Able to take pleasure in considered one of Japan’s coziest meals? Nabemono, or nabe, are Japanese sizzling pot dishes cooked proper on the desk. On this information, I’ll stroll you thru the fundamentals so you can also make a heat, comforting Japanese sizzling pot at dwelling anytime.
Fast Overview
When the climate turns chilly or wet, many Japanese households flip to nabe (鍋). A pot of simmering broth, recent components, and everybody cooking collectively on the desk—that is the center of a Japanese sizzling pot meal.
Why you’ll love nabe:
- A comfortable, shareable meal that brings everybody collectively
- Simple to customise together with your favourite proteins and greens
- Comforting broths that heat you from the within out
On this information, you’ll be taught what nabe is, the important gear, key components, and the hottest Japanese sizzling pot recipes to strive.
What’s Nabemono (or Nabe)?
Nabemono is the Japanese time period for sizzling pot dishes cooked and loved on the desk.
- Nabe (鍋) means “pot.”
- Nabemono (鍋物) means “components cooked collectively in a pot.”
The meal is easy and communal. Everybody provides components to a simmering broth, waits for it to prepare dinner, and enjoys it piping sizzling. It’s interactive, cozy, and really homey.
Whereas nabe is a basic winter meal, it’s additionally good for informal gatherings, holidays, and household dinners. If you happen to love heat one-pot meals, you’ll take pleasure in nabe all yr lengthy.
Important Nabe Gear
You solely want just a few easy instruments to make Japanese sizzling pot at dwelling. These preserve the broth sizzling on the desk and make the meal simple and enjoyable.
Fast listing
- Donabe pot (or one other sturdy pot)
- Moveable butane range (or induction cooktop)
- Butane canisters
- Serving utensils – skimmer, ladles, slotted ladles, cooking chopsticks
- Tableware – medium bowl, small bowl, and chopsticks
1. Donabe pot
The donabe (土鍋) is probably the most conventional pot for Japanese sizzling pot. It holds and distributes warmth nicely, which is ideal for simmering sizzling pot on the desk. Donabe pots are available in many sizes and designs, so in case you prepare dinner nabe usually, investing in a good-quality donabe is nicely price it.
The place to Purchase
Begin with JOC Items, the place we fastidiously curate donabe straight from trusted Japanese kilns. You can too discover them at Japanese or Asian grocery shops, specialty ceramic outlets, and on Amazon, although the standard can range.
Donabe Dimension Information
Donabe sizes are measured by the diameter of the pot. For giant teams (6 individuals or extra), utilizing two donabe pots works greatest.
- Small (6.5–8 in / 16.5–20 cm, 6号) – Serves 1–2
- Medium (8.5–11 in / 22–28 cm, 7号〜9号) – Serves 2–3
- Giant (12 in / 31 cm, 10号) – Serves 4–6
⚠️ Earlier than your first use, season your donabe correctly so it’ll final for years. Observe my step-by-step information in Tips on how to Season and Take care of Your Donabe.
Different Pots
No donabe? You possibly can nonetheless take pleasure in nabe with these choices:
2. Moveable butane range
A transportable butane range retains the broth sizzling on the desk—the normal method to take pleasure in nabe!
📌 Most donabe pots want a fuel flame and can’t be used on normal electrical or induction cooktops except particularly famous.
Many households use a single-burner butane range for tabletop cooking, grilling, and sizzling pot. It’s additionally very helpful for emergencies, tenting, or street journeys.
Moveable Range Choices
We’ve used a number of Iwatani stoves through the years, and so they’re dependable:
I’ve additionally listed just a few extra Iwatani choices for you.
Different possibility: If you’re utilizing a stainless-steel pot, you can too use a moveable induction cooktop.
3. Butane canisters
You’ll want butane canisters (カセットガス) on your moveable range.
⚠️ Security Tip: At all times prepare dinner in a well-ventilated area. (Butane burners usually don’t produce carbon monoxide.)
Professional Tip: Maintain additional canisters available in winter. Chilly temperatures weaken the flame, and sizzling pot meals usually final a very long time. Further gasoline makes certain your nabe stays sizzling till the top.
