooker without measuring out the rice and water with a cup, but sushi rice? I was not so sure. But then I did make it, and it turned out to be just as easy! And now I wonder what I was afraid of for so long! Of course I don’t have any traditional utensils to cook sushi rice, but I make do with what I have.
To make the Sushi “Buns” by hand, you need to make sure you have clean hands (obviously!) and a bowl of cool water that you can dip your hands in before handling the rice. This prevents the rice from sticking to your hands.
Another way (my preferred way), is to use egg rings. Place the portioned sushi rice in a moistened egg ring, and press the rice into it using a wet spoon until it has been molded and packed in. Then when you remove the ring, you have perfect rice “buns”!
Here’s another knowledge bomb. Traditional “Sushi” is named as such because of the seasoned rice. If you roll up bread with stuff inside – that ain’t sushi, because there’s no actual sushi in it (the seasoned rice).
Sushi Rice Buns
I love the idea of a sushi burger. As someone who loves inspired cooking and food, this marriage of two distinct food cultures/styles is an amusingly clever idea. It is a little messy as you can imagine (after all, the “burger buns” are made of tightly packed sushi rice and they do fall apart a little), but isn’t that always the case with a good burger? I eat mine with chopsticks, whereas my husband enjoys his with a fork and knife. It’s not the traditional way to eat a burger but it’s not a traditional burger either!
I’ve even made a chicken version of the sushi burger – Chicken Katsu Sushi Burger – with perfectly cooked Chicken Katsu, a cheat’s Tonkatsu sauce, and a fluffy and delicious Asian spring onion omelet! So go ahead and get the recipe now!
Chicken Katsu Sushi Burger (just click on the image to go to this recipe)
My version of the steak Sushi Burger has Teriyaki sauce, Wasabi Mayonnaise, a runny egg, Nori furikake, and Pickled Ginger. I absolutely adore pickled ginger – I am guilty of eating it straight from the Jar, and stealing extra packets from Sushi bars! I also love having mine with an egg – to me there is something glorious about a golden runny yolk being soaked up by a sweet, vinegary rice “bun”! However, if you decide to skip the egg, that’s okay too. That’s how my husband liked his and I still sort of like him. He has since come to the dark side, and loves his with a runny egg too!
A Photo from the first published post in 2015
Or you could have it as an open sandwich, with just one sushi rice bun and the meat filling, egg and nori, lettuce and pickled ginger on top – This is my way of eating this burger most of the time. Since two “buns” can be too much for me.
No matter how you decide to eat it, the flavours are absolutely incomparable! The sushi rice is seasoned really well and the perfectly cooked steak strips and marinade are incredibly flavourful and impart their flavour on the rice as well. Even though you do add a fair amount of sugar into the teriyaki sauce, it’s not too sweet at all. It tastes perfect, and the spices help balance the sweetness too.
- 12 oz Flank Steak, Skirt Steak, or your favourite cut, sliced thinly against the grain.
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup mirin
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tsp grated ginger
- 2 tsp cayenne pepper (reduce the amount if you prefer less heat)
- 1 ½ cups of Sushi rice, washed until the water runs clear
- 1 ½ cups of cold water
- ¼ cup black sesame seeds (optional)
- ¼ cup mirin
- ¼ cup rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tbsp salt
- ½ cup of Kewpie Mayonnaise or Regular Mayonnaise
- 2 tsp of Wasabi
- Lettuce
- 1-2 Nori sheets cut into quarters
- 3 fried sunny side eggs
- Nori Furikake seasoning
- Pickled Ginger
- Avacado (optional)
- Cucumber (optional)
- Place all the ingredients for the sauce in a saucepan and heat gently on low-medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sugar has completely dissolved, let it come to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes. If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer for a longer time.
- Let it cool to room temperature. Store in an air tight jar/container.
- Mix ½ cup of the teriyaki sauce with the flank steak. Let it marinade for about an hour. (Alternatively, you can add the ½ cup of the Teriyaki sauce ingredients mixed well together, without cooking)
- Brush a non stick frying pan with some peanut oil generously and heat till the oil starts to shimmer.
- Grill the steak strips in batches (do not over-crowd the pan), 30 seconds on each side (longer depending on how thick the slices are). If any steak or marinade juices accumulate in the pan, remove this before adding another batch, as the meat will not caramelize properly with moisture in the pan.
- Let the steak rest for about 5-10 minutes.
- If there is leftover uncooked marinade, this can be added to the hot (clean) pan, to be reduced slightly to be used as a glaze for the Rice Buns.
- Place all the ingredients in a small saucepan and heat on medium heat. Stir to make sure the sugar and salt dissolve. Once it comes to a light boil, remove from the heat and set aside.
- Let the washed rice dry in a colander or sieve for about 10 minutes. Place the rice and the water in a rice cooker and let it cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Keep the rice warm.
