Hamburger & Pea Okazu
The Easiest 30 Minute Meal: Hamburger & Pea Okazu
A Simple, Nostalgic Japanese Stir Fry
Growing up, my cousins and I basically lived at our grandparents' house next door. It didn’t matter if it was 8 AM or 10 PM—there was always food on the table. My Grandma Daisy made sure of that. One dish that stands out in my memory, time and time again, is her hamburger, pea, and rice okazu. It wasn’t fancy, but it was everything: warm, filling, and deeply comforting.
Okazu is the Japanese word for a side dish or stir fry—basically anything served with rice. It’s a catch-all for simple, no-frills meals made from whatever’s on hand. In this case, it’s just ground beef, frozen peas, and a splash of soy sauce.
But trust me: it's more than the sum of its parts.
🍚 Why You’ll Love This Dish
Minimal ingredients, maximum comfort
A true one-pan meal that comes together fast
Freezer and budget friendly
Endlessly customizable with toppings
💬 Ugly Delicious, Family Approved
As chef David Chang might say, this is “ugly delicious” at its finest. No frills, no garnish swans, just real food that tastes amazing and feeds your soul.
Years later, when I started babysitting my younger cousins, this was our go-to dish when we couldn’t figure out what to eat. It’s just that kind of recipe—it shows up when you need it most.
To this day, a bite of this okazu takes me straight back to my grandparents’ house, crowding around the kitchen table with my cousins, eating big bowls of rice and laughing about something completely dumb. Simpler times, better vibes.
🥢 The Easiest Recipe Of All Time
As you read on, you’ll see this really is the easiest recipe of all time. Here are some ways to customize it, once you master the basics, which to be honest - shouldn’t take you that long!
Switch up the protein: you can swap out hamburger for ground pork, chicken or my favorite turkey.
Add enhancements: sauté diced onions and garlic before adding the meat for maximum flavor!
Make it vegetarian: add in tofu and a ton of veggies, swap out the meat!
Serve it alongside roasted veggies: squash is one of my favorites to serve this dish with, along with steamed broccoli or bok choy!
Elevate your toppings: pair this with a shoyu egg or a regular old fried egg for some richness
More Questions? Check out the FAQs
What does “okazu” mean?
“Okazu” refers to side dishes in Japanese cuisine, especially those served with rice. In this case, it’s a humble, stir-fried dish that’s easy enough to make any time.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Absolutely. Just blanch them first so they cook evenly and keep their pop.
Is this a traditional Japanese dish?
This version is more of a Japanese-American home-style recipe, born out of convenience, comfort, and family kitchens. It’s not fancy, but it’s full of flavor and heart.
Can I meal prep this?
Yes! It keeps well in the fridge for 3–4 days. Just reheat and serve over fresh rice.
Where can I find red shoga?
Red pickled ginger (beni shoga or aka shoga) is usually in the refrigerated section of Asian grocery stores, near the miso and pickles. As red dye has been banned in the US - I’m curious to see how this will evolve. For now, I recommend using pink shoga instead!
✌️ Final Thoughts
Not all food needs to be complicated to be meaningful. This hamburger and pea okazu is comfort food at its simplest and best! An everlasting recipe that’s fed generations in my family, and now, hopefully, yours too.
Hamburger & Pea Okazu REcipe
Hamburger & Pea Okazu
This easy hamburger and pea okazu is a Japanese-American stir fry made with just a few ingredients and packed with nostalgic flavor. A comforting, budget-friendly rice bowl you’ll want on repeat.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the Peas: Toss in the frozen peas (no need to defrost). Stir well and let them cook with the beef for a few minutes until they’re warmed through and tender. Start with 1/2 a bag and then adjust to your liking.
- Season It Up: Add a small splash of usukuchi shoyu, just enough to bring everything together. Stir and taste, then adjust as needed.
- Serve Over Rice: Spoon your okazu mixture over hot steamed rice and top with pickled ginger, furikake, or any pickled veggies you have hanging out in the fridge. Japanese folks love a good pickle with their rice, and this dish welcomes it all.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
362Fat
23 gSat. Fat
9 gCarbs
14 gFiber
3 gNet carbs
11 gSugar
3 gProtein
23 gSodium
271 mgCholesterol
81 mgNutritional information provided here is based on estimates and may vary depending on the brand and preparation methods used. Always check food labels for accurate nutritional details.
