Authentic Japanese Nabe (Hot Pot) Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 pound thinly sliced pork belly
  • 1/2 napa cabbage
  • 1 package tofu
  • 2 leeks or green onions
  • 1 package enoki mushrooms
  • 1 package shiitake mushrooms
  • 1/2 daikon radish
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 package konjac noodles
  • 1 package udon noodles
  • 1 pot nabe broth (soy sauce or miso flavor)
  • 1 cup sake
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Steps and instructions

  1. Prepare the ingredients: rinse the pork belly, cabbage, leeks, mushrooms, radish and carrot. Slice the pork belly, cabbage, leeks, radish and carrot into bite-sized pieces. Drain the tofu and cut it into cubes. Rinse and drain the konjac and udon noodles.
  2. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly slices and cook until they are browned.
  3. Add the nabe broth and sake to the pot. Stir until the broth is hot and the alcohol from the sake has evaporated.
  4. Place the cabbage, leeks, mushrooms, radish, carrot, tofu and konjac noodles into the pot. Stir to combine with the broth and cooked pork belly.
  5. Bring the nabe to a simmer and cook for about 30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
  6. Add the udon noodles to the pot and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the noodles are cooked through.
  7. Serve the nabe hot, ladling it into individual bowls at the table.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - A pot large enough to accommodate all the ingredients and the broth.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the ingredients.
  • Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board for chopping and slicing.
  • Spatula - A spatula for stirring and flipping the ingredients.
  • Ladle - A ladle for serving the nabe into individual bowls.
  • Tongs - Tongs for handling the hot ingredients.
  • Tabletop stove - A tabletop stove to keep the nabe hot during the meal.
  • Individual bowls - Bowls for serving the nabe to each person.
  • Chopsticks - Chopsticks for eating the nabe.
  • Soup spoons - Soup spoons for enjoying the broth.

Recipe variations

  • Use chicken or beef instead of pork for the meat option.
  • Replace the napa cabbage with bok choy or spinach.
  • Try different types of mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms or straw mushrooms.
  • Add seafood like shrimp, scallops, or clams to the nabe.
  • For a vegetarian or vegan option, omit the meat and tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of nabe broth.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles like soba noodles or ramen noodles.
  • Add additional vegetables such as corn, snap peas, or bell peppers.
  • For a spicy twist, add chili paste or chili oil to the broth.
  • Try different seasonings like ginger, garlic, or soy sauce to enhance the flavor.
  • Include sliced onions or garlic for added aroma.

Recipe overview

Enjoy a taste of Japan with this warming and nourishing Nabe recipe. Nabe, or hot pot, is a traditional Japanese dish that's perfect for cold weather or when you're in need of some comfort food. In this recipe, you'll combine thinly sliced pork belly, a variety of vegetables, tofu, and noodles in a savory broth. The ingredients are cooked together in a pot and served hot. You'll love the combination of flavors and textures, from the tender pork belly to the crunchy vegetables and chewy noodles. This recipe serves as a great introduction to Japanese cooking and is sure to impress your dinner guests. Enjoy the process of cooking and eating Nabe, it's not just a meal, it's an experience!

Common questions

  1. What is Nabe? Nabe is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish that is typically cooked and enjoyed communally at the table.
  2. What kind of meat can I use? Thinly sliced pork belly is commonly used in Nabe, but you can also substitute it with chicken, beef, or seafood according to your preference.
  3. Can I use different vegetables? Yes, you can customize Nabe with a variety of vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, cabbage, carrots, daikon radish, and leeks.
  4. Do I have to use both konjac and udon noodles? No, you can choose to use just one type of noodle or omit them entirely if you prefer.
  5. What is nabe broth? Nabe broth is a flavored broth that forms the base of the hot pot. It can be made with soy sauce or miso, depending on your preference.
  6. Can I make the broth from scratch? Absolutely! If you prefer, you can make your own broth using your choice of ingredients and seasonings.
  7. How many servings does this recipe make? This recipe makes approximately 4 servings.
  8. Can I adjust the spiciness of the broth? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding chili flakes or chili paste to the broth according to your taste.
  9. Can I add other seasonings or sauces? Yes, you can add additional seasonings or sauces like soy sauce, ponzu sauce, or sesame oil for extra flavor.
  10. Can I make Nabe vegetarian or vegan? Absolutely! You can make a vegetarian or vegan version by using vegetable broth and substituting the meat with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is essential for cooking the nabe and accommodating all the ingredients.
  • Ladle - A ladle is useful for serving the hot nabe into individual bowls.
  • Chopsticks - Chopsticks are commonly used for eating nabe and are helpful for grabbing ingredients from the pot.
  • Hot pot serving mat - A hot pot serving mat protects the table surface from heat and prevents any damage.
  • Individual bowls - Each person will need a bowl to enjoy their portion of nabe.
  • Soup spoons - Soup spoons are useful for sipping the flavorful broth.
  • Hot pot trivet - A hot pot trivet can be used to safely place the hot pot on the dining table.

Origin stories

Nabe, also known as hot pot, is a quintessential Japanese winter dish steeped in tradition. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient times, when clay pot cooking was a common method of preparing meals. Nabe is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture, with specific regional variations reflecting local tastes and ingredient availability. The communal style of eating, where everyone gathers around a single pot, fosters a sense of unity and warmth. In fact, there's a Japanese saying, "Nabe wo kakomu," which translates to "surround the hot pot". It's not just about enjoying the food, but also about the experience of sharing and bonding. Even today, during the cold winter months, families, friends, and colleagues in Japan come together to enjoy a hearty nabe, sharing stories and laughter while huddled around the warmth of the pot.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.