Winter and Japanese hotpot dishes go hand in hand. These one-pot wonders, known as nabe, are the ultimate comfort food combining fresh vegetables, tender meats, and flavorful broths. Not only are they incredibly easy to prepare, but they’re also perfect for gathering around the table with family and friends.
1. Chanko Nabe (Sumo Stew)

Get to know sumo wrestling by trying Chanko Nabe, a nutritious hotpot that’s been feeding champions for generations.
This dish is pretty versatile and my version includes tender chicken meatballs and vegetables in a light, umami-rich broth that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
2. Oden

Get ready to try something new this winter—Oden, a Japanese hotpot that shows you don’t need a lot of ingredients to make something super flavorful.
This recipe, made from scratch, takes the simple dashi broth and makes it into something special, with each ingredient chosen to complement the others.
3. Shabu Shabu

Shabu shabu is a great way to enjoy winter dining with friends, with thin slices of beef being cooked in a clear broth until they’re just right.
Traditionally reserved for restaurant dining, this home-adapted recipe demystifies the art of shabu shabu!
4. Sukiyaki

Winter celebrations in Japan come alive with sukiyaki, where prime beef ribbons dance in a sweet-savory symphony. Perfect for special occasions, this celebratory dish reaches its peak during winter gatherings.
I also have easier versions such as Sukiyaki don and Sukiyaki udon!
5. Motsunabe

Looking for something unique? Check out motsunabe — a legendary offal hot pot from Fukuoka.
Think you don’t like offal? This hot pot might change your mind. Each piece turns butter-soft, while the intensely flavored broth begs to be slurped up with noodles at the feast’s end.
6. Curry Hotpot

What happens when curry meets hot pot? A gentle kombu base carries warming spices straight to your soul, while chicken drumsticks and plump shrimp make every spoonful count.
Everyone who loves the warming embrace of Japanese curry but craves something new will find joy in this innovative preparation.
7. Ishikari Nabe

Born on Hokkaido’s rugged shores, Ishikari nabe tells a fisherman’s tale in every steaming bowl.
Fresh salmon and winter vegetables simmer in rich miso broth, creating a symphony of sea and earth that’s crowned with spicy sansho pepper.
8. Chicken Mizutaki

Mizutaki proves that sometimes less means more! Hakata’s famous chicken hot pot starts with nothing but water, yet ends up delivering pure comfort through perfectly simmered chicken, bones, and seasonal vegetables.
Those who appreciate the art of subtle flavors will discover why this ranks among Japan’s four great chicken hot pots.
9. Nabeyaki Udon

Take udon beyond basic with nabeyaki udon! This hearty hot pot serves chewy noodles in rich dashi broth, crowned with crispy tempura shrimp and tender chicken thigh.
Anyone seeking the ultimate Japanese comfort food will fall hard for this luxurious twist on classic udon.
10. Mille Feuille Nabe

Stack it, steam it, and enjoy it! Mille-feuille nabe takes basic pork and cabbage and turns them into a thousand-layer hot pot that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
Each layer soaks up pure dashi broth, while ponzu sauce adds bright finishing notes.
11. Kimchi Nabe

East meets East in kimchi nabe, where Korean heat meets Japanese nabe.
This collaborative hot pot combines pork belly with spicy-sour kimchi in a rich dashi broth, while tofu and mushrooms add heartiness to every spoonful.
12. Botan Nabe

Botan nabe proves that wild things can be beautiful too.
Wild boar slices, carefully arranged into perfect peonies, dance with tofu and vegetables in a harmonious blend of white and red miso broth.
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