What Is Nikujaga?
Nikujaga is the best Japanese comfort food—a warm, hearty bowl of beef and potato stew simmered in a sweet and savory soy-based broth.
Picture this: It’s a chilly evening, you’re scrolling through your phone, debating between ordering takeout or actually making something from scratch. Then, you remember Nikujaga—an easy one-pot meal that’s packed with flavor and takes less time than deciding what to binge-watch on Netflix.
This traditional Japanese dish is simple yet deeply satisfying, often compared to Western-style beef stew, but with a lighter and more delicate taste. Unlike thick, gravy-heavy stews, Nikujaga has a thin but flavorful broth made with a mix of soy sauce, mirin, and dashi, giving it that unmistakable umami punch. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a long day.
The best part? It’s quick to prepare and can be made in one pot—perfect for busy weeknights when you just want to throw ingredients together and let the magic happen. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a well-balanced meal for the whole family. If you’re an experienced home cook or just starting your journey into Japanese cuisine, Nikujaga is a must-try dish that you’ll find yourself craving over and over again.
The History
Like many great dishes, Nikujaga has an interesting backstory. It was created in the late 19th century by chefs in the Japanese Navy who were inspired by Western-style beef stews. The goal? To provide sailors with a nutritious and filling meal using local Japanese ingredients. Instead of using butter and flour to thicken the broth, they opted for soy sauce, mirin, and sake, creating a lighter yet flavorful version that became a staple in Japanese households.
What Does Nikujaga Taste Like?
If you’ve never had Nikujaga before, think of it as a cross between a savory beef stew and a sweet teriyaki dish. The thin broth is packed with umami flavor from dashi and soy sauce, while the potatoes and onions soak up the sweetness from mirin and sugar. The beef adds richness, and if you use thinly sliced cuts, it becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender. It’s a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it incredibly addictive.
Teriyaki Recipe
Teriyaki Chicken Recipe
Learn how to make teriyaki chicken with this simple, step-by-step guide. Perfectly tender chicken coated in a sweet and savory sauce.
How to Cook Nikujaga at Home
Ingredients:
- 200g thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin works best)
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 cup dashi (or water with dashi powder)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sake (optional, but recommended)
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Instructions:
- Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook until soft.
- Add the beef and cook until lightly browned.
- Add the potatoes and carrots, stirring for a minute.
- Pour in the dashi, soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. Stir everything together.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes are soft.
- Serve warm, ideally with a bowl of steamed rice and a side of pickles!
Variations: Can You Make Nikujaga with Chicken?
Absolutely! While beef is traditional, you can easily swap it for chicken breast or thigh for a lighter version. The cooking method remains the same, but chicken will cook a little faster than beef, so keep an eye on it.
Similar Japanese Dishes
If you love Nikujaga, here are some other Japanese comfort foods you should try:
- Kare Raisu (Japanese Curry Rice) – Another beef and potato dish, but with a rich and thick curry sauce.
- Sukiyaki – A hot pot dish with thinly sliced beef, tofu, and vegetables in a sweet soy-based broth.
- Oden – A winter stew with fish cakes, daikon radish, and eggs, simmered in a light soy-based broth.
Related Recipes
Sukiyaki Recipe (Japanese Hot Pot)
Sukiyaki is a beloved Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced beef, tofu, and vegetables are simmered in a rich umami-packed broth made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, sake, and dashi. Serve it with a bowl of Japanese rice!
Crispy Agedashi Tofu (Deep Fried Tofu) Recipe
| Agedashi Tofu is a beloved Japanese dish featuring crispy fried tofu in a flavorful dashi broth. This simple, authentic recipe brings out the best of Japanese flavors, making it the perfect appetizer or light meal! |
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Just sauté the onions and beef using the Sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients and set it to Pressure Cook for 10 minutes. Quick release the steam, and you’re done!
Thinly sliced beef like ribeye, sirloin, or even sukiyaki beef works best because it cooks quickly and stays tender.
Yes! You can substitute chicken or beef broth, though the flavor will be slightly different.
