Main Course

Jingisukan

A sizzling cast iron grill with thinly sliced marinated lamb, bean sprouts, and onions, served with dipping sauce and grilled vegetables
Prep
30 minutes
Cook
20 minutes
Servings
4
JapaneseMediumDinnerGluten FreeDairy Free

About this dish

Jingisukan is a Japanese grilled mutton dish named after Genghis Khan, reflecting the lamb-centric cuisine of Hokkaido. This recipe brings the savory, slightly sweet flavors of the signature marinade to your table, offering a taste of Japan's northern wilderness.

Ingredients

UK and US measurements are both included for every recipe.

Thinly sliced lamb leg

protein

600 g

Imperial measurement: 1.3 lbs

Soy sauce

liquid

60 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

Mirin

liquid

60 ml

Imperial measurement: 1/4 cup

Sake

liquid

30 ml

Imperial measurement: 2 tbsp

Grated garlic

herb

4 cloves

Fresh ginger

herb

1 tbsp

Sugar

other

1 tbsp

Sesame oil

fat

1 tbsp

Vegetable oil

fat

2 tbsp

Onion

vegetable

1 large

Bean sprouts

vegetable

200 g

Imperial measurement: 2 cups

Green bell pepper

vegetable

1

Shredded cabbage

vegetable

100 g

Imperial measurement: 1 cup

Method

1

Marinate the lamb

60 minutes

In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, grated garlic, grated ginger, sugar, and sesame oil. Add the lamb slices and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.

2

Prepare vegetables

10 minutes

While the lamb marinates, slice the onion, bell pepper (if using), and shred the cabbage. Set aside with the bean sprouts.

3

Heat the grill or skillet

2 minutes

Heat a large cast iron skillet or a Japanese grill over high heat. Add vegetable oil.

4

Sear the lamb

10 minutes

Working in batches to avoid crowding, add the marinated lamb slices to the hot skillet. Sear for about 1-2 minutes per side until browned and caramelized. Transfer to a plate and keep warm.

5

Grill the vegetables

3 minutes

In the same skillet, add the onions, bean sprouts, bell pepper, and cabbage. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, scraping up any browned bits from the meat.

6

Serve

2 minutes

Return the lamb to the skillet, toss briefly with the vegetables, and transfer everything to a serving platter. Serve immediately.

Equipment

  • Large cast iron skillet or Japanese BBQ grill
  • Mixing bowl
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board and knife

Nutrition facts

360 kcal
Calories
35 g
Protein
18 g
Carbohydrates
26 g
Fat
3 g
Fiber
1200 mg
Sodium

Tips

  • For best results, slice the lamb leg against the grain into thin, bite-sized pieces about 1/8 inch thick.
  • If you can't find mutton, lamb works perfectly—just look for a cut with some fat to keep the meat moist.
  • The key to a good jingisukan is the caramelization, so make sure the pan is very hot before adding the meat.
  • Serve with steamed rice and a side of Japanese pickles for a complete Hokkaido-inspired feast.

Serving suggestions

  • Serve this dish directly on the hot skillet, with steamed rice and a side of fresh vegetables or a simple green salad. It also pairs well with a light dipping sauce of ponzu or additional soy sauce.

Rate this recipe

No ratings yet. Be the first to rate it.

Ren Matsumoto

Recipe by

Ren Matsumoto

Specialises in Japanese cuisine

Ren Sato makes shabu-shabu with a konbu dashi so pure it tastes like the ocean.

Describe yourself in three words: Oceanic, pure, swishing meat.