What is Sukiyaki?

Sukiyaki (すき焼き) is a delicious and popular Japanese hot pot dish known for its rich and savory flavors. It is a type of nabemono (Japanese hot pot) and is often enjoyed during the colder months, especially in the winter. Sukiyaki is a social and communal meal where diners cook and eat together at the table.

The main ingredients of sukiyaki typically include:

1. Thinly Sliced Beef: High-quality thinly sliced beef, such as ribeye or sirloin, is the star of the sukiyaki. The marbling of the beef adds richness to the dish.
2. Vegetables: Common vegetables used in sukiyaki are Napa cabbage, leeks, mushrooms (shiitake and enoki), tofu, and sometimes other ingredients like carrots or Japanese konnyaku (a jelly-like substance made from konjac yam).
3. Tofu: Silken tofu is often added to the sukiyaki for extra texture and to soak up the flavorful broth.
4. Shirataki Noodles: Thin, translucent, and gelatinous noodles made from konnyaku yam. They are also known as “konnyaku noodles” and are a common addition to sukiyaki.
5. Sukiyaki Sauce: The broth or sauce for sukiyaki is made from a mixture of soy sauce, mirin (sweet rice wine), sugar, and sometimes sake. This sauce is the heart of the dish and provides the sweet and savory flavor that permeates the ingredients.

The cooking process of sukiyaki is straightforward:

1. A shallow, wide pot (traditionally made of cast iron or earthenware) is placed on a portable stove at the center of the table.
2. The pot is heated, and a small amount of fat (usually beef fat or vegetable oil) is added to prevent sticking.
3. Slices of beef are added and lightly seared in the pot.
4. The sukiyaki sauce is poured into the pot, and the vegetables, tofu, and shirataki noodles are added in layers.
5. As the ingredients cook, diners use chopsticks to pick out the items they want to eat. It’s common to dip the cooked food into raw beaten eggs before eating, which adds a rich and creamy texture.
6. Throughout the meal, additional sukiyaki sauce may be added to the pot to maintain the flavors as the ingredients are eaten.

Sukiyaki is a delightful and interactive dining experience, as diners cook and share food together, making it a favorite choice for gatherings and celebrations in Japan. The combination of tender beef, flavorful vegetables, and the sweet and savory sukiyaki sauce creates a truly satisfying and comforting meal.

How to make Sukiyaki

Click on the thumbnail or https://youtu.be/2IektU4edmQ to watch my cooking video.