Low Carb Hayashi Rice

Hayashi rice is a Japanese classic famous for its tender fall-apart beef and sweet, tangy, and umami sauce. Like many Japanese Keto recipes, this beef stew may require a bit more time in the kitchen, but we promise that every minute is worth it. This recipe is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for family dinners.

What is Hayashi rice?

Hayashi rice is the Japanese version of a hearty beef stew with its name derived from the British dish “hashed beef.” It is typically served over steamed rice; this is why people started calling it Hayashi rice. Slices of beef are stewed with onions and mushrooms in an umami sauce filled with Japanese condiments. It’s a classic comfort food that’s become a favorite among kids and grownups alike.

Is Hayashi rice Keto-friendly?

Most of the ingredients used to prepare traditional Hayashi rice are low in carbs and suitable for a Keto diet. However, a couple of ingredients like sugar and ketchup can be easily substituted by erythritol and sugar-free ketchup.

What is the secret to a rich and flavorful Hayashi rice?

• Brown the beef on all sides. The caramelized bits at the bottom of the skillet deepen and enrich the sauce’s flavor. • Don’t skip thickening the sauce with xanthan gum. A big part of this stew is its sauce. It carries all the great flavors of wine, meat, vegetables, and condiments. Omitting it will yield a runny sauce. If you don’t have this ingredient, you can use arrowroot powder, but that will add more carbs to your portion.

What to serve with this Keto Hayashi rice?

You can probably guess what is served with this dish by its name. Yes, rice. Plain steamed cauliflower rice is the perfect accompaniment to this meal because it balances out all the strong flavors and acts as a sponge for the thick sauce. Just like with many Keto Japanese recipes, you can swap the rice for this Keto Japanese steamed rice.