Japanese Nikujaga Beef Potatoes (Printable)

Tender beef, potatoes, and onions simmered in a sweet-savory soy sauce for a comforting meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Meat & Vegetables

01 - 10.6 oz thinly sliced beef chuck or ribeye
02 - 21.2 oz waxy potatoes, peeled and cut into large chunks
03 - 2 medium onions, sliced
04 - 1 large carrot, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
05 - 3.5 oz shirataki noodles, rinsed and drained (optional)
06 - 3.5 oz snow peas or green beans, trimmed (optional)

→ Sauce

07 - 1.75 cups dashi stock or water with 1 teaspoon instant dashi powder
08 - 4 tablespoons soy sauce
09 - 3 tablespoons mirin
10 - 2 tablespoons sake
11 - 2 tablespoons sugar

→ Oil

12 - 1 tablespoon neutral oil such as canola or vegetable oil

# Steps:

01 - Heat neutral oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
02 - Add sliced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until just softened.
03 - Add thinly sliced beef and cook until lightly browned, stirring often to ensure even coloring.
04 - Add potatoes and carrots, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly.
05 - Pour in dashi stock, then add soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir thoroughly to dissolve sugar and distribute flavors.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil, then skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface for a clear sauce.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover with lid slightly ajar, and simmer for 20 to 25 minutes until potatoes are tender and flavors have melded.
08 - If using shirataki noodles, add them approximately 10 minutes before the end of cooking time.
09 - Remove lid for the final 5 minutes and allow sauce to reduce slightly, creating a glossy coating on ingredients.
10 - Add snow peas or green beans in the last 2 to 3 minutes to preserve bright color and crisp texture.
11 - Serve hot with steamed white rice on the side.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Comforting & Hearty: A perfect balance of protein and root vegetables in a savory broth.
  • Easy to Prepare: This one-pot meal is rated as easy, requiring only 15 minutes of prep.
  • Dairy-Free: Naturally fits a dairy-free lifestyle without any substitutions.
  • Rich Flavor: Features a sweet-savory glossy finish that melds deep umami with subtle sweetness.
02 -
  • Glossy Reduction: Removing the lid for the final 5 minutes of cooking allows the sauce to reduce and creates a beautiful glossy finish on the ingredients.
  • Vegetable Care: Add snow peas or green beans only in the last 2-3 minutes to ensure they stay bright and crisp.
  • Shirataki Prep: If using shirataki noodles, always rinse and drain them well before adding them to the stew.
  • Skimming: Regularly skimming off impurities ensures a clean taste and polished presentation.
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