- Please note that sushi rice is best eaten on the day it is cooked. It can dry out and taste extremely stale. Therefore, cook the rice and keep it warm until ready to be mixed in with the seasoning.
- When you're ready to make the sushi burgers, spread the rice in a larger bowl or container (bamboo container is better, but I used a glass container). Sprinkle ¼ cup of black sesame seeds on top. Keep a wet cloth handy.
- Measure out roughly ⅓ of a cup of the sushi seasoning and sprinkle on top of the rice, and using a wide spoon (like a rice paddle) “chop” and fold the rice lightly, taking care not to squash or break the rice.
- Roughly divide the rice into 6 equal portions.
- Shaping Buns by hand - Using wet hands shape each portion into a burger bun. Keep them on a plate covered with the wet cloth.
- Shaping Buns with an Egg ring - Place wet egg rings on a parchment paper and place a portion of rice in the egg ring. Using a wet spoon, press the rice into the egg rings until it forms a compact, molded rice "bun".
- In a small non stick frying pan, brush some oil and sear just one side of each rice bun for about 5 minutes on medium heat, or until it starts to caramelize a little. Set aside and keep covered with a wet cloth.
- Mix the Mayonnaise and wasabi together until mixed thouroughly. Cover and keep it in the fridge till needed.
- On the bottom sushi burger bun, brush some Teriyaki glaze/teriyaki sauce. Place some teriyaki steak strips on top and place the egg on top of the steak, followed by lettuce and/or Nori. Brush the top Sushi burger "bun" with some teriyaki sauce and spread some Wasabi Mayonnaise. Place this ontop of the lettuce. Top the Sushi burger with Nori Furikake and Pickled Ginger.
- Other optional fillings - teriyaki chicken, avocado, grilled mushroom, cucumber.
- Wrap with foil or parchment paper until ready to eat.
So, what did we learn today?
Sushi is called that because of the seasoned rice. Not the sea weed wrapper or the shape. No seasoned rice – no sushi.
This is an inventive way of enjoying sushi! It’s easier than you think and you can use any filling you like! (so stay tuned, more ideas coming up very soon!)
Teriyaki roughly translates to shiny or glossy grilled or broiled meat. So make sure you’re making authentic teriyaki because it’s super easy! The shine is a result of the caramelization of sugars in the mirin.
If you liked this recipe don’t forget to subscribe for new (and free) recipes by entering your email address below or on the side bar (and get all these recipes delivered straight to your inbox), so you don’t miss out on a thing. You can find me on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM, PINTEREST, YOU TUBE and GOOGLE-PLUS too.
I’ll be sharing my recipe over at –
FoodieFriDIY | Friday Favorites | Fiesta Fridays | Saucy Saturdays
Photos from the first version of the Teriyaki Flank Steak Sushi Burger published in 2015.
OH wow, these are so creative and amazing looking! Sushi and burgers are two of my favorite foods :-). Can’t wait to try them!!
Wow! I can almost taste how delicious these are just from looking at the photos.
Oh my, this looks beautiful AND delicious! Love the idea of flavorful marinated flank steak with sticky rice. I’ll be trying this soon. I just discovered your beautiful site from my friend Kevin at Kevin Is Cooking. 🙂
Thank you so much Sally!! 😀 This definitely was so much fun to make and the steak is SO GOOD – by itself or with anything really! hahaha!!
Oh this has to be done here at “Chez Chopper”. I love the idea of sushi rice instead of a “bready” bun. I bet the flavors of steak and egg shine! Absolutely lovely and fun!!
This is so unique I love it!
Your photos are amazing as well.
I am pinning this and will make it for my Dad as can’t eat gluten so always ends up with just meat if we ever have burgers.
Such a great idea!!! I love it!!!!
Thank you so much Claire! 🙂 It is a great alternative for sure! I really hope he loves it as much as we did!
Hey! 🙂
I coincidentally ran into your post via the fiesta friday party and your recipe really had me stunned – so new, so different, so fresh! I immediately had to share it via facebook and mail to my friends…
Sadly, I am not the cooking but rather the baking kinda person but I will find somebody to make this for me, because I can’t get it off of my mind!
Amazing… amazing… amazing!
Have a baketastisc day,
Your Backdirndl
Thank you so much for visiting my blog and sharing my blog too!! I really appreciate it! 🙂 I absolutely adore baking and would gladly bake everyday if there was no such thing as calories!! hahaha!! 😀 I’m looking at your blog as I type this and it looks AMAZING!! I can’t wait to really snoop around! 😀
I suspect you are a genius. <3
😀 Thank you Jessie!!
HOW do you do it?? You always have such original and delicious looking recipes!! Gorgeous photos too 😉 Thank you for sharing with Friday Favorites, we love having you join us!
So creative and your pics are beautiful!
