Ingredients

1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 1 lb ground beef or 1 lb pork loin , cubed
4 potatoes , halved and cut in 1/4-inch cubes or 2 lbs pumpkin , cut into bite sized pieces
1 carrot , peeled and quartered
12 white pearl onions
8 large shiitake mushrooms , stemmed and quartered
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 yellow bell pepper
1 red bell pepper
3 cups dashi
2 cups sake
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons mirin
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon curry powder ( optional )
2 tablespoons green onions , chopped
shichimi togarashi , to taste ( optional )
steamed japanese rice , as an accompaniment ( optional )
Nikujaga is a popular Japanese dish that translates to 'meat-potato.' As the name suggests, it's a stew made with beef or pork and potatoes, along with other vegetables and seasonings. This dish is widely enjoyed in Japan, especially during the colder months, as it's a comforting and filling meal that's easy to prepare. The dish is often served with steamed rice and garnished with green onions and shichimi togarashi, a Japanese spice blend.

Instructions

1.In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or cubed pork loin and cook until browned.
2.Add potatoes or pumpkin, carrot, pearl onions, shiitake mushrooms, ginger, yellow and red bell peppers, and curry powder, if using.
3.Pour in dashi, sake, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until vegetables are tender.
4.Serve hot with steamed Japanese rice, garnished with green onions and shichimi togarashi, if desired.

PROS

Nikujaga is a one-pot meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for colder weather.
It’s also versatile and can be customized with different vegetables or meats.

This dish is packed with protein and vegetables, making it a nutritious meal that’s also comforting and satisfying.

CONS

This dish contains alcohol, which may not be suitable for everyone.
It also requires specific ingredients, such as dashi and mirin, that may not be readily available at all grocery stores.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Nikujaga contains various nutrients from the vegetables and protein in the dish. The shiitake mushrooms in particular are loaded with vitamins and minerals, such as copper, potassium, and B vitamins.
The ginger in the recipe may also have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties.

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