Nikujaga (Simmered Beef and Potatoes)
Nikujaga — "niku" (meat) and "jaga" (potato) — is the quintessential Japanese home stew: thin slices of beef and potatoes simmered with onion and carrot in a sweet-savoury dashi broth until the vegetables soak up the sauce. A comfort dish of "ofukuro no aji" (the taste of mum’s cooking), all gentleness and simplicity.
Original recipe : 白ごはん.com (sirogohan.com) + Kikkoman
Ingredients
- 200 g thinly sliced beef
- 4 potatoes, in large wedges
- 1 onion, in wedges
- 1 carrot, in chunks
- 400 ml dashi
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp mirin
- 2 tbsp sake
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- A handful of snow peas (optional)
Method
- 1Heat the oil in a pot over medium and cook the beef until it changes colour.
- 2Add the onion, carrot and potatoes and sauté for 2 minutes.
- 3Pour in the dashi, bring to a simmer and skim.
- 4Add the sugar, sake and mirin, then the soy sauce. Cover with a drop-lid (otoshibuta) or parchment.
- 5Simmer 15–20 minutes over medium-low, until the potatoes are tender and the sauce reduced by half.
- 6Add the snow peas at the end if using. Rest 10 minutes off the heat so the flavours soak in, then serve.
Tips & tricks
- A drop-lid (otoshibuta) spreads the sauce and cooks evenly without drying out.
- Resting after cooking is essential: the vegetables absorb the sauce as they cool.
- Beef can be swapped for pork (a common version in Japan).
Variations
- With shirataki (konjac noodles) added during simmering, as in many home versions.
Storage
Up to 3 days refrigerated; even better reheated the next day.
Ingredient substitutions
- Eggs : apple sauce (50 g per egg) or 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water.
- Sugar : maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar.
- Ground meat : cooked lentils, textured soy protein or chopped mushrooms.
What to serve it with
- A dressed green salad
- Fresh bread or a starchy side
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- A wine matched to the dish (to taste)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to make "Nikujaga (Simmered Beef and Potatoes)"?
Allow about 15 min of prep and 25 min of cooking, i.e. 40 min in total for 4 servings.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it's an "Easy" recipe: perfect for beginners, with no special technique required.
Can I make "Nikujaga (Simmered Beef and Potatoes)" ahead and store it?
Up to 3 days refrigerated; even better reheated the next day.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The quantities are for 4 servings. To adjust, simply multiply or divide the ingredients by the number of guests.
