Nikujaga (Japanese Homestyle Sweet-Soy Braised Beef, Potatoes, Carrots & Shirataki) – Authentic Japan Recipe

The ultimate Japanese "mother’s cooking" (ofukuro no aji): tender potatoes infused with sweet-savory dashi and beef.

Country of Origin
🇯🇵 Japan (East Asia, Asia)
Dietary Profile
omnivore
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Difficulty
Easy
Signature Staples
Thinly sliced beef sirloin, Waxy Yukon Gold potatoes, Carrots, Dashi stock, Mirin

Ingredients for Nikujaga (Japanese Homestyle Sweet-Soy Braised Beef, Potatoes, Carrots & Shirataki) (4 Servings)

  • 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) thinly sliced beef sirloin, prepped into bite-sized pieces
  • 1.5 cups waxy Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and trimmed
  • 1 cup carrots
  • 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with dashi stock
  • 1.5 tbsp traditional Japan seasoning (mirin, sake, soy sauce, ginger)
  • 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

  1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown thinly sliced beef sirloin for 5 minutes.
  2. Add minced onion, garlic, dashi stock, and mirin, sake, soy sauce, ginger, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
  3. Add waxy Yukon Gold potatoes and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
  4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
  5. Stir in carrots right before serving warm.

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