There’s something truly special about simmered dishes in Japanese cuisine. These comforting and flavorful meals are perfect for chilly nights when you want something warm and satisfying to eat. From hearty stews to delicate simmered vegetables, Japanese recipes offer a wide range of options to suit every palate.

1. Nikujaga (Japanese Beef Stew)

Nikujaga is a popular Japanese dish made with thinly sliced beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots simmered in a savory soy sauce-based broth. This hearty stew is perfect for colder months when you need something to warm you up from the inside out. The tender beef and vegetables soak up the delicious flavors of the broth, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying.

2. Oden (Japanese Hot Pot)

Oden is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish that is often enjoyed during the winter months. This simmered dish features a variety of ingredients such as fish cakes, daikon radish, boiled eggs, and konjac simmered in a light soy sauce-based broth. Oden is often served with a side of spicy mustard for dipping, adding a kick of flavor to each bite. This dish is perfect for cozy nights when you want something warm and nourishing to eat.

3. Buta no Kakuni (Braised Pork Belly)

Buta no kakuni is a popular Japanese dish made with braised pork belly simmered in a sweet and savory soy sauce-based broth. The pork belly becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender after hours of simmering, creating a dish that is rich in flavor and texture. Buta no kakuni is often served with a side of steamed rice and pickled vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal that is perfect for chilly evenings at home.

4. Chikuzenni (Simmered Chicken and Vegetables)

Chikuzenni is a traditional Japanese dish made with simmered chicken and a variety of vegetables such as carrots, lotus root, and shiitake mushrooms. This dish is simmered in a light soy sauce-based broth until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are infused with flavor. Chikuzenni is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on its own or served with a side of steamed rice, making it a hearty and satisfying meal for cozy nights at home.

5. Kabocha no Nimono (Simmered Pumpkin)

Kabocha no nimono is a simple yet delicious Japanese dish made with kabocha squash simmered in a sweet and savory broth. The kabocha squash becomes tender and sweet after simmering, creating a dish that is both comforting and satisfying. Kabocha no nimono is often served as a side dish alongside a main course or enjoyed on its own as a light and nutritious meal.

6. Saba Misoni (Miso Simmered Mackerel)

Saba misoni is a classic Japanese dish made with mackerel fillets simmered in a savory miso-based sauce. The miso sauce infuses the mackerel with umami-rich flavor, creating a dish that is both delicious and nourishing. Saba misoni is often served with a side of steamed rice and pickled vegetables, making it a well-rounded meal that is perfect for cozy nights at home.

7. Yasai no Nimono (Simmered Vegetables)

Yasai no nimono is a versatile Japanese dish made with a variety of vegetables such as carrots, daikon radish, and bamboo shoots simmered in a savory broth. This dish is simple yet flavorful, allowing the natural flavors of the vegetables to shine through. Yasai no nimono is often served as a side dish alongside a main course or enjoyed on its own as a light and nutritious meal that is perfect for cozy nights at home.

• Nikujaga (Japanese Beef Stew)
• Oden (Japanese Hot Pot)
• Buta no Kakuni (Braised Pork Belly)
• Chikuzenni (Simmered Chicken and Vegetables)
• Kabocha no Nimono (Simmered Pumpkin)
• Saba Misoni (Miso Simmered Mackerel)
• Yasai no Nimono (Simmered Vegetables)