Cozy nights are made for gathering around the table with loved ones, sharing stories and savoring delicious meals. One way to create those warm and fuzzy feelings is by cooking up a flavorful donabe hot pot. For those who may not be familiar, donabe is a type of Japanese clay pot that’s designed for slow-cooking hearty stews and soups. The result is a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for cold winter nights or any occasion when you want to feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm hug.
In this article, we’ll share 20 mouth-watering donabe recipes that are sure to become new favorites. From classic Japanese dishes to creative twists and modern interpretations, these recipes showcase the versatility and charm of donabe cooking. So go ahead, grab some friends, and get ready to dig into a world of flavorful fun!
Classic Japanese Donabe Hot Pot
Discover the comforting and social tradition of Donabe hot pot, a staple of Japanese cuisine. This recipe serves 2-3 people and is perfect for a cozy dinner with friends or family.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup pork or chicken broth
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Various hot pot ingredients (e.g., sliced beef, chicken, tofu, seafood, vegetables)
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a Donabe or ceramic hot pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Pour in the broth, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sesame oil. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.
5. Add your chosen hot pot ingredients and cook until they’re cooked through.
6. Serve with steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spicy Miso Donabe Stew
This Spicy Miso Donabe Stew is a flavorful and comforting Japanese-inspired dish that combines the richness of miso paste with the heat of Korean chili flakes. Perfect for a cold winter’s night, this stew is easy to make and packed with nutritious ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork shoulder or beef, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken broth)
– 2 tablespoons white miso paste
– 1 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1/4 cup sliced green onions for garnish
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a donabe pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork, onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add dashi broth, miso paste, and chili flakes; bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 1-2 hours or until meat is tender.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions.
Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
Seafood and Tofu Donabe Nabe
This recipe brings together the flavors of Japan with a delicious seafood and tofu donabe nabe, perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion. Using a clay pot, this stew simmers to perfection, infusing every ingredient with rich, savory goodness.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 200g mixed seafood (shrimp, scallops, mussels), cleaned and rinsed
– 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup vegetables of your choice (bell peppers, carrots, potatoes)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Donabe clay pot or heavy-duty ceramic pot with a lid
Instructions:
1. Preheat the donabe pot over medium heat.
2. Add the tofu, seafood, onion, garlic, and vegetables. Pour in the dashi broth and soy sauce.
3. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook for 20-25 minutes or until the seafood is cooked through.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Vegetable Donabe Rice
This Japanese-inspired recipe combines juicy chicken, colorful vegetables, and flavorful donabe rice, all cooked to perfection in a clay pot. The result is a hearty, comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (donabe rice)
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, green beans)
– 2 teaspoons soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the donabe rice thoroughly and soak it in water for at least 30 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a clay pot or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken, onion, and garlic; cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes).
3. Add mixed vegetables to the pot and stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Drain the donabe rice and add it to the pot with 2 cups of water and soy sauce. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: approximately 25-30 minutes
Beef Sukiyaki Donabe
Sukiyaki donabe is a classic Japanese hot pot dish that combines tender beef with a rich soy sauce-based broth, served with rice and vegetables. This recipe brings the flavors of Japan to your table in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef (thinly sliced), such as ribeye or sirloin
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken broth)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 1 tsp sake
– 1 tsp sugar
– 2 cups water
– 1/4 cup mirin
– 2 tbsp vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Chopped green onions, sliced carrots, and diced bell peppers for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large donabe pot or ceramic hot pot, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef slices and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. In the same pot, add the dashi broth, soy sauce, sake, sugar, water, and mirin. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the cooked beef back into the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice and garnished with green onions, carrots, and bell peppers.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mushroom and Leek Donabe Soup
Savor the earthy flavors of sautéed mushrooms and leeks in a comforting, slow-cooked soup. This hearty donabe recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 medium leeks, white and light green parts only, sliced into thin rings
– 8 ounces mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 4 cups dashi broth (or chicken/beef stock)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large donabe pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add leeks; cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Pour in dashi broth, soy sauce, sake (if using), and ginger. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low; cook, covered, for 30-40 minutes or until the soup has thickened slightly.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with cilantro leaves. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Pork Belly Kimchi Donabe
This hearty Korean-inspired dish combines tender pork belly with spicy kimchi and savory donabe (clay pot) flavors, perfect for a comforting meal or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork belly, sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
– 2 cups kimchi, chopped
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 tablespoon ground black pepper
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– Salt, to taste
– Donabe clay pot with lid
Instructions:
1. Preheat the donabe over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, sugar, black pepper, and salt. Add the sliced pork belly and marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Remove the pork from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drip off. Cook the pork in the donabe for 5-7 minutes per side, or until caramelized and tender.
