Sukiyaki is one of those dishes we love to enjoy on special occasions, and it’s perfect for bringing people together. The whole process of cooking it at the table with others makes it so much more than just a meal—it’s a fun way to connect over amazing food.
What’s Sukiyaki?
Sukiyaki is a classic Japanese hot pot known for its rich, savory-sweet flavor and the social experience that comes with it. It’s usually made with thinly sliced beef, veggies, tofu, and noodles, all simmered in a broth made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. You cook everything in a shallow iron pot right at the table. One unique part? You dip the cooked food into raw, beaten egg, which adds a creamy texture to each bite. It’s not just food; it’s a whole experience!
Why You Should Try Sukiyaki
Delicious Flavor: Sukiyaki has this awesome mix of sweet and savory, thanks to the broth made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. The beef is tender, and the veggies add a fresh crunch. Plus, dipping everything into raw egg makes it super creamy.
Super Versatile: Traditionally, it’s made with beef, but you can totally swap that out for chicken, pork, seafood, or even just veggies and tofu if you want. It works for everyone’s taste and can be enjoyed any time of year.
Comfort Food Vibes: Sukiyaki is all about bringing people together. The communal cooking and sharing at the table give off that cozy, homey feel, and it’s a great way to experience Japanese hospitality and tradition.
A Little History
Sukiyaki goes way back to Japan’s Meiji Era in the late 1800s. At first, beef was considered a luxury, so only the elite got to enjoy it, but as Japan modernized, it became more popular. Sukiyaki’s signature thinly sliced beef came from Western influences, and it spread across Japan with different regional twists. For example, Kansai (Western Japan) has a sweeter version, while Kanto (Eastern Japan) goes for a more savory flavor. It’s become a classic dish that represents warmth and togetherness, especially when enjoyed with friends and family.
Kanto Style vs. Kansai Style
Kanto Style: This style comes from Tokyo and the surrounding area. It’s got more of a savory taste, with the broth leaning heavily on soy sauce. You’ll usually find thinly sliced beef, tofu, veggies like napa cabbage and mushrooms, and shirataki noodles.
Kansai Style: This version is sweeter, thanks to sugar or mirin in the broth. The beef is usually cooked first, and then the veggies and other ingredients are added. The result is tender, flavorful meat and a sweeter overall taste.
Where to Try Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki is popular all over Japan, and you can find restaurants that specialize in it. Whether you’re going for a fancy place or something more casual, cooking your food at the table is part of the fun! Here are a few spots worth checking out:
These places offer an amazing sukiyaki experience that’s worth the splurge!
You can also search for sukiyaki spots on popular Japanese restaurant sites like Taberogu, RETRIP, Gurunavi, and RETTY. Some of them are in Japanese, so feel free to ask for help if you need it!
Let’s Enjoy Sukiyaki!
Now that you know what sukiyaki is all about, why not try making it yourself? Gather your ingredients, invite some friends or family, and set up your own sukiyaki hot pot at home. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a great way to make memories while enjoying some seriously tasty food. Whether you’ve had sukiyaki before or this is your first time, it’s a fun, delicious way to experience a little bit of Japanese culture. So, let’s dig in and enjoy the cozy, comforting flavors of sukiyaki!
Suikiyaki すき焼き
Ingredients
- 200 ml mirin
- 200 ml sake
- 200 ml soy sauce
- 60 g sugar
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef sometimes called hot pot beef
- 2 or more fresh pasteurized eggs make sure to get eggs that are fresh and from a source you trust!
- ½ nappa cabbage
- 1 cup shiitake or enoki other mushrooms or none!
- ½ package (240g) tofu we recommend soft or medium firmness.
- 1 japanese negi, or green onion
- 1 pack shiratake noodles You can usually find these at asian grocery stores!
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Cut the nappa cabbage and green onion into 2 inch long pieces. Cut the tofu into half, then into quarters. Cut the shiitake mushrooms into thin slices. Cut the rest of your vegetables.
Make the broth
- In a small saucepan, add the soy sauce, mirin, sake and sugar. Turn the heat on medium and mix until sugar is melted. Turn the heat on low when it begins to boil.
- Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Assemble
- Heat a sukiyaki pan or a large shallow pot on medium high. Cook a slice of beef on the pan until brown, about a couple of minutes. Remove the beef from the pan.
- Add the rest of the beef slices one by one. Flipping once brown.
- When most of the beef are cooked (some red spots left is fine!), then add the broth.
- Add the rest of the ingredients: vegetables, tofu, shiratake noodles
- Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the vegetables are tender. Turn the heat off.
- Crack an egg in a small bowl and mix.
- Enjoy by dipping the beef or vegetables in the raw egg, and of course a side of rice!
