Cookbook:Meat and Potatoes in Broth (Niku Jaga)

Meat and Potatoes in Broth (Niku Jaga)
Category	Japanese recipes
Difficulty

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Niku jaga (肉じゃが nikujaga meaning 'meat and potatoes') is a common Japanese household dish served at dinnertime.

Ingredients

• 200 g (7.1 oz) sliced beef
• 4 small potatoes (red potatoes recommended)
• 1 white onion, sliced
• 1½ cups water
• 2 tbsp mirin
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 slice of ginger
• 100 g (3.53 oz) shirataki noodles

Procedure

1. Cut potatoes into bite-sized pieces. Set aside to soak in cold water.
2. Combine mirin, soy sauce, sugar, ginger, and beef in a saucepan. Boil lightly for 2–3 minutes.
3. Remove beef from pan. Add potatoes, sliced onion, and water. Bring to a boil.
4. Simmer uncovered until the broth reduces to about ⅓ by volume.
5. Replace beef in pan, add shirataki noodles, and simmer for roughly 5 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and serve.

Notes, tips, and variations

• Pork can be substituted for the beef. Vary the amount of potatoes to taste.
• The level of liquid does not need to, and in fact should not, completely cover the potatoes at the start of boiling. They will cook via steam, and the comparatively small volume of the liquid helps to concentrate the flavor.
• Real mirin is important for preventing the potatoes from crumbling apart, especially when using Russets—it contains certain special sugars that prevent over-softening.