Surprising Empty Restaurants With 100 Customers

Surprising Empty Restaurants With 100 Customers is a medium Japanese recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by Danny Kim on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min

Cost: $8.57 total, $4.28 per serving

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Ground Beef (80% lean, preferably grass‑fed)
  • 1 small Yellow Onion (finely diced)
  • 1 medium Carrot (peeled and diced small)
  • 4 oz Button Mushrooms (sliced)
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter (softened)
  • 1 tbsp All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
  • 1 cup Beef Broth (low‑sodium)
  • 2 tbsp Ketchup (adds subtle sweetness)
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire Sauce (provides umami depth)
  • 1 tbsp Soy Sauce (light soy preferred)
  • 2 tsp Curry Powder (Japanese curry powder works best)
  • 1/2 small Apple (peeled and grated for fruity note)
  • 2 cups Cooked White Rice (short‑grain Japanese rice, warm)
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper (freshly ground)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Dice the onion, carrot, and apple; slice the mushrooms. Measure out all sauces and spices.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Cook Rice

    Rinse 1 cup of short‑grain rice until water runs clear, then cook in a rice cooker or pot with 1¼ cups water. Keep warm.

    Time: PT15M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  3. Sauté Aromatics

    Heat the skillet over medium heat, melt butter, then add onion and carrot. Cook 4‑5 minutes until softened.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  4. Brown the Beef

    Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with the spoon. Cook 5‑6 minutes until no longer pink.

    Time: PT6M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  5. Add Mushrooms & Apple

    Stir in sliced mushrooms and grated apple. Cook 2 minutes until mushrooms soften.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  6. Create the Sauce

    Sprinkle flour over the mixture, stir for 1 minute to cook out raw flavor. Then pour in beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and curry powder. Bring to a gentle boil.

    Time: PT4M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  7. Simmer

    Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer 8‑10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened and flavors meld.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: Low heat

  8. Plate

    Divide cooked rice between two bowls, spoon the beef‑curry sauce over the rice, and garnish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or green onion if desired.

    Time: PT3M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
28g
Carbohydrates
78g
Fat
22g
Fiber
4g

Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains soy

Allergens: Wheat (flour), Soy (soy sauce), Dairy (butter)

Last updated: April 12, 2026

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Surprising Empty Restaurants With 100 Customers

Recipe by Danny Kim

A comforting Japanese‑style beef stew with mushrooms, carrots, and a sweet‑savory curry sauce served over fluffy rice. Inspired by the Hayashi Rice featured at Okanomi Asian Grill in Fairfax, this recipe captures the rich, slightly fruity flavor that impressed Danny Kim and his friends.

MediumJapaneseServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
5m
Prep
45m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.57
Total cost
$4.28
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Sauté aromatics until softened (Step 3)
  • Brown the ground beef properly for flavor (Step 4)
  • Create a smooth sauce without lumps by whisking flour and broth (Step 6)
  • Simmer long enough for sauce to thicken and develop flavor (Step 7)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle hot skillet and boiling sauce with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a stable cutting board; keep fingers tucked while chopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Hayashi Rice in Japanese cuisine?

A

Hayashi Rice, or "Hayashi Raisu," originated in early 20th‑century Japan as a Western‑inspired "yōshoku" dish, blending Japanese rice with a beef‑and‑mushroom demi‑glace style sauce. It became a comfort food staple, especially in school cafeterias and family homes, representing Japan’s adaptation of European flavors.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Hayashi Rice in Japan?

A

While the classic version uses beef, onions, and mushrooms in a thick brown sauce, some regions add carrots, peas, or even a splash of red wine. In Hokkaido, a touch of miso may be incorporated, whereas Kansai cooks sometimes finish the sauce with a dash of mirin for extra sweetness.

cultural
Q

How is Hayashi Rice traditionally served in Japan?

A

Traditionally, Hayashi Rice is ladled over a mound of short‑grain Japanese rice on a shallow bowl, often garnished with a sprinkle of parsley or chopped green onion. It is usually enjoyed with a side of pickled vegetables (tsukemono) and a cup of green tea.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is Hayashi Rice associated with in Japanese culture?

A

Hayashi Rice is a popular home‑cooked meal for family gatherings, school events, and casual office lunches. Its comforting flavor makes it a go‑to dish for cooler weather and for celebrating simple, everyday moments rather than formal festivals.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Hayashi Rice versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic Hayashi Rice calls for beef (or sometimes pork), onions, mushrooms, butter, flour, beef broth, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and Japanese curry powder. Substitutes include ground turkey for beef, gluten‑free flour for thickening, and low‑sodium broth to control salt.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese yōshoku dishes pair well with Hayashi Rice?

A

Hayashi Rice pairs nicely with classic Japanese sides such as miso soup, a simple cucumber sunomono salad, and tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette). A crisp green tea or a light Japanese lager also complements the rich sauce.

cultural
Q

What makes Hayashi Rice special or unique in Japanese yōshoku cuisine?

A

Hayashi Rice stands out because it blends Western demi‑glace techniques with Japanese rice culture, creating a hearty, sauce‑laden bowl that is both familiar and distinctively Japanese. Its balance of savory, sweet, and slightly fruity notes makes it uniquely comforting.

cultural
Q

How has Hayashi Rice evolved over time in Japanese home cooking?

A

Originally a restaurant dish, Hayashi Rice entered home kitchens after World War II when canned broth and ketchup became widely available. Modern versions often simplify the sauce with ready‑made curry roux or add vegetables like peas for extra texture, reflecting contemporary convenience.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Hayashi Rice at home?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the beef, which makes it dry, and failing to whisk the flour‑broth mixture, leading to lumps. Also, neglecting to simmer the sauce long enough results in a thin, under‑flavored broth.

technical
Q

Why does this Hayashi Rice recipe use butter and flour for thickening instead of a pre‑made roux or cornstarch?

A

Butter and flour create a classic roux that adds a silky mouthfeel and richer flavor than cornstarch, staying true to the traditional yōshoku technique. It also allows the sauce to develop a deeper, caramelized note during the brief cooking of the roux.

technical
Q

Can I make Hayashi Rice ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day ahead, refrigerate in an airtight container, and gently reheat before serving. Keep the rice separate and re‑steam or microwave it when ready to plate to maintain texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Hayashi Rice sauce is done?

A

The sauce should be glossy, coat the back of a spoon, and have a medium‑thick consistency—thick enough to cling to the rice but still pourable. It should be a deep brown color with visible pieces of mushroom and carrot.

technical
Q

How do I know when Hayashi Rice is done cooking?

A

The dish is finished when the beef is no longer pink, the vegetables are tender, and the sauce has thickened after simmering 8‑10 minutes. Taste for seasoning; the flavor should be balanced between savory, sweet, and a hint of fruitiness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Danny Kim specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Danny Kim focuses on discovering and supporting hidden‑gem local restaurants, sharing honest food reviews, and highlighting culinary stories from diverse cuisines across the United States.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Danny Kim's approach to Japanese‑inspired dishes differ from other food channels?

A

Danny Kim emphasizes real‑world restaurant experiences, often featuring dishes like Hayashi Rice straight from local eateries, while many other channels recreate recipes in a studio kitchen. His style blends storytelling with practical cooking tips for home cooks.

channel

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