Indulge in the comforting flavors of Japan with our authentic Nikujaga recipe. This beloved dish combines tender chunks of beef simmered with potatoes, onions, and carrots in a savory-sweet soy-based broth. Bursting with umami goodness, Nikujaga embodies the essence of Japanese home cooking, offering a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you're seeking a taste of nostalgia or eager to explore Japanese cuisine, our Nikujaga recipe promises a culinary journey through the heart of Japan.

Ingredients:

 - 500g thinly sliced beef (such as ribeye or sirloin)

 - 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks

 - 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced

 - 1 onion, thinly sliced

 - 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or canola)

 - 4 cups dashi stock (or substitute with beef or vegetable broth)

 - 4 tablespoons soy sauce

 - 2 tablespoons mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

 - 2 tablespoons sugar

 - 1 tablespoon sake (Japanese rice wine)

 - Salt to taste

 - Chopped green onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1- Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and sauté until they become translucent.

2- Add the beef slices to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.

3- Pour in the dashi stock (or broth) and bring to a simmer.

4- Once simmering, add the potatoes and carrots to the pot.

5- In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. Pour this mixture into the pot.

6- Cover the pot with a lid and let the stew simmer over medium-low heat for about 20-25 minutes, or until the potatoes and carrots are tender.

7- Occasionally skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

8- Once the vegetables are cooked through and the flavors have melded together, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with salt if necessary.

9- Serve the Nikujaga hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy this comforting Japanese stew with a bowl of steamed rice.

Note: Nikujaga is a flexible dish, so feel free to adjust the ingredients and seasoning according to your taste preferences. Some variations include adding shirataki noodles, mushrooms, or other vegetables to the stew.

Nutritional Values :

Here's the nutritional breakdown and benefits for each ingredient in your beef stew recipe:

For the Beef and Potato Dish:

500g Thinly Sliced Beef (Ribeye or Sirloin):

  - Calories:1,100

  - Fat:80 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein:100 g

Benefits: Provides high-quality protein and essential nutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins.

4 Medium Potatoes (Approx. 800g):

  - Calories:600

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:140 g

  - Protein:8 g

Benefits: Rich in carbohydrates for energy; contains vitamins C and B6, potassium, and dietary fiber.

2 Medium Carrots (Approx. 200g):

  - Calories:80

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:20 g

  - Protein:2 g

Benefits: High in beta-carotene (vitamin A), fiber, and antioxidants.

1 Onion (Approx. 150g):

  - Calories:60

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:14 g

  - Protein:1 g

Benefits: Provides flavor and contains antioxidants, vitamins C and B6, and some dietary fiber.

2 Tablespoons Oil (Vegetable or Canola, Approx. 30ml):

  - Calories:240

  - Fat:28 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds richness and helps with cooking; provides healthy fats if using canola oil.

4 Cups Dashi Stock (or Beef/Vegetable Broth, Approx. 960ml):

  - Calories:40 (for dashi)

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds umami flavor; low in calories. (Nutritional values vary depending on broth type.)

4 Tablespoons Soy Sauce (Approx. 60ml):

  - Calories:40

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:6 g

  - Protein:4 g

Benefits: Adds saltiness and umami flavor; contains some protein and minerals like sodium.

2 Tablespoons Mirin (Approx. 30ml):

  - Calories:40

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:10 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and complexity of flavor; contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

2 Tablespoons Sugar (Approx. 25g):

  - Calories:100

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:25 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds sweetness and helps balance flavors.

1 Tablespoon Sake (Approx. 15ml):

  - Calories:20

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:2 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds depth of flavor; contains small amounts of vitamins and minerals.

Salt (To Taste):

  - Calories: 0

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates: 0 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Enhances flavor; supports electrolyte balance.

Chopped Green Onions (Optional, Approx. 2 Tablespoons):

  - Calories: 5

  - Fat: 0 g

  - Carbohydrates:1 g

  - Protein: 0 g

Benefits: Adds freshness and some vitamins.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as specific brands, cooking methods, and portion sizes. Additionally, the values for the broth and any additional ingredients you may choose to include (such as green onions) are not included in this breakdown.