4 Japanese Dishes To Keep You Warm During The Cold Months

As the temperature dips, whether during a damp spell or the depths of winter, our desire for warmth goes beyond just layering up with thick jackets or mittens. Instead, we often seek the solace of deliciously warm meals, like a steaming bowl of ramen brimming with tender meats, fresh vegetables, and a savory broth.

Yet, ramen isn’t the only Japanese cuisine to savor in the chill. Discover these four delightful alternatives that promise to warm you from the inside out!

Shabu-Shabu

Embrace the chill with shabu-shabu, a beloved soup dish. This Japanese hotpot features an array of vegetables like Chinese cabbage, mushrooms, and carrots, accompanied by thinly sliced beef or pork. The ingredients simmer together in a flavorful dashi broth seasoned with kombu (sea kelp) and a splash of sake. Instead of boiling the meat with the vegetables, it’s gently swirled in the hot broth until perfectly cooked. To enhance the flavor, a variety of dips and sauces, including ponzu and a creamy sesame dressing, are served alongside.

Oden

For those who prefer lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on flavor, oden is an excellent choice. This one-pot wonder combines a variety of savory components simmered in a soy-sauce infused broth. While the ingredients might vary by region, staples like fish cake, radish, boiled eggs, and potatoes are commonly used. Oden is widely available in convenience stores across Japan, but for a homemade touch, many supermarkets offer ready-to-cook oden kits.

Sukiyaki

Indulge in sukiyaki, a traditional one-pot meal featuring a succulent mix of vegetables and meat, typically prepared in a cast-iron pot. Renowned across Japan, sukiyaki varies in style from region to region and is popular throughout the year, with a special nod to the colder months. Differing from shabu-shabu, the meat and vegetables in sukiyaki are simmered together in a rich broth of soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (sweet rice wine). It’s commonly enjoyed with a side of white rice and a dip of raw egg, enhancing the dish’s flavors and textures.

Yakiimo

And for something entirely different from soupy comforts, try Yakiimo. This simple yet delicious treat consists of roasted sweet potatoes. In a nostalgic scene often found in Japanese neighborhoods, vendors slowly drive through streets, filling the air with the sweet scent of these slow-roasted delights. The roasting process caramelizes the sweet potatoes, making them tender and incredibly flavorful. You’ll find these warm treats in street markets and supermarkets, especially as the weather turns colder.

So, which of these warming dishes are you eager to taste first?