How to Make Sukiyaki – A Simple and Authentic Japanese Hot Pot Recipe

Introduction

Sukiyaki is a beloved Japanese hot pot dish enjoyed during special occasions and family gatherings. With its rich and slightly sweet soy-based broth, tender beef, and a variety of vegetables, sukiyaki offers a comforting and satisfying experience. Fortunately, you don’t need to travel to Japan to enjoy this traditional meal—this guide will show you how to make authentic sukiyaki at home using easy-to-find ingredients. Whether you’re an experienced cook or trying Japanese cuisine for the first time, this sukiyaki recipe will help you recreate the flavors of Japan in your own kitchen.

A Personal Sukiyaki Story

When I was studying in the U.S., I often cooked sukiyaki for special occasions, especially when inviting close friends over for dinner. Since it’s a dish meant to be shared, it created the perfect setting for meaningful conversations and a warm, friendly atmosphere. My friends were always excited to try homemade Japanese hot pot, and they loved the sweet-savory flavors of sukiyaki. I remember one particular night when a group of us gathered around the table, enjoying sukiyaki while sharing stories from our different cultures. The meal brought us closer together, making it one of my most cherished memories from my time abroad. Sukiyaki truly has the power to connect people through food and conversation, making every gathering feel even more special and memorable.

What is Sukiyaki?

Sukiyaki is a classic Japanese hot pot dish that became popular in the late 19th century. Traditionally, it is prepared in a shallow iron pot with thinly sliced beef, tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables, all simmered in a flavorful broth called warishita. The dish is often enjoyed communally, with diners adding ingredients to the pot and cooking them at the table.

One of the unique aspects of sukiyaki is that it is typically eaten with a raw egg dipping sauce. The hot, flavorful ingredients are dipped into a lightly beaten raw egg before being eaten, creating a smooth and rich texture that enhances the overall taste. However, in many countries, eating raw eggs is not a common practice. If you prefer an alternative, you can use a soft-boiled onsen tamago (Japanese hot spring egg) instead. This provides a similar creamy texture while ensuring a safer option for those unfamiliar with consuming raw eggs. Either way, adding an egg enhances the sukiyaki experience, making it even more indulgent and delicious.

Ingredients for Sukiyaki (Serves 2-3)

To prepare authentic sukiyaki, you will need the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• Beef – Thinly sliced ribeye or sirloin (about 200-300g)
• Tofu – 1/2 block, cut into cubes
• Shirataki noodles – 1 small package (or substitute with vermicelli)
• Vegetables:
  • 1/2 onion, sliced
  • 4 shiitake mushrooms (or substitute with button mushrooms)
  • 1/4 head of napa cabbage, chopped
  • 1 stalk of green onions (or scallions), cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 1 small carrot, sliced into thin rounds (optional, for extra color and sweetness)

Sukiyaki Sauce (Warishita)

• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup mirin (or substitute with white wine and a pinch of sugar)
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup water (or dashi stock for extra umami flavor)
• 1 tablespoon sake (optional, but adds depth to the flavor)

Optional

• 1 raw egg per person (for dipping) or onsen tamago as an alternative
• Steamed white rice (to serve alongside)

Ingredient Substitutions

If some ingredients are difficult to find, here are some alternatives:

• Beef: If thinly sliced beef is not available, freeze a cut of beef for 30 minutes and slice it thinly with a sharp knife.
• Mirin: Substitute with white wine mixed with a bit of sugar.
• Shirataki noodles: Replace with vermicelli noodles.
• Shiitake mushrooms: Button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms work well.
• Napa cabbage: Regular cabbage or bok choy can be used instead.

How to Make Sukiyaki

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Slice the beef into thin strips if not pre-cut.
• Cut the tofu into cubes and drain excess water.
• Slice the vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
• Mix the sukiyaki sauce ingredients in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Cooking Sukiyaki

• Heat a large skillet or shallow pot over medium heat.
• Lightly grease the pan with a small amount of beef fat or oil.
• Add the beef and sear it quickly until lightly browned, then pour a little sukiyaki sauce over the meat.
• Push the beef to one side of the pot and arrange the tofu, vegetables, and shirataki noodles in separate sections.
• Pour the remaining warishita sauce evenly over the ingredients.
• Let everything simmer for 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender and well-coated in the flavorful broth.
• Stir gently to mix flavors, but keep ingredients in sections for an authentic presentation.

3. Serving Sukiyaki

• Traditionally, sukiyaki is served hot at the table.
• Each person can take ingredients directly from the pot, dip them into a lightly beaten raw egg, and enjoy.
• If raw egg is not an option, use onsen tamago instead—it provides a creamy texture while maintaining the authentic sukiyaki experience.
• Serve with steamed white rice for a complete and satisfying meal.

Tips for Enjoying Sukiyaki

• Cook at the table: Sukiyaki is best enjoyed with friends and family, cooked and eaten together at the dining table.
• Adjust sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter taste, add a little more sugar to the warishita sauce.
• Use a hot pot or skillet: While traditional sukiyaki is made in an iron pot, a regular skillet works just as well.
• Customize ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, spinach, or enoki mushrooms to suit your preference.
• Pair with sake: Enjoy sukiyaki with a warm glass of sake or green tea for a traditional Japanese dining experience.

Conclusion

Sukiyaki is a simple yet delicious dish that brings people together for a warm and flavorful dining experience. Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or a cozy dinner, sukiyaki is sure to be a favorite! If you’re concerned about eating raw eggs, try onsen tamago instead—it pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of sukiyaki. No matter how you enjoy it, sukiyaki is a meal that creates lasting memories and brings warmth to any gathering.

Now it’s your turn! Have you tried making sukiyaki at home? Let me know in the comments below!