Japanese Chanko Nabe | Hearty Japanese Sumo-Style Hot Pot
Japanese Chanko Nabe is a hearty and nourishing Japanese hot pot traditionally associated with sumo wrestlers. This comforting one-pot meal combines tender chicken, tofu, napa cabbage, mushrooms, carrots, and other fresh vegetables in a flavorful broth. The dish is known for being filling, warming, and rich in protein, making it a popular choice for family-style dining as well as traditional sumo cuisine.
Chanko Nabe is highly versatile, so the ingredients can be adjusted according to what you have available. Chicken meatballs, sliced chicken, seafood, tofu, mushