Nikujaga is a classic Japanese home-cooked dish featuring beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots simmered in a sweet and savory soy sauce-based broth. It is a staple among stews and is widely enjoyed by people of all ages.

Variations exist across regions, with some recipes including whole potatoes or additional ingredients like konjac and taro. Family-passed recipes are also common, making nikujaga a true embodiment of Japanese culinary heritage.

Ingredients (for 4 servings)

• 4 potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
• 300g beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, cut into random pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 300ml water
• 300ml dashi (Japanese soup stock)
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet cooking wine)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

1. Soak the potatoes in water to remove excess starch. Cut the onion into thin slices and the carrot into random pieces. Cut the beef into bite-sized pieces.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a pot and stir-fry the beef until browned.
3. Add the onion and cook until softened.
4. Add the potatoes, carrot, water, dashi, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the potatoes are tender.
5. Dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water and add it to the pot, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.

Tips

• Soaking the potatoes in water helps remove excess starch and prevents them from becoming cloudy in the stew.
• Avoid overcooking the beef to prevent it from becoming tough.
• Adjust the simmering time based on the size of the potatoes.

Health and beauty benefits

Nikujaga offers numerous health and beauty benefits. Firstly, beef is high in protein, which helps maintain muscle and promote energy metabolism. The meat also contains iron and zinc, contributing to the prevention of anemia and the enhancement of immune function. Potatoes are rich in vitamin C, which helps maintain healthy skin through its antioxidant properties. Additionally, potatoes contain dietary fiber, which aids in improving digestive function and regulating the intestinal environment. The inclusion of vegetables like onions and carrots ensures a balanced intake of vitamins and minerals.