Japanese Nikujaga Beef Potatoes (Printer-Friendly)

Savory beef, potatoes, and onions braised in a glossy sweet soy sauce for a cozy meal.

# What You 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 - 13.5 fl oz 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

# Directions:

01 - Heat the oil in a large saucepan or deep skillet over medium heat.
02 - Add the sliced onions and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
03 - Add the beef and cook until lightly browned, stirring frequently.
04 - Add the potatoes and carrots, mixing well to combine with the beef and onions.
05 - Pour in the dashi stock, then add soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir thoroughly.
06 - Bring to a gentle boil and skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
07 - Reduce heat to low, cover with a 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.
09 - Remove the lid for the final 5 minutes and let the sauce reduce slightly for a glossy finish.
10 - Add snow peas or green beans in the last 2 to 3 minutes so they remain bright and crisp.
11 - Serve hot with steamed white rice.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Savory-Sweet Balance: The combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar creates a perfectly balanced sauce that coats every ingredient.
  • One-Pot Simplicity: This dish is easy to prepare in a single deep skillet or saucepan, making cleanup a breeze.
  • Wholesome Ingredients: Packed with protein and fiber-rich vegetables, it is a nourishing and dairy-free meal.
02 -
  • Uniform Slicing: Ensure the carrots and potatoes are cut into similar sizes so they cook evenly throughout.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
  • Noodle Prep: If using shirataki noodles, ensure they are rinsed and drained well to maintain the purity of the broth's flavor.
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