Traditional Sukiyaki Hot Pot Recipe
Ingredients:
- 500g (1 lb) thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin)
- 200g (7 oz, approx. 1 brick) firm tofu, cut into cubes
- 1 large onion, sliced
- 200g (1 ½ cups) shiitake or enoki mushrooms, cleaned
- 200g (2 cups) napa cabbage, chopped
- 100g (1 cup) shungiku (chrysanthemum greens) or spinach
- 150g (1 ½ cups) shirataki noodles or rice noodles
- 50ml (¼ cup) soy sauce
- 50ml (¼ cup) mirin
- 40g (3 tbsp) sugar
- 200ml (1 cup) dashi stock or water
- Optional: 2 eggs, beaten (for dipping)
Cooking Time:
Total estimated time: 45 minutes
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Broth
In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and dashi stock. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved. This mixture forms the classic sweet-savory sukiyaki broth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cooking Base Ingredients
Place the shallow pot on the electric hot pot or stove. Heat the pot over medium heat. Lightly grease the pot using a small portion of beef fat or a dab of oil. Arrange the onion slices and tofu cubes in a single layer and allow them to cook gently for about 3 minutes, just until the onions start to become tender.
Step 3: Adding Protein and Vegetables
Arrange the beef slices around the edge of the pot. Pour the sukiyaki broth over the beef and vegetables, ensuring it covers the pot’s bottom. Layer the remaining ingredients — mushrooms, napa cabbage, shungiku, and noodles — in the center.
Step 4: Simmering to Perfection
Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Allow the dish to cook for about 10-15 minutes, ensuring that the beef is cooked to your liking and the vegetables are tender yet crisp. During this time, you may occasionally ladle the broth over the ingredients to infuse flavor evenly.
Step 5: Serving the Sukiyaki
Once cooked, serve the sukiyaki directly from the communal pot, allowing everyone to pick and choose their desired meats and vegetables. For a traditional twist, offer each diner a small bowl with the beaten egg to use as a dipping sauce for the hot ingredients.
Conclusion
Preparing Sukiyaki is a culinary celebration merging flavors and experiences. Not only is it an exquisite dish, but it is also a bonding experience with friends and family. The balance of flavors in sukiyaki, from the umami of the beef to the sweetness of its broth and the freshness of the vegetables, presents an opportunity to indulge in Japanese culture from the comfort of your dining area. As you master the basics, feel free to explore and customize the dish with your preferred proteins or seasonal vegetables, making sukiyaki a personal and memorable culinary endeavor.
