Skip to content

FREE WEEKLY MEAL PREPS! Sign up Now!

Easy Beef Negimaki (Grilled Japanese Steak and Scallion Rolls)

Published on June 19, 2023 by Sarah Troester
This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.

This easy grilled beef negimaki recipe is thinly sliced strips of flank steak marinated and wrapped around scallions, grilled until a smoky charred finish and brushed with a sweet and savory glaze. Beef negimaki is the perfect appetizer or dinner option for guests that is guaranteed to impress!

Have you ever had an appetizer at a restaurant so delicious that you couldn’t fathom not having it again? That’s 100% how I feel about beef negimaki. This savory dish is bursting with umami flavor, complemented by the sweetness of the scallions. It’s simply irresistible and about to be your new favorite appetizer or dinner for entertaining.

Summer is here, y’all! This means it’s time for backyard bbqs, family gatherings, and outdoor feasts! As a mom who loves all things food, I always want to serve something extra special for my guests. I’m always looking for that little something that will make their tastebuds jingle. (In walks this easy beef negimaki recipe).

what is beef negimaki?

Beef negimaki, or grilled steak and scallion rolls is a popular Japanese dish that consists of thinly sliced beef rolled around scallions (negi in Japanese). It is then grilled or broiled until tender. The beef is usually marinated in a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar before being wrapped around the scallions. This creates an unbeatable combination of savory and sweet flavors!

This irresistible dish can be served as an appetizer or a main course, and is often garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Beef negimaki is not only delicious, but also a great source of protein and a beloved dish of Japanese cuisine.

We can’t get enough of this beef negimaki recipe because it is easy to make. Most importantly, it is a wonderful dish to serve at a summer bbq or cozy dinner party. These steak and scallion rolls are a refreshing change from the usual burgers and hot dogs, giving your guests an amazing culinary experience. This dish is perfectly seasoned with savory umami flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

ingredients

To make this easy grilled beef negimaki recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online.

Here’s what we are working with:

how to make beef negimaki

  1. Cut the flank steak into thin slices, about 1/8-inch thickness and with a meat mallet, pound thin.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, ginger, and minced garlic. Place the sliced beef in the bowl, mix well and let marinate for about 20 minutes. *Do not discard the marinade!
  3. Bring a few quarts of water to a boil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt, then blanch scallions until just softened, a little less than 1 minute. Remove to a bowl of ice water and transfer the scallions to paper towels to drain and pat dry.
  4. Take a slice of beef, lay it flat, season with salt and pepper and place 2-3 scallions on top. Roll up tightly and secure with kitchen twin or toothpicks at the ends. Repeat until you have used all the beef and scallions and place rolls in a baking dish, reserving the marinade. Drizzle over the sesame oil.
  5. Grill or cook rolls in a pan over medium-heat, until well seared on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, brushing on sesame oil as needed. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 4-5 minutes.
  6. While the meat is resting, pour the reserved marinade into a small pot. Bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  7. Remove the toothpicks or twine from the negimaki rolls. Cut each roll into 6 1-inch slices. Arrange rolls on a plate and drizzle with the sauce.
  8. Garnish with sesame seeds and additional scallions, if desired.

what can I serve with beef negimaki?

We love to serve beef negimaki with a simple coconut rice and saki for sipping! To make this easy coconut rice, simply replace the water when cooking white rice with coconut milk and garnish with fresh cilantro if desired. Other options that would pair well would be edamame, Japanese pickles or salad, and/or grilled vegetables. Beef negimaki is a versatile dish that can be served on its own or as a par of a larger meal.

beef negimaki grilled steak and scallion rolls served with coconut cilantro white rice and drizzled with a Japanese marinated sauce.

We hope you love this easy and delicious grilled beef negimaki recipe as much as our little tribe has time and time again. Please leave us a star review and comment if you enjoyed this recipe!

Easy Beef Negimaki (Grilled Japanese Steak and Scallion Rolls)

  • DFDairy-Free
  • GFGluten-Free
  • LCLow Carb
  • PPaleo
This easy grilled beef negimaki recipe is thinly sliced strips of flank steak marinated and wrapped around scallions, grilled until a smoky charred finish and brushed with a sweet and savory glaze. Beef negimaki is the perfect appetizer or dinner option for guests that is guaranteed to impress!
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Cut the flank steak into thin slices, about 1/8-inch thickness and with a meat mallet, pound thin. 
  • In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, ginger, and minced garlic. Place the sliced beef in the bowl, mix well and let marinate for about 20 minutes. *Do not discard the marinade!
  • Bring a few quarts of water to a boil in a medium pot over medium-high heat. Add a pinch of salt, then blanch scallions until just softened, a little less than 1 minute. Remove to a bowl of ice water and transfer the scallions to paper towels to drain and pat dry.
  • Take a slice of beef, lay it flat, season with salt and pepper and place 2-3 scallions on top. Roll up tightly and secure with kitchen twin or toothpicks at the ends. Repeat until you have used all the beef and scallions and place rolls in a baking dish, reserving the marinade. Drizzle over the sesame oil.
  • Grill or cook rolls in a pan over medium-heat, until well seared on all sides, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, brushing on sesame oil as needed. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 4-5 minutes.
  • While the meat is resting, pour the reserved marinade into a small pot. Bring to a boil and cook until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes.
  • Remove the toothpicks or twine from the negimaki rolls. Cut each roll into 6 1-inch slices. Arrange rolls on a plate and drizzle with the sauce.
  • Garnish with sesame seeds and additional scallions, if desired.

Equipment

  • grill

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to tag thetastefultribe on instagram @thetastefultribe if you try this family-loved recipe. We love seeing your version of the recipe! You can also post your pictures to our facebook page!