Towada Barayaki (Teppanyaki beef and onions)
A beloved Towada specialty of beef short plate and onions in a sweet-and-savory sauce.

About Towada Barayaki (Teppanyaki beef and onions)

Towada Barayaki, a local specialty of Towada City in Aomori Prefecture, is one of the area’s best-known casual comfort foods. It is made by cooking a generous amount of onion and beef short plate in a soy-based sweet-and-savory sauce on a hot plate until the moisture has cooked away.

The dish is said to have originated in 1958 at a food stall outside Misawa Air Base. Initially served to American service members, it gradually became popular with local residents and established itself as a home-cooked dish.

The main ingredient, beef short plate, has a moderate amount of fat and a rich, savory flavor. Aomori-grown onions are used, and their sweetness enhances the dish. The sauce also includes garlic, a specialty of Aomori, giving the dish a fragrant finish.

In terms of nutrition, the beef provides protein and iron, while the onions provide vitamin C and dietary fiber. The allicin in garlic is said to help with fatigue recovery and support immune function.

Towada Barayaki is also served at local events and food fairs, helping to revitalize the region. It has been recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ “SAVOR JAPAN” program, and efforts are being made to introduce it to audiences overseas.

The dish pairs well with full-bodied junmai sake or ginjo sake with a light acidity. If you visit Aomori Prefecture, enjoy Towada Barayaki with locally brewed sake.

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