Nikusui (Beef Soup from Osaka)
Nikusui is one of the representative soup dishes of Osaka, Japan. The flavor of the dashi broth, made from bonito flakes (katsuobushi) and beef, is sure to stimulate your appetite.
Ingredients
- 5 oz. (140g) thinly sliced beef
- 12 (1.8 oz./50g) green onions / scallions
- 5.3 oz. (150g) silken tofu
Bonito Dashi:
- 2 ⅔ cups (640ml) water
- 1 ⅙ cups (0.45oz./13g) bonito flakes (katsuobushi)
Seasonings:
- 1 Tbsp mirin
- ½ tsp sugar
- 1 ½ Tbsp light soy sauce (regular soy sauce can be substituted)
Instructions
- Put water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat to low, add the bonito flakes, and let it simmer for 6 minutes.
- Turn off the heat and strain the mixture through a sieve lined with paper towels or cloth (such as cheesecloth). Bonito dashi is ready.
- Wrap the tofu in paper towels, place it on a microwave-safe plate without plastic wrap, and microwave at 1000W for 1 minute. Afterward, remove the tofu and let it cool.
- Cut the thinly sliced beef into 2 inch (5cm) wide pieces. Thinly slice the green onions. Cut the tofu into bite-sized pieces, each about 0.6 inch (1.5cm) wide.
- Return the bonito dashi to the pot, add the seasonings (mirin, sugar, and light soy sauce), and bring it to a boil.
- Put the beef in the pot and simmer over low heat, skimming off any scum. When the beef changes color, add the tofu and green onions, and continue simmering until they are cooked through.
Notes
- This recipe uses tofu, but you can also use a soft-boiled egg instead.
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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