Image inspired by fan-made interpretations of Shirou and Sakura's cooking scene, featuring a hearty meat and potato stew. Source: Reddit.
As the weather cools, imagine sitting down to a cozy meal that warms the soul: Nikujaga (肉じゃが) is just that—a beloved Japanese stew that combines the hearty simplicity of meat and potatoes with a distinctly sweet-savory flavor. The dish is commonly enjoyed in the colder months, providing a comforting, filling meal like no other!
Forget complex recipes and rare ingredients—all you need for a hearty Nikujaga are pantry staples, a few specific Japanese items, and some ridiculously easy steps!
Ingredients Needed for Nikujaga:
- Shirataki Noodles (Ito Konnyaku): These noodles add a unique texture and are very low in calories.
- Potatoes: A staple in this dish, providing a soft and hearty texture.
- Thinly Sliced Beef or Pork: Choose thinly sliced meat as it cooks quicker and absorbs the flavors well.
- Onion: Adds a slight sweetness and richness.
- Carrot: Brings a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
- Green Vegetables: Options include snow peas, green beans, or green peas for a fresh, crisp finish.
- Seasonings: You'll need soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and sake (optional). You can also add dashi for extra umami flavor.
8 Easy Steps for Making Nikujaga:
- Prepare Green Vegetables: Blanch your choice of green vegetables in a separate pot. Set these aside—they'll be added at the end to maintain their vibrant color and crunch.
- Noodles: Follow the package directions to cook the shirataki noodles. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté: In a large pot, begin by sautéing the onion until translucent. Add the meat and cook until it starts to brown.
- Potatoes: Add the potatoes next, tossing them well to coat with the oil and flavors from the meat and onion.
- Combine: Introduce the carrots and shirataki noodles to the pot.
- Simmer: Pour in the seasonings—soy sauce, sugar, mirin, and optional sake and dashi. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
- Rest: Let the dish cool down for 30-60 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Final Touch: When ready to serve, mix in the blanched green vegetables and reheat briefly.
Ideal Pairings with Nikujaga:
- Rice: Serve with plain steamed rice (use a Japanese rice steamer!) for a filling meal.
- Soup: Complement the meal with a bowl of miso soup or kakitama jiru (Japanese egg drop soup).
- Sides: Consider grilled mackerel for added protein, chilled tofu, spinach ohitashi for greens, green bean shiraae, or eggplant agebitashi for variety.
Still think the perfect dish doesn’t exist?
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About The Writer
Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.