4. Add the chopped kimchi, onion, garlic, and chili flakes to the donabe. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until the kimchi is heated through.
5. Serve the pork belly with the spicy kimchi mixture spooned over the top.
Cooking Time: Approximately 30-40 minutes
Salmon and Daikon Donabe Simmer
This Japanese-inspired recipe combines the richness of salmon with the sweetness of daikon radish, all wrapped up in a flavorful broth. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick lunch, this simmer is easy to make and packed with nutrients.
Ingredients:
– 4 oz salmon fillet
– 1/2 daikon radish, peeled and sliced into thin rounds
– 2 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 2 tbsp soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (optional)
– 1 tsp mirin
– 1 tsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh green onions for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a donabe pot or heavy-bottomed pot, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, sake (if using), mirin, and sesame oil.
2. Add the sliced daikon radish and bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until daikon is tender.
4. Place salmon fillet on top of the daikon and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until cooked through.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish with fresh green onions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Vegetable Tofu Donabe Hot Pot
Experience the warmth and comfort of a traditional Japanese hot pot with this Vegetable Tofu Donabe recipe. A delicious and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any time of year.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed vegetables (such as lotus root, carrots, green beans, and shiitake mushrooms)
– 4 cups dashi broth (or vegetable broth)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (optional)
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
– Salt to taste
– Donabe pot or ceramic hot pot
Instructions:
1. In the donabe pot, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, sake (if using), and grated ginger.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and tofu; cook for 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are tender.
3. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
4. Serve hot, garnished with green onions and your favorite dipping sauce.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Lamb and Cabbage Donabe Stew
This hearty stew from Japan’s Hokkaido region is a perfect comfort food for cold winter days. The slow-cooked lamb and cabbage in a savory broth are a match made in heaven, and the use of donabe clay pot ensures a rich and flavorful dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound lamb shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 1 medium cabbage, chopped
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 4 cups water
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat the donabe clay pot over medium heat.
2. Add lamb pieces and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
3. Add chopped cabbage, soy sauce, sake, sugar, water, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until lamb is tender.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Clam and Ginger Donabe Broth
This hearty Clam and Ginger Donabe Broth is a Japanese-inspired soup that combines the freshness of clams with the warmth of ginger. Perfect for a chilly evening or as a comforting treat any time of the year.
Ingredients:
– 2 pounds fresh clams, scrubbed and rinsed
– 2 inches piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced
– 4 cups dashi broth (or chicken or vegetable broth)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sake (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions, for garnish
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the clams under cold water and set them aside.
2. In a large donabe or clay pot, combine dashi broth, soy sauce, and sake (if using). Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Add the sliced ginger and cook for 5 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Add the clams and cook, covered, for 8-10 minutes, or until they open.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Chicken and Udon Donabe Nabe
In this recipe, we’ll explore a comforting and flavorful Japanese-inspired stew, perfect for a cozy evening with family and friends. Chicken and udon noodles are slow-cooked in a savory broth with aromatic vegetables and spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
– 200g udon noodles
– 2 cups dashi broth (or chicken broth)
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (button, shiitake, cremini)
– 1 carrot, peeled and grated
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tbsp sake (Japanese rice wine)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook udon noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large pot or donabe nabe, combine chicken, dashi broth, onion, garlic, mushrooms, carrot, soy sauce, and sake.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.
4. Add cooked udon noodles to the pot and stir gently to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.
Cooking Time: Approximately 45-50 minutes
Shrimp and Bok Choy Donabe
Experience the harmonious balance of sweet shrimp and savory bok choy in this easy-to-make Donabe dish, originating from Japan. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a flavorful lunch.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 bunches bok choy, cleaned and chopped
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin (sweet Japanese cooking sake)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the vegetable oil in a Donabe pot or heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook until pink, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the chopped bok choy and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sake, and mirin. Pour the mixture over the bok choy and stir to combine.
5. Add the cooked shrimp back into the pot and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Eggplant and Miso Donabe Simmer
A classic Japanese-inspired simmer that brings out the best of eggplant’s sweet and savory flavors, paired with the rich umami of miso. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
– 2 medium eggplants, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
– 2 tablespoons miso paste
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
Instructions:
1. In a large donabe or clay pot, combine miso paste, soy sauce, sake, sugar, and water. Stir until the miso is dissolved.
