Beef Misono is a popular teppanyaki-style dish in the Philippines that was popularized by the restaurant chain Tokyo Tokyo. It features thinly sliced beef sautéed with garlic soy sauce and butter for a quick and tasty meal.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to cook authentic beef misono at home, Tokyo Tokyo style.
A Brief History of Beef Misono
While Beef Misono is often thought of as a Japanese dish, it actually originated in the Philippines as Tokyo Tokyo’s signature menu item.
The name was likely inspired by Misono, a famous teppanyaki steakhouse in Kobe, Japan that has been serving high-quality wagyu beef since the 1940s. However, Tokyo Tokyo’s Beef Misono uses more affordable sliced beef instead of wagyu.
Even though it’s not authentic Japanese cuisine, Beef Misono became hugely popular in the Philippines in the 1990s and 2000s as Tokyo Tokyo expanded across the country. The combination of tasty, tender beef and garlic soy flavors made it an instant hit
Nowadays, Beef Misono is considered a classic Filipino-Japanese fusion dish that’s synonymous with the Tokyo Tokyo dining experience.
Ingredients Needed to Make Beef Misono
Cooking up Beef Misono at home is easy because it has a short ingredient list, Here’s what you’ll need
- 500g thinly sliced beef (chuck steak or sukiyaki cut)
- 3 tbsp Kikkoman soy sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Oil for cooking
The key is finding high-quality thinly sliced beef, as this keeps the meat tender once cooked. Chuck steak or sukiyaki cuts work very well.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these simple steps to cook Beef Misono just like they make it at Tokyo Tokyo:
1. Season the Beef
Season both sides of the beef slices evenly with salt and pepper. This adds flavor and helps the meat brown nicely.
2. Heat the Wok
Place a wok or large frying pan on high heat. Add just a small drizzle of oil and allow to heat up until almost smoking.
3. Sear the Beef
Working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, add the beef slices in a single layer and allow to sear undisturbed for 1 minute. Then stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until browned.
4. Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic and stir-fry for just 30 seconds to release aroma before adding the soy sauce.
5. Add the Soy Sauce
Give the soy sauce a quick stir to evenly coat the beef. Stir-fry for 2 minutes to allow it to reduce slightly and coat the beef.
6. Finish with Butter
Lower heat to medium then add the butter. Toss and stir for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking until melted and glossy.
7. Serve Immediately
Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot, paired with rice or noodles. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
The whole cooking process takes just about 10 minutes from start to finish. It’s a dish that’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but tasty enough for entertaining!
Tips for Making the Best Beef Misono
Here are some helpful tips to ensure your Beef Misono turns out perfectly:
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Use very high heat to achieve a good sear on the beef. This adds flavor.
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Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and steaming the meat.
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Add the garlic just before the soy sauce to release the aromatic oils.
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Use Kikkoman soy sauce for authentic Tokyo Tokyo flavor.
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Resist overcooking. Cook just until the beef reaches your desired doneness.
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Let meat rest for 2-3 minutes before slicing for juicier results.
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Add a tablespoon of oyster sauce for more intensity.
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Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds or fried garlic chips.
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Serve with steaming white rice, miso soup and salad for a complete Tokyo Tokyo-style meal.
FAQs About Cooking Beef Misono
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about making this classic Filipino-Japanese dish:
What cut of beef works best?
Look for thin slices from the chuck, round or sirloin. Chuck steak and sukiyaki cuts are ideal. Avoid pre-sliced stir-fry beef as it’s too thin.
Can I use frozen beef?
Not recommended. Thawed frozen beef won’t sear or brown properly. Use fresh or newly thawed beef only.
What if I can’t find Kikkoman soy sauce?
You can substitute with low-sodium soy sauce. Avoid thick, sweet Indonesian kecap manis.
Should I marinate the beef?
No need to marinate. The soy sauce adds plenty of flavor during cooking.
What sides go well with Beef Misono?
White rice, miso soup, salad, stir fried veggies. Tokyo Tokyo serves it with rice and their signature red iced tea.
Make Tokyo Tokyo’s Famous Beef Misono at Home
Beef Misono is a tasty fusion dish that brings the flavor of Tokyo Tokyo’s teppanyaki woks into your own kitchen. Follow this simple recipe and tips for results just like the popular restaurant chain. Enjoy this Filipino-Japanese favorite for a quick weeknight dinner or fun weekend meal.