4. Serving utensils
Set out just a few shared utensils so everybody can prepare dinner and serve with ease:
An identical nabe instrument set with stunning picket handles seems to be tidy on the desk and makes serving a lot simpler!
5. Tableware and drinkware
Give every visitor a small private setup:
You may also need:
Japanese Scorching Pot Substances
A scrumptious nabe begins with a great dashi (Japanese soup broth), then layers in greens, protein (generally protein, then greens), and a easy end of rice or noodles.
Fast listing
- Dashi (Japanese soup inventory)
- Meat and seafood
- Tofu and soybean merchandise
- Greens and mushrooms
- Rice or noodles
- Dipping sauce
1. Dashi (Japanese soup inventory)
The widespread broths for Japanese sizzling pot embrace:
2. Meat and seafood
- Thinly sliced beef or pork (about 1–2 mm thick) cooks in seconds in sizzling broth and provides a beautiful richness. Properly-marbled cuts like ribeye, sirloin, pork stomach, or pork loin give a comfortable, silky texture and a naturally candy taste. As a result of the meat is wealthy and tender, just a few slices go a great distance.
- Rooster thigh stays juicy and tsukune (hen meatballs) add physique and richness.
- White fish or salmon maintain their form and add a clear, delicate style.
- Shrimp, scallops, and clams prepare dinner rapidly and convey deep umami.
- Squid or crab add nice texture and pure sweetness; nice for winter sizzling pots.
Nami’s Tips about Tips on how to Slice Meat Thinly
Butchers at Japanese or Asian grocery shops chill the meat barely to allow them to slice it paper-thin.
You are able to do this at dwelling, too! Observe my simple step-by-step tutorial on Tips on how to Slice Meat Thinly for greatest outcomes.
If you happen to dwell close to Japanese or Korean grocery shops, they usually promote high-quality thinly sliced meat for decent pot.
3. Tofu and soybean merchandise
Tofu is a nabe staple and soaks up the flavorful broth fantastically. Listed below are some choices:
4. Greens and mushrooms
Basic greens for nabe embrace:
- napa cabbage
- carrot
- daikon
- Tokyo negi (Japanese lengthy inexperienced onion)
- chrysanthemum greens (shungiku)
- gobo (burdock root)
- mizuna
They add sweetness, texture, and many colour to the pot.
You can too use what’s accessible domestically, corresponding to bok choy, broccoli, spinach, watercress, zucchini, and extra. Add agency stems first to the broth, then leafy greens.
Japanese mushrooms are one other must-have. They add deep umami and an exquisite texture to the broth. My favorites are:
- shiitake mushrooms
- enoki mushrooms
- shimeji mushrooms
- maitake mushrooms
- king oyster mushrooms
Every brings its personal taste and form to the pot.
5. Dipping sauce
The broth is scrumptious by itself, however dipping sauces make nabe additional enjoyable. Listed below are the 2 most typical sauces:
- Ponzu – A citrusy soy sauce that brightens the dish, particularly fatty meat.
- Goma dare – A creamy roasted sesame sauce that pairs nicely with marbled beef and pork.
You possibly can customise your bowl with toppings like:
Have enjoyable creating your individual good combine!
6. Rice or noodles
End the meal with shime, the ultimate course.
- Add cooked rice to the remaining broth and simmer for Zosui (rice soup).
- Or add cooked udon noodles and simmer till tender.
It’s the proper method to take pleasure in each final drop of the flavorful broth.
Nami’s Finest Ideas for Nabemono
Cooking and consuming nabemono is all concerning the shared expertise. Listed below are my greatest suggestions that will help you prepare dinner Japanese sizzling pot like a professional!
- Observe the cooking order. Begin with components that construct taste, like hen, fish, or meatballs. Add root greens that take longer to prepare dinner subsequent, like daikon, carrots, or gobo, then mushrooms and end with thinly sliced meat and leafy greens.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot. Too many components directly lowers the broth temperature. Add components in small batches so every thing cooks evenly.
- Add components to a boiling broth. Wait till the broth is effervescent earlier than you add new components. This retains the broth temperature excessive on a regular basis.