I was immediately drawn to this recipe, it looks amazing! I love, love, love sushi but I’ve never heard of sushi burgers. I would have one right now just a vegetarian version :).
The flank steak looked incredible Dini. Sushi is one of my favorite foods. Together? OMG, brilliant and unexoected!
This is amazing! It looks so good but I can only imagine it will taste even better, inspired! Recipe saved and I can’t wait to make it! thanks for sharing this brilliant dish! 🙂
Thank you Petra! 🙂 Please let me know what you think, because I would absolutely love to know! I loved the teriyaki that we made chicken teriyaki with it too 🙂
hi Dini
I finally did your burgers and they are absolutely delicious! 🙂
I am absolutely going to make this!!! It looks so cute. Thanks so much for sharing.
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Ohhh Dini!!! How creative honey!! This is just incredible! I love the egg ooze pic..makes me want to cry 🙂
Thank you Mila! 😀 The Egg yolk ooze gets me every single time too…
This kind of burger is the kind of burger I should eat right now. And that egg – ouch!!
This looks incredibly good, Dini. xx
This recipe looks beyond fabulous! I can never get enough of sushi 😀
I know I will not be the only one at FF vowing to try this sensational hybrid recipe. The idea is just so tempting, and your photos A+.
This looks great!!!
I’ve had Mos Burger before as I’m originally from Singapore. My favourite is their teriyaki chicken burger and their rice burgers are my second fav. Yum! delicious photos as well.
Thank you Vasunthara! MOS burgers are fantastic aren’t they? I only had the rice burgers (because I love sushi) with Mushrooms… and never got a chance to taste the other burgers unfortunately! Can’t wait to try out the others.
Oh my goodness, serious yum going on here! I have so many friends that are gluten intolerant and this is a perfect solution.
My mouth is watering. Wonderful idea. I’ve pinned it as it could also have a place in a summer BBQ with a ground meat pattie. Maybe wrapped in lettuce at the end to capture all the juices. Where do you get all these ideas?
Thank you Liz! 😀 I got the inspiration for this from MOS burgers 🙂
This definitely can be gluten free (may have to swap for gluten free soy sauce though)! I love Sushi in any form and can have it any day! I also made this another day with one “bun” with the filling wrapped in Lettuce! It was delicious!! Although my husband liked the burger concept more…
Please let me know if you do make it? I’d love to know how it turned out!
Only yesterday I ate a delicious sushi salad with brown rice and kale, and now it’s a sushi burger! Win-win! 🙂
Dini, you are one creative cook!This looks awesome!
I don’t know whether it’s your photography or your innovative dishes which amaze me more every single time.
What an invention Dini…. you do come up with the most innovative ideas. Love this sushi-inspired recipe, it would suit every palate. Another job well done, from the photos to the ingredients to the entire presentation! Great job!
Thank you so much Loretta! 🙂 I definitely was inspired by MOS burgers! You’re absolutely right, it’s so adaptable to suit anyone’s taste and dietary needs… I know we could have it all the time! 😀
I love your Teriyaki Sushi Burger!!! Such a clever idea 🙂 I would probably go for the open burger couple of times a week..I cannot say no to sushi. Have a wonderful weekend, Dini!
Thank you Oana! 🙂 I would agree… as much as I loved the Sushi burgers ( and my husband had 2!), I think my appropriate portion would be to have the open burger wrapped in lettuce! That way I get a better teriyaki to rice ratio! 😉
What a clever and cool idea!
I’m in awe how you always come up with the absolute best ideas! Amazing, and the rice buns look so cute with the black sesame 🙂
Thank you! 🙂 I was inspired by MOS burgers that make a version of rice burgers. I love black sesame seeds and just had to add them!
Absolutely Speechless! This looks great! Never seen anything like this! Awesome <3
Yum, sounds great! I have been thinking about making sushi a lot recently, but funnily enough this wasn’t in my list of thoughts though maybe it should have been!
I hope you do Caroline 🙂 We had Sushi throughout the past two weeks! from Sushi bowls, to burgers to rolls… it’s so addictive and so delicious! 🙂
Amazing photographs – stunning!
OMG, Dini! You have revolutionized sushi with one post! The colours and flavours and concept is beyond words! None of us will ever look at sushi the same way, or burgers for that matter! I for one, can’t wait to try this. Thanks a million for sharing this with us today at FF! 😀
This looks SOOOOOOOOOO good, I’ve never seen anything like this, it’s so creative and your pictures are beautiful!!!!! I love it! 🙂
Dini, I am in awe! I bow down before you! This is the most startling invention since sliced bread! The flavours, the colours, the photos – wow, I’m almost speechless… well, sort of! Your have revolutionized sushi with one post! We are so lucky that you have shared this with us at FF! 😀
This recipe is so unique, original. I decided to try it. Thank you for the recipe!
Thank you Cecilia! Please let me know how it comes out! 🙂