Niku Jaga: Hearty Japanese Beef Stew
Niku Jaga is a beloved traditional Japanese comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight meal. This hearty beef stew features tender beef simmered in a flavorful broth, enriched with Japanese sake, soy sauce, and a hint of sweetness from sugar. Packed with vibrant baby carrots and hearty potatoes, each bite is a delightful combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors. This dish is meant to be served with a generous amount of broth, making it perfect to accompany a bowl of sticky rice. Experience the warmth and satisfaction that comes with this comforting stew, perfect any time of year!
6
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef stew meat
2 lbs (cut into bite-sized pieces)
water
1 cup (plain)
Japanese sake (dry white wine)
1/2 cup (plain)
sugar
1/4 cup (plain)
soy sauce
1/4 cup (plain)
salt
1 teaspoon (plain)
baby carrots
1/2 lb (washed and trimmed)
potatoes
3 medium (peeled and chopped)
white onion
1 (diced)
Instructions
1
In a large crock pot, add the beef stew meat, water, sake, sugar, soy sauce, salt, baby carrots, chopped potatoes, and diced onion.
2
Stir the mixture gently to ensure that the ingredients are well combined.
3
Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours or on high for 4-6 hours, until the beef is tender and the vegetables are cooked through.
4
Before serving, give the stew a gentle stir to integrate the flavors.
5
Serve hot with sticky rice, ensuring there is plenty of broth in each bowl for a comforting meal.
Nutrition Information
8g
Fat
27g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Niku Jaga?
Niku Jaga is a traditional Japanese comfort food that features beef and vegetables simmered in a flavorful broth.
What are the primary ingredients in this beef stew?
The main ingredients include beef stew meat, potatoes, baby carrots, white onion, water, Japanese sake, sugar, soy sauce, and salt.
How long does it take to cook Niku Jaga in a crock pot on low?
When cooking on the low setting, it takes approximately 10 to 12 hours for the beef to become tender.
Can I cook this recipe faster on a high setting?
Yes, you can cook the stew on high for 4 to 6 hours instead.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much protein is in one serving of Niku Jaga?
There are 20g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content of this dish?
This recipe contains 8g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 27g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to provide 6 servings.
What type of beef should I use?
You should use 2 lbs of beef stew meat cut into bite-sized pieces.
What can I use if I don't have Japanese sake?
You can use a dry white wine as a substitute for Japanese sake.
How should the potatoes be prepared?
The 3 medium potatoes should be peeled and chopped before being added to the crock pot.
Is sugar necessary for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of sugar to provide the traditional hint of sweetness found in Japanese stews.
What kind of onion is recommended?
One diced white onion is used in this recipe.
How much soy sauce is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of soy sauce for the broth.
Should I wash the carrots first?
Yes, the baby carrots should be washed and trimmed before cooking.
Is Niku Jaga a savory or sweet dish?
It is a delightful combination of savory and slightly sweet flavors.
What should I serve with Niku Jaga?
It is traditionally served hot with a bowl of sticky rice.
Does the recipe require a lot of water?
No, it only uses 1 cup of water as the sake and soy sauce also contribute to the liquid.
Do I need to stir the stew while it cooks?
You should stir it gently once at the beginning to combine ingredients and once more before serving.
Is this recipe suitable for a large group?
Yes, it is tagged as a meal for a crowd and serves 6 people.
Is Niku Jaga considered healthy?
With 250 calories and a good amount of protein, it is a balanced and hearty meal.
Can I add other vegetables?
While this recipe uses potatoes and carrots, traditional variations sometimes include other ingredients like peas or shirataki noodles.
What is the texture of the beef after cooking?
The beef becomes very tender after slow cooking for the recommended duration.
Is this a spicy dish?
No, the flavors are savory and sweet, not spicy.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is a simple 'dump and go' crock pot recipe that is very easy to follow.
What kind of container do I need?
A large crock pot is required to accommodate the 2 lbs of beef and vegetables.
Should the broth be thick or thin?
This dish is meant to be served with a generous amount of flavorful broth rather than a thick gravy.
Is Niku Jaga a seasonal dish?
While it is a warming comfort food, it is perfect to enjoy any time of year.