- Skim the broth sometimes. Proteins and greens can create foam or scum on the floor. Skim sometimes to maintain the broth clear and clear. I often skim whereas Mr. JOC provides components—teamwork!
- Style and alter. As you prepare dinner, the broth could change into stronger or lighter. Alter with a bit extra dashi, water, or seasoning.
- Follow good sharing etiquette. When cooking with company, keep away from fishing round for particular items within the pot. Because the host, you possibly can supply to assist newcomers prepare dinner their components, which makes the meal welcoming and enjoyable.
Widespread Nabe Recipes
Listed below are a few of my most beloved Japanese sizzling pot recipes so you possibly can decide one to start out with!
Shabu Shabu
Shabu Shabu is a well-known Japanese sizzling pot the place everybody on the desk cooks collectively. Diners swish marbled meat, tofu, and greens in a light-weight broth and luxuriate in it with savory dipping sauce. It is an intimate but informal meal that is enjoyable and straightforward to drag off at dwelling.
Sukiyaki
Cozy up at your subsequent get-together with family and friends with my home made Sukiyaki recipe. On this dish, we sear marbled beef and simmer it with tofu, mushrooms, and greens in a sweetened soy sauce. This family-style dinner will heat your stomachs and hearts with its genuine Japanese flavors.
Mille-Feuille Nabe
Mille-Feuille Nabe is among the hottest sizzling pot recipes to prepare dinner at dwelling in Japan. “A thousand layers“ of napa cabbage leaves and pork stomach slices are fantastically packed and simmered in a warming dashi broth. It comes collectively rapidly for a weeknight dinner or sizzling pot social gathering that you’ll treasure in the course of the cold-weather months.
Chanko Nabe (Sumo Stew)
Chanko Nabe or Sumo Stew is a sturdy sizzling pot crammed with all types of greens and tons of protein in a wealthy dashi and hen broth. Historically eaten by sumo wrestlers, this well-balanced meal can be loved in Japanese houses and at some eating places.
Yosenabe (Japanese Scorching Pot)
Yosenabe is a fundamental Japanese sizzling pot the place you possibly can prepare dinner no matter components—hen, seafood, tofu, and all types of greens—in a scrumptious dashi broth.
Sesame Miso Scorching Pot (Goma Miso Nabe)
Loaded with greens, mushrooms, and tofu, my simple Sesame Miso Scorching Pot is a perfect dish to make with family and friends. With a savory and nutty broth, this Japanese one-pot recipe will heat your stomach and soothe your soul. {Vegan Adaptable}
Soy Milk Scorching Pot
Scrumptious Japanese Soy Milk Scorching Pot recipe with napa cabbage, mushrooms, and thinly sliced pork cooked in a creamy and savory soy milk broth.
Mizutaki (Japanese Rooster Scorching Pot)
Mizutaki is a Japanese Rooster Scorching Pot through which hen, assorted greens, mushrooms, and tofu are cooked in a light-weight kombu dashi broth. Dip the freshly cooked components within the savory and citrusy ponzu sauce. It‘s among the finest wintery meals to take pleasure in!
Monkfish Scorching Pot (Anko Nabe)
Expertise the warmest communal eating at dwelling with this extremely flavorful Japanese Monkfish Scorching Pot known as Anko Nabe. The wealthy soup broth will blow you away. Such a enjoyable method to prepare dinner and eat collectively, it‘s considered one of our household’s favourite meals within the winter months!
Tsukune Scorching Pot (Tori Dango Nabe)
Tsukune Scorching Pot, or Tori Dango Nabe, is a Japanese sizzling pot recipe the place ginger-flavored hen meatballs are simmered in a dashi-based broth together with a wholesome mixture of tofu, greens, and mushrooms. Cooked on the desk in a donabe clay pot, it’s a heat and comforting family-style dinner for fall and winter nights.
Motsunabe Recipe
Heat up with a bowl of wealthy and savory Motsunabe—a regional Japanese sizzling pot dish with plump beef offal, garlic chives, cabbage, and tofu simmered in a creamy miso broth. It is filled with deep umami goodness!
Editor’s Observe: This submit was initially printed on March 5, 2019. It was up to date on November 24, 2021, and republished on November 26, 2025 with extra useful data.