Sukiyaki Recipe

This Authentic Sukiyaki Recipe Will Transport You Straight to Japan

Sukiyaki is more than just a meal; it's an experience. As a chef and food lover, I find joy in creating dishes that not only taste incredible but also bring people together. Sukiyaki is the perfect example of this—a traditional Japanese hot pot at home that’s easy to make, yet bursting with deep, umami-rich flavors.

If you’ve ever dined at a Japanese restaurant and enjoyed the comforting taste of beef simmered in a sweet-savory broth, you know how special sukiyaki is. But did you know you can make an authentic sukiyaki recipe right in your own kitchen? Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned home cook, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create the best sukiyaki from scratch.

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What is Sukiyaki?

Sukiyaki is a classic Japanese food that has been enjoyed for over a century. It’s a hot pot dish where thinly sliced beef and fresh vegetables are cooked in a deliciously rich sauce, known as warishita. Traditionally, sukiyaki is prepared at the table, making it a fun and interactive dining experience. The dish is often enjoyed in the colder months, bringing warmth and comfort to family gatherings.

Ingredients for the Best Sukiyaki

Creating an authentic sukiyaki recipe starts with using the right ingredients. Here’s exactly what you’ll need:

For the Sukiyaki Sauce (Warishita)

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/2 cup mirin

1/4 cup sake

2 tbsp sugar

1/2 cup dashi broth (or water)

For the Sukiyaki Hot Pot

1 lb thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin beef

1/2 head napa cabbage, chopped

4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced

4 enoki mushroom clusters

1 block firm tofu, cut into cubes

1 leek or green onion, sliced

1/2 pack shirataki noodles

1/2 cup sliced carrots

2 eggs (for dipping, optional)

1 pack udon noodles (for the end of the meal)

Sukiyaki Sauce & Broth: The Secret to Authentic Flavor

The heart of sukiyaki lies in its broth, which is a blend of soy sauce, mirin, sake, sugar, and dashi. This sauce infuses the ingredients with a balance of sweet and savory notes, making every bite irresistible.

Pro Tip: Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes before adding the ingredients to enhance the depth of flavor.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Sukiyaki

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Slice the beef as thinly as possible. If buying pre-sliced beef, go for well-marbled cuts like ribeye.

Chop the vegetables and tofu into bite-sized pieces.

Rinse the shirataki noodles and drain well.

Step 2: Cook the Sukiyaki

1. Heat a cast iron skillet or shallow pot over medium heat.

2. Sear the beef lightly on one side for about 30 seconds.

3. Add the sukiyaki sauce, letting the broth coat the beef.

4. Add vegetables, tofu, and noodles, arranging them neatly.

5. Cover and simmer for 5–10 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 3: Enjoy the Hot Pot at Home Experience

Traditionally, each person dips their beef in raw egg before eating. This adds richness to every bite.

As the meal nears the end, add udon noodles to the remaining broth for a final, satisfying dish.

Product Recommendations

1. Japanese Sukiyaki Hot Pot Set

A high-quality hot pot makes a huge difference when cooking sukiyaki at home. I recommend the Zojirushi Gourmet d’Expert Electric Skillet—it has adjustable heat settings, perfect for simmering broth gently.

Get yours today for effortless, authentic sukiyaki! Buy on Amazon

2. Authentic Japanese Soy Sauce

To get that true authentic flavor, use Kikkoman Soy Sauce. This premium soy sauce enhances the sukiyaki sauce with deep umami.

Stock your pantry with the best soy sauce! Get it now

Easy Vegetarian Sukiyaki Option

For those who prefer a vegetarian version, simply swap the beef for extra tofu and mushrooms. Use a vegetarian broth made with kombu dashi instead of traditional dashi. The same delicious sauce works perfectly!

Pro Tips for the Best Sukiyaki

Use a good balance of ingredients: Too much sauce can overpower the dish.

Cook in stages: Sear beef first, then add veggies gradually.

Don’t overcook the beef: Thin slices cook in seconds!

Making authentic sukiyaki at home is easier than you think! Whether you go for a traditional beef sukiyaki or a vegetarian version, the key is in the flavorful broth and high-quality ingredients. I hope this sukiyaki recipe brings warmth and joy to your home. Try it tonight and let me know how it turns out!

Have you tried making sukiyaki before? Share your experience in the comments!