Authentic Japanese Nikujaga (Meat and Potato Stew)
Nikujaga, a cherished Japanese comfort dish, elegantly combines tender slices of meat, hearty potatoes, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a sweet-salty broth. This home-cooked dish is a quintessential staple in Japanese households, often enjoyed during family gatherings. It's warm, filling, and embodies the essence of nourishing home cooking. With its succulent flavors and wholesome ingredients, Nikujaga promises to transport your taste buds straight to Japan. As a Japanese girl, I'm excited to share this beloved recipe with you. Enjoy this delightful experience of cooking and sharing real Japanese food!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salad Oil
1 teaspoon (none)
Potatoes
3 (cut into 6-8 pieces (medium size))
Carrots
2 (cut into 6-8 pieces)
Onion
1 (cut into slices)
Beef (or Pork)
250 g (sliced)
Water
2 cups (none)
Soy Sauce
1/3 cup (none)
Sugar
1/4 cup (none)
Sake (or White Wine)
1/4 cup (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a pot over medium heat and adding 1 teaspoon of salad oil.
2
Once the oil is hot, add the sliced beef (or pork) to the pot and sauté until browned on all sides, approximately 3-5 minutes.
3
Add the sliced onion, cubed potatoes, and carrot pieces to the pot. Stir and sauté for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly.
4
Pour in 2 cups of water, followed by 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of sake (or white wine), 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
5
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it stew for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
6
Once the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot and enjoy this heartwarming meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Japanese Nikujaga?
Nikujaga is a cherished Japanese comfort dish that combines tender slices of meat, hearty potatoes, and vibrant vegetables simmered in a sweet-salty broth.
What are the primary ingredients in Nikujaga?
The main ingredients are beef or pork, potatoes, carrots, and onions, seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, and sake.
Can I use pork instead of beef in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe allows for the use of either 250 grams of sliced beef or sliced pork.
How many servings does this Nikujaga recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
You should use 3 medium-sized potatoes and cut each into 6 to 8 pieces.
What is the preparation method for the carrots?
Use 2 carrots and cut them into 6 to 8 pieces each.
How should the onion be cut?
The recipe calls for one onion to be cut into slices.
What type of oil is used for sautéing?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of salad oil.
How long should I sauté the meat?
The sliced beef or pork should be sautéed for approximately 3 to 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
When do I add the vegetables to the pot?
Add the onion, potatoes, and carrots after the meat has been browned, and sauté them for an additional 2 to 3 minutes.
What liquids are used for the broth?
The broth consists of 2 cups of water, 1/3 cup of soy sauce, 1/4 cup of sugar, and 1/4 cup of sake.
Can I substitute sake with something else?
Yes, if you do not have sake, you can use 1/4 cup of white wine as a substitute.
What extra seasonings are added?
The dish is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How long does the stew need to simmer?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover, and stew for about 20 minutes.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
Yes, you should stir occasionally to prevent the ingredients from sticking and to ensure even cooking.
How do I know when the Nikujaga is finished cooking?
The dish is ready once the potatoes and carrots are fork-tender.
Should the pot be covered during the simmering process?
Yes, you should cover the pot while it stews on low heat for 20 minutes.
What is the flavor profile of Nikujaga?
It has a succulent, sweet-salty flavor profile that is characteristic of many Japanese home-cooked dishes.
Is Nikujaga considered a traditional Japanese dish?
Yes, it is a quintessential staple in Japanese households and is often enjoyed during family gatherings.
What kind of meat cut is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 250 grams of meat that has been thinly sliced.
Can I adjust the seasonings at the end?
Yes, once the vegetables are tender, you should taste the broth and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe requires 1/3 cup of soy sauce.
How much sugar is used in the broth?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, it is described as a wholesome and nourishing home-cooked dish that is a staple in Japanese homes.
What temperature should I use to brown the meat?
You should begin by heating the pot over medium heat.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 11 ingredients in total for this authentic Nikujaga recipe.
Is the dish served hot or cold?
Nikujaga is served hot and is described as a heartwarming meal.
What size should the potatoes be?
The recipe specifies using medium-sized potatoes.
How much salt is included in the recipe?
One teaspoon of salt is used to season the stew.
What is the cultural significance of Nikujaga?
It is a beloved comfort food in Japan that embodies the essence of nourishing home cooking.