As we get ready to ring in the New Year, there’s nothing more comforting than gathering around a warm nabe! But wait—what the heck is nabe? Nabe is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish that is more than just a meal; it’s an experience bringing together friends and family to share delicious flavours and traditions.
The word nabe translates to “pot” or “cooking pot,” which is where the magic truly begins! It refers to the vessel itself—traditionally made of clay or cast iron—used to simmer a flavourful broth filled with endless ingredients. Typically cooked right at the table, nabe creates a warm, interactive, and communal dining experience, making it an ideal centerpiece for any celebration! Keep extra ingredients on hand so you can keep the feast going—and don’t forget to save that delicious broth! It’s perfect for cooking up some udon noodles the next day. Nabe truly is the gift that keeps on giving.
The Essence of Nabe
The beauty of nabe lies in its versatility—there’s a style for every taste. Whether you’re into light, clean flavours or rich, indulgent broths, nabe is endlessly customizable. At its core, it involves a large pot filled with broth, into which various ingredients like vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, noodles, and protein are added and cooked down to create a mouthwatering broth. Nabe is more than just food; it’s an invitation to gather, collaborate, and enjoy the simple joy of sharing a meal.
This time of year, nabe takes on special significance. As families gather to celebrate the New Year, nabe symbolizes warmth, togetherness, and renewal. It’s a dish that invites collaboration, as everyone contributes to and shares from the communal pot.
Spotlight on Sukiyaki
One of the most beloved types of nabe is sukiyaki––a dish that's sweet, savoury and down right addictive, often reserved for celebrations—and for good reason! Sukiyaki is typically cooked tableside and features thinly sliced beef, tofu, vegetables, and shirataki noodles simmered in a flavourful mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin. The best part? Each bite is dipped into a silky bowl of raw, beaten egg, creating a texture so luxurious you might just drink it straight!
Sukiyaki Recipe
Ready to wow your family or friends? Here’s a sukiyaki recipe that’s simple and impressive.
Ingredients
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1 package thinly sliced beef rolls
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1 block of firm tofu, cubbed
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1 bunch of green onions, roughly chopped
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1 head of napa cabbage, roughly chopped
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1 package shirataki noodles
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1 package shiitake mushrooms
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1 package enoki mushrooms
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1 diakon radish, sliced
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1 package ginko nuts
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1/2 bottle of hot pot dressing or seasoning (or make your own below)
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Optional: Raw eggs, beaten (for dipping)
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1/2 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup mirin
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1/4 cup sake
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3 tablespoons sugar
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1 cup water
Directions:
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Prep Pot: In a large pot or deep skillet, arrange the beef, tofu, onions, cabbage, diakon, mushrooms, nuts, and noodles around the edges of the pot.
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Add the Sauce: pour in approximately half the bottle of hot pot dressing/seasoning (or your homemade sauce)
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Cook on Stove: Cover pot and cook on medium heat until broth starts to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10-20 minutes until ingredients are cooked through.
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Serve & Slurp: Transfer the pot a portable burner on your table to keep it warm. Feeling fancy? Crack an egg into a separate bowl, whisk it up, and use it as a dip. Yes, raw egg—trust me, it’s amazing!
Whether it’s sukiyaki or another nabe style, hot pot dishes are all about warmth, connection, and joy. They’re easy to make with unlimited flavour possibilities making it the perfect dish to create delicious memories with your loved ones. So, grab your chopsticks, fire up the pot, let’s make nabe and toast to a cozy, flavourful start to the New Year!