Traditional Japanese Sukiyaki Recipe: A Taste of Comfort from the East

Ingredients

400g Thinly sliced beef
1 Tofu (300g)
1 Leek or green onion
1 Chinese cabbage (600g)
8 Shiitake mushrooms
1 pack of Shimeji mushrooms (100g)
1 pack of Enoki mushrooms (100g)
8 slices of Kamaboko (fish cake)
1 pack of Udon noodles (200g)
2 cups of Sukiyaki sauce
4 Eggs

Steps and instructions

Cut the tofu into cubes, slice the leek or green onion, and chop the Chinese cabbage into bite-sized pieces.
Trim the stems off the shiitake mushrooms and separate the shimeji and enoki mushrooms into individual stems.
Arrange all the ingredients neatly on a large plate or tray.
Heat a sukiyaki pan or a large deep-dish pan over medium heat.
Add a little bit of sukiyaki sauce to the pan and spread it around.
Place some of the beef slices into the pan and let them brown slightly, then turn them over and let them brown on the other side.
Add more sukiyaki sauce to the pan until the beef is just covered.
Add the tofu, leek or green onion, Chinese cabbage, mushrooms, and kamaboko to the pan.
Let everything simmer in the sukiyaki sauce until cooked.
In the meantime, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, add them to the sukiyaki pan.
Keep adding more sukiyaki sauce as needed to keep the ingredients moist and flavorful.
Crack the eggs into individual bowls and beat them lightly. These will be used for dipping the sukiyaki ingredients before eating.
Once all the ingredients in the pan are cooked, reduce the heat to low and let the sukiyaki simmer until ready to serve.
When serving, each person takes a little bit of each ingredient from the pan and dips it into their bowl of beaten egg before eating.

Tools for making

Sukiyaki pan - A large, deep-dish pan specifically designed for cooking sukiyaki.
Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the beef and preparing the vegetables.
Cutting board - A sturdy surface for cutting and preparing the ingredients.
Plate or tray - A large plate or tray to neatly arrange the ingredients before cooking.
Spatula - A wide, flat spatula for flipping and turning the beef slices in the pan.
Cooking utensils - Various cooking utensils such as tongs, chopsticks, or a ladle for stirring and serving the sukiyaki.
Bowls - Individual bowls for serving the beaten eggs used as a dipping sauce.
Stove - A heat source for cooking the sukiyaki.

Recipe variations

Use thinly sliced pork instead of beef for a different flavor.
Replace the tofu with sliced mushrooms for a meat-free option.
Add sliced carrots or bell peppers for additional color and crunch.
Include thinly sliced onions for added flavor.
Experiment with different types of mushrooms such as oyster mushrooms or king oyster mushrooms.
Try using different types of noodles like soba noodles or glass noodles instead of udon.
Add a splash of mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) for a touch of sweetness.
For a spicy twist, add a dollop of spicy miso paste or chili paste.
Include sliced garlic or ginger for added aroma and flavor.
Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra visual appeal.

Recipe overview

Sukiyaki is a popular Japanese hot pot dish that is perfect for a shared meal with family or friends. The dish features thinly sliced beef, tofu, vegetables, and noodles simmered together in a sweet and savory sukiyaki sauce. The ingredients are cooked in a large pan and served directly from the pan at the table, with each person picking out their favorite ingredients and dipping them into a bowl of raw beaten egg before eating. This communal style of eating is a big part of the charm of sukiyaki. Making sukiyaki at home is a fun and rewarding experience. This recipe will guide you through the process step by step, from preparing the ingredients to cooking them in the sukiyaki sauce. Once you've mastered the basics, you can experiment with different ingredients to make your own version of this classic dish. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of sukiyaki!

Common questions

What kind of beef should I use for sukiyaki?
For sukiyaki, thinly sliced beef is typically used. Look for cuts like ribeye or sirloin that are well-marbled, as they will add more flavor to the dish.
Can I substitute tofu with something else?
If you're not a fan of tofu, you can substitute it with other ingredients such as sliced mushrooms or additional vegetables like carrots or zucchini.
What is sukiyaki sauce made of?
Sukiyaki sauce is typically made with a combination of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sugar, and sometimes sake. It has a sweet and savory flavor that complements the ingredients in the dish.
Can I make sukiyaki vegetarian or vegan?
Yes! You can make a vegetarian or vegan version of sukiyaki by replacing the beef with plant-based protein such as tofu or tempeh, and using a vegetarian or vegan sukiyaki sauce that is free from animal products.
What is the purpose of dipping the ingredients in beaten egg?
Dipping the cooked sukiyaki ingredients in beaten egg adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish. It is a traditional way of enjoying sukiyaki in Japan.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance by slicing the beef, chopping the vegetables, and arranging them on a plate or tray. This will save time when you are ready to cook.
How long does sukiyaki take to cook?
Sukiyaki usually takes around 10-15 minutes to cook once the ingredients are added to the pan. It is important to simmer and cook the ingredients until they are tender.
Can I adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sukiyaki sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sukiyaki sauce according to your preference. Add more sugar for sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness, tasting as you go along until you achieve the desired flavor.

Serving dishes and utensils

Sukiyaki pan - A wide, shallow pan with high sides, specifically designed for cooking sukiyaki.
Tongs - Used for flipping and handling the beef slices and other ingredients in the pan.
Large plate or tray - For arranging and presenting the sliced beef, tofu, vegetables, and other ingredients before cooking.
Chopsticks - Essential utensils for cooking and serving sukiyaki.
Individual bowls - Each person will need a bowl for dipping the cooked sukiyaki ingredients into beaten egg.
Serving utensils - Such as spoons or ladles, for transferring the cooked sukiyaki and sauce from the pan to individual bowls.
Japanese hot pot stove or portable burner - If you don't have a sukiyaki pan with a built-in heating element, a portable burner or Japanese hot pot stove can be used to keep the sukiyaki pan warm at the dining table.
Trivet or heat-resistant mat - To protect the dining table or countertop from the heat of the sukiyaki pan.

Origin stories

Sukiyaki is a beloved dish in Japan, with its origins traced back to the Meiji era (1868-1912). Back then, eating beef was a novel concept for the Japanese due to the influence of Western culture. Sukiyaki became a symbol of modernity and Westernization, and it was seen as a special treat due to the luxury of its ingredients. The name 'sukiyaki' interestingly translates to 'grilled on a plowshare.' It is thought to be named as such because farmers would cook the ingredients on their plowshares after a long day's work. Today, it is not just a dish but an experience - a warm gathering around a table with loved ones, cooking, eating, and conversing. And despite its Western influence, it is uniquely and soulfully Japanese.

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.

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