Sukiyaki is a classic Japanese hot pot dish that’s both hearty and elegant. This comforting meal combines thinly sliced beef, fresh vegetables, tofu, and glass noodles simmered in a savory-sweet soy-based broth. Traditionally cooked and served in a shallow iron pot, sukiyaki is a communal dish, perfect for bringing people together. Each bite offers a balance of flavors—umami-rich beef, tender-crisp veggies, and silky tofu, all enhanced by the slightly sweet and salty broth. It’s often accompanied by a raw egg dipping sauce for an added layer of creaminess, making it a truly authentic Japanese experience.
Ingredients
- For the Broth:
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 cup mirin
- 1/2 cup sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 cup dashi stock (or water with 1 tsp dashi powder)
- For the Sukiyaki:
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin works well)
- 1 block firm tofu, cubed
- 1 small head napa cabbage, chopped into large pieces
- 1 bunch shungiku (edible chrysanthemum greens) or spinach
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 large carrot, thinly sliced diagonally
- 4-6 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed
- 1 bunch enoki mushrooms, ends trimmed
- 1 package shirataki noodles (glass noodles), drained and rinsed
- 4 eggs (optional, for dipping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Broth:
- In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and dashi stock. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Set aside.
- Prepare the Ingredients:
- Arrange the beef, vegetables, tofu, and noodles on a large platter for easy cooking access.
- Cook the Sukiyaki:
- Heat a shallow iron pot or large skillet over medium heat. Lightly grease with a small amount of oil.
- Add a few slices of beef and cook briefly, just until browned. Pour a small amount of broth into the pot (about 1/2 cup).
- Begin adding vegetables, tofu, and noodles to the pot in sections, keeping them separate for presentation. Pour in more broth as needed to partially submerge the ingredients.
- Simmer gently until the vegetables are tender and infused with the broth’s flavor, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve:
- Diners can use chopsticks to take portions directly from the pot. If desired, crack an egg into a small bowl, whisk it, and use it as a dipping sauce for the hot ingredients.
- Repeat:
- As the pot empties, replenish with more ingredients and broth until everything is cooked.
Enjoy this delicious and interactive meal with family and friends!
