Nikujaga is one of the most beloved simmered dishes in Japan. The rich flavors of meat and vegetables blend perfectly with traditional Japanese seasonings, creating a harmonious combination.
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What is Nikujaga?
Nikujaga is a dish made by simmering meat and vegetables in dashi broth and Japanese seasonings. It is typical to use potatoes, onions, and carrots as vegetables, and for added color, green beans, snow peas, or green peas are sometimes included.
"Niku" refers to meat, and "jaga" is short for 'jagaimo,' which means potatoes. That is to say, "Nikujaga" stands for meat and potatoes, the main ingredients of this dish.
In Japan, it is known as a staple for beginner cooks. It is also a typical dish passed down from parents to their children and is famous as a meal for those who want to create a family-friendly atmosphere and capture the hearts of their loved ones through delicious food.
Choosing the meat
Generally, nikujaga uses either pork or beef as the meat, and the choice between the two is a matter of personal preference. Pork is often preferred in Eastern Japan, while beef is favored in Western Japan.
As I live in Osaka, which is located in western Japan, I'm sharing a recipe using beef here, but feel free to use pork if you prefer. Even if you choose pork, there is no need to change the amounts of other ingredients.
What type of potatoes are suitable?
There are many different types of potatoes, but when making nikujaga, it is recommended to use a type of potato that is less likely to fall apart during cooking. For example, in Japan, "May Queen (メークイン)" is recognized as a suitable choice, while in the United States, "Yukon Gold potatoes" are a good option. Consider using potatoes less prone to falling apart that are readily available in your local area.
However, if you don't mind the potatoes falling apart, you can make this dish with any type of potato.
Simple guide to otoshi-buta (drop-lid)
When making Japanese simmered dishes, it is common to use an otoshi-buta (drop lid). An otoshi-buta is a lid that is placed directly on top of the ingredients in the pot. By having the lid in direct contact with the ingredients, the cooking liquid beneath it circulates over the ingredients, allowing for efficient simmering with less water.
An otoshi-buta is available commercially, but you can easily make one, similar to the one shown in the photo above, by simply poking a hole (or several holes) in aluminum foil. However, if you find it tedious, you can still use a regular lid.
Equipment
- otoshi-buta (drop-lid) (You can easily make it by referring to the instructions above. Alternatively, you can use a regular lid instead.)
Ingredients
- 5.3 oz. (150g) thinly sliced beef
- ½ lb. (230g) potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or other varieties less likely to fall apart, which are recommended)
- 7 oz. (200g) onion
- 2.5 oz. (70g) carrot
- 8 green beans
Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240ml) bonito dashi (awase dashi) (For information on how to make bonito dashi and awase dashi, please refer to the linked article. While the flavor may diminish, you can substitute it with water.)
- 2 Tbsp sake
- 2 Tbsp mirin
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
Step-by-step instructions
🕒 Total 45 mins
Step 1
Prepare the vegetables as follows:
Potatoes: Cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Onion: Slice it into 0.3 inch (8mm) thick pieces.
Carrot: Cut it into bite-sized pieces.
Green beans: Remove the ends and strings, then cut them into 1.2 inch (3cm) lengths.
Step 2
Heat oil in a pot. Once the pot is hot, sauté the beef over medium heat until it browns. Next, add the potatoes, onions, and carrots, and cook until they are slightly softened.
Step 3
Add dashi, sake, mirin, and sugar to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, skim off any scum and cover the pot with an otoshi-buta (drop-lid). Let it simmer over low heat for 15 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the otoshi-buta, and add the green beans and soy sauce to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes without covering.
To Store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Recipe Card
Nikujaga (Japanese Beef and Potato Stew)
Equipment
- otoshi-buta (drop-lid) (You can easily make it by referring to the instructions above. Alternatively, you can use a regular lid instead.)
Ingredients
- 5.3 oz. (150g) thinly sliced beef
- ½ lb. (230g) potatoes (such as Yukon Gold or other varieties less likely to fall apart, which are recommended)
- 7 oz. (200g) onion
- 2.5 oz. (70g) carrot
- 8 green beans
Seasonings:
- 1 cup (240ml) bonito dashi (awase dashi) (For information on how to make bonito dashi and awase dashi, please refer to the linked article. While the flavor may diminish, you can substitute it with water.)
- 2 Tbsp sake
- 2 Tbsp mirin
- ½ Tbsp sugar
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables as follows:Potatoes: Cut them into bite-sized pieces.Onion: Slice it into 0.3 inch (8mm) thick pieces.Carrot: Cut it into bite-sized pieces.Green beans: Remove the ends and strings, then cut them into 1.2 inch (3cm) lengths.
- Heat oil in a pot. Once the pot is hot, sauté the beef over medium heat until it browns. Next, add the potatoes, onions, and carrots, and cook until they are slightly softened.
- Add dashi, sake, mirin, and sugar to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, skim off any scum and cover the pot with an otoshi-buta (drop-lid). Let it simmer over low heat for 20 minutes.
- Remove the otoshi-buta, and add the green beans and soy sauce to the pot. Continue simmering for an additional 5 minutes without covering.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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