2. Add the sliced eggplant to the pot, making sure they are covered with the marinade.
3. Cover the pot and let it simmer over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggplant is tender and infused with the flavors.
4. Season with white pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Cod and Napa Cabbage Donabe
This Japanese-inspired donabe (clay pot) recipe combines the delicate flavor of cod with the crunch and sweetness of Napa cabbage, all wrapped up in a savory broth.
Ingredients:
– 4 pieces of cod fillet (about 1 inch thick)
– 2 medium-sized Napa cabbages, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 4 cups dashi broth (or chicken or vegetable stock as a substitute)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 1 tablespoon mirin
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat the donabe pot over medium-high heat.
2. Place the cod fillets in the pot and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Remove from the pot and set aside.
3. Add the Napa cabbage pieces to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly wilted.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the dashi broth, soy sauce, sake, mirin, sugar, and black pepper.
5. Pour the broth mixture over the cabbage in the donabe pot and bring to a simmer.
6. Return the cooked cod to the pot and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until heated through.
7. Serve hot, garnished with sliced green onions and grated daikon if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Tofu and Mushroom Donabe
This Japanese-inspired clay pot dish combines tender tofu, savory mushrooms, and spicy kick from Korean chili flakes. Serve over rice or noodles for a comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 cups mixed mushrooms (button, cremini, shiitake), sliced
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon Korean chili flakes (gochugaru)
– 1 cup Donabe broth or dashi powder mixed with water
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh scallions for garnish
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a Donabe clay pot over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until softened (3-4 minutes).
3. Add mushrooms; cook until they release their liquid and start to brown (5-6 minutes).
4. Add tofu; cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
5. Stir in chili flakes and Donabe broth or dashi powder mixture.
6. Simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with fresh scallions and serve over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Pork and Sweet Potato Donabe
This comforting donabe (Japanese clay pot) recipe combines the rich flavors of pork, sweet potatoes, and aromatics in a slow-cooked broth. Perfect for a cozy meal with family or friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pork shoulder, sliced into thin strips
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup water
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (optional)
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a donabe or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the onion and garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the sweet potatoes, water, soy sauce, sake (if using), sugar, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour or until the pork and sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Serve hot with steamed rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Scallop and Spinach Donabe Soup
Warm up with this comforting Japanese-inspired soup, featuring tender scallops and fresh spinach cooked to perfection in a traditional donabe pot. This hearty recipe is perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 12 large scallops
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 bunch fresh spinach, chopped
– 4 cups dashi broth (or chicken or vegetable broth)
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat sesame oil in a donabe pot over medium heat.
2. Add diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add scallops and cook until they start to sear, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Pour in dashi broth and bring to a simmer.
6. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
7. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Chicken and Ginger Donabe Rice
This recipe combines the flavors of juicy chicken, spicy ginger, and savory donabe rice for a delicious and comforting meal. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs
– 2 cups Japanese short-grain rice (such as Koshihikari)
– 4 cups water
– 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and sliced thinly
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the rice in a fine-mesh sieve until the water runs clear.
2. In a large donabe pot (or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid), combine the rice, water, ginger, and garlic.
3. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is cooked and fluffy.
4. In a separate pan, cook the chicken in sesame oil until browned and cooked through.
5. Add soy sauce to the chicken and stir-fry for an additional minute.
6. Serve the chicken over the donabe rice.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Vegetable Curry Donabe Hot Pot
This Japanese-inspired hot pot recipe combines the comforting warmth of a curry broth with a variety of colorful vegetables, making for a cozy and satisfying meal. Perfect for a chilly evening or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 onion, sliced
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 red bell pepper, sliced
– 1 small zucchini, sliced
– 1 cup mixed vegetables (such as carrots, snap peas, and mushrooms)
– 2 cups curry broth (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: your favorite hot pot ingredients, such as tofu, seafood, or noodles
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a Donabe hot pot or a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add garlic, onion, potatoes, bell pepper, and zucchini. Cook until the vegetables are slightly tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add mixed vegetables, curry broth, and curry powder. Stir to combine.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until the vegetables are fully cooked.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Summary
Cozy up on a cold night with these 20 flavorful donabe recipes! Donabe, also known as Japanese clay pots, are perfect for slow-cooking delicious meals. From classic hot pot dishes to hearty stews and soups, this collection offers something for everyone. Try the spicy miso donabe stew, seafood and tofu donabe nabe, or chicken and vegetable donabe rice. Or, indulge in beef sukiyaki donabe, mushroom and leek donabe soup, or pork belly kimchi donabe. Whatever your taste buds desire, these recipes are sure to please.
