Shimane Prefecture, on the Japan Sea coast near the western tip of Honshu, is known for its rich food offerings, such as seafood and Shimane brand wagyu, or Japanese black cow.
Its roast beef, made with Shimane wagyu round, is a particular favorite of mine. It is sold by Izumo Minami Hompo, a mail-order business of the Minami Group. The group's flagship business is its traditional Japanese ryokan inn Minami-kan, located in Matsue.
Shimane wagyu is tender and savory, with smooth fat. Sprinkling salt and pepper on this carefully selected beef, roasting its surface, and then soaking it in a soy sauce based dressing turns it into a delectable Japanese-style roast beef. The sauce is the creation of Manabu Watanabe, the head chef at the Minami Group. The mail-order version of this roast beef comes with a small container of the sauce. It tastes light and simple: soy sauce mixed with citrus juice and grated radish.
Once you receive the meat, which is shipped frozen, simply thaw it, slice it 2 to 5 millimeters thin, and then pour on the sauce. With a rich flavor and chewiness, it delivers a luxurious taste. The refreshing sauce goes very well with the beef's flavor. This is recommended for when one has a visitor or during a special family get-together.
Minami-kan started its business next to Lake Shinji in 1888. In addition to the ryokan, it also operates restaurants serving Japanese cuisine. The roast beef is also served at Aji Minami Fujinatei, a restaurant next to Izumo Minami Hompo near Lake Shinji.
One brand of sake that will go well with the roast beef is Rihaku Tokubetsu Junmai, full-bodied with a clean aftertaste, brewed by Rihaku Sake Brewing Co.
--Yorozu is a journalist.
Manufacturer: Izumo Minami Hompo
Address: 21-1 Tamayucho Fujina, Matsue, 699-0203
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