Looking for a meal that’s high in protein, loaded with veggies, and absolutely delicious? Let me introduce you to one of our family’s favorite cozy dinners: Beef Sukiyaki! This Japanese hot pot dish is flavorful, nourishing, and surprisingly easy to make at home!
As a busy mom of two, I’m always on the lookout for meals that are both nutrient-dense and toddler-friendly, and this one totally delivers. With tender slices of beef, hearty tofu, and a rainbow of vegetables simmered in a sweet-savory sauce, sukiyaki has become a go-to in our dinner rotation.
What is Sukiyaki?
Sukiyaki is a classic Japanese dish that’s traditionally cooked and served at the table in a shallow pot. It features thinly sliced beef, vegetables, tofu, and noodles all gently simmered in a flavorful broth made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
It’s comfort food at its finest — warm, rich, and packed with umami.
Why You’ll Love This Beef Sukiyaki
- High in protein from beef and tofu
- Loaded with vegetables like napa cabbage, mushrooms, and bok choy
- Simple and satisfying – one pot, minimal fuss
- Customizable – use what you have on hand
Tips & Variations
- No sweet potato noodles? Sub with udon, glass noodles, or even rice noodles.
- Want it spicier? Add a little chili oil or sliced fresh chili to the sauce.
- For toddlers: Set aside a milder portion before adding extra sauce or spice. The tofu, noodles, and soft veggies are always a hit here!
This meal is everything I need on a busy evening: minimal prep, max nutrition, and tons of flavor. It’s high in protein thanks to both beef and tofu, and I love that it’s an easy way to get a variety of veggies into one comforting meal. Plus, there’s something extra cozy about gathering around the pot and scooping out warm, brothy bites together.
Tried this recipe? Tag me on Instagram @winniekison and show me your sukiyaki creations! I’d love to see how your family enjoys it!
Beef Sukiyaki – One Pot Japanese Comfort Food
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil vegetable or sesame
- 1 lb thinly sliced beef ribeye, chuck, or sukiyaki beef
- 4 cups napa cabbage chopped
- 2 bundles bok-choy separated
- 4-6 shiitake mushrooms
- 1/2 bundle enoki mushrooms
- 6-8 oz extra-firm tofu cut into rectangles or cubes
- 8 oz sweet potato noodles or udon
For the sukiyaki sauce:
- 1/2 cup light soy sauce
- 1/2 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup cooking sake or chicken broth
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Preheat a large pot to medium heat with oil.
- Add the thinly sliced beef and cook just until it’s browned. Push it to one side of the pot.
- Pour in sukiyaki sauce and mix in with beef.
- Arrange napa cabbage, boky choy, mushrooms and tofu around the pot. Cover with a lid and simmer for 12-15 minutes until everything is tender and cooked.
- In another small pot, prepare noodles based on package instructions. I cook it separately so the noodles don’t get mushy
- To serve, add a base of noodles and add beef sukiyaki, tofu and veggies on top to mix in. If desired, serve with rice as well!
