Japanese Meat and Potato Stew (Nikujaga)

5 from 8 votes
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Japanese Meat and Potato Stew (Nikujaga) - hearty stew with meat and potatoes. This Japanese comfort food is delicious for colder months.

Japanese meat and potato stew (Nikujaga) with meat and potatoes in a bowl.
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This time of year, I crave homey comfort food such as Asian soups and stews to keep me warm. I love the idea of a slow-cooked meat and potato dish, with liquid.

This Japanese meat and potato recipe or Nikujaga fits the bill. Nikujaga is a very common winter dish in Japan. It’s such a delightful dish to eat, with a bowl of piping hot steamed rice.

I first had Nikujaga at a Japanese restaurant. I was instantly hooked on the sweet and savory taste.

Thanks to the Japanese store near my house, I was able to get all ingredients easily and I have been making it for a few years. I am so glad that finally I get to share my recipe with you.

If you love meat and potatoes, shake things up in your kitchen and try it. This is absolutely delicious and I can assure you that your family would enjoy it.

Easy recipe Japanese meat and potato stew ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories per serving?

This recipe is only 368 calories per serving.

Easy authentic Japanese Nikujaga stew with meat and potatoes close up.

What To Serve With Japanese Meat And Potato Stew

For a wholesome meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.

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5 from 8 votes

Japanese Meat and Potato Stew (Nikujaga)

Japanese Meat and Potato Stew (Nikujaga) – hearty stew with meat and potatoes. This Japanese comfort food is delicious for colder months.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 3 people
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Ingredients  

  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 2 oz (60g) onion, quartered
  • 8 oz (230g) thinly sliced pork , or beef
  • 2 oz (60g) carrots
  • 6 oz (170g) potatoes, cut into pieces
  • 2 cups water , or dashi, preferred
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons cooking sake
  • 2 tablespoons mirin, Japanese sweet wine seasoning
  • 2 teaspoons sugar
  • 4 oz (120g) shirataki noodles , or Konnyaku noodles, optional
  • salt , to taste
  • 1 stalk scallion, cut into 2-inch (5cm) strips

Instructions 

  • Heat a small soup pot over medium heat and add the oil. When the oil is heated, add the onion, stirring a few times before adding the meat. Stir and cook, then add the carrots and potatoes. Stir to combine well with the meat.
  • Add the water and bring it to a boil. Add the soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. Lower the heat, cover the pot, and simmer until the carrots and potatoes are cooked through and the sauce has reduced.
  • Add the Shirataki noodles and cook for 1 minute. Add salt and the scallions. Turn off the heat and serve immediately.

Notes

If you can’t find Shirataki noodles, feel feel to skip it.

Nutrition

Serving: 3people, Calories: 337kcal, Carbohydrates: 14g, Protein: 18g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 7g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g, Monounsaturated Fat: 10g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 54mg, Sodium: 1331mg, Potassium: 484mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 7g, Vitamin A: 3209IU, Vitamin C: 4mg, Calcium: 76mg, Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Please rate and comment below!

About Rasa Malaysia

Bee is a recipe developer and best-selling cookbook author, sharing easy, quick, and delicious Asian and American recipes since 2006. With a strong following of almost 2 million fans online, her expertise has been featured in major publications, TV and radio programs, and live cooking demos throughout the United States and Asia.

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Recipe Rating





14 Comments

  1. Mochifourever says:

    Itโ€™s easy and delicious

  2. Japanese Food says:

    5 stars
    So glad that there are still people in the world who care for good food. I love reading all your recipes, watch your blog and try them myself. Looking forward to new great recipes! Thank you for sharing them all with us.

  3. Jeremy Carpentier says:

    5 stars
    It’s look too much delicious. My favorite food is Japanese food.

    1. Sian says:

      Just made this for my very picky family, 5/5 stars all round. Love your recipes, can’t wait to try more ? x

  4. gias says:

    5 stars
    it looks so yummy. I gonna try this at my home. You made so easy for me. Thanks

  5. lydia says:

    Hi Bee, what kind of cut of the beef that you used? can i skip the sugar since there is mirin added already?

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Yes you can skip sugar. Mirin is not that sweet. I used shabu shabu beef that I can buy pre-sliced. Not sure which part of the beef though.

  6. mary says:

    looks so delicious i must try it.

  7. Lisa says:

    5 stars
    I followed your recipe exactly and it was so delicious! Thank you!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Thanks Lisa. :)

  8. julia says:

    5 stars
    I have eaten nikujaga before, its indeed yummy..

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Thanks Julia. Yeah, Nikujaga is amazing!

  9. Bon says:

    Confused: Recipe instructions begin ‘adding an onion’ ?? .. what kind? how much? Recipe ends adding one (?) scallion? per serving?
    What kind of meat> does the meat cutter shave it for you? Potatoes? Red?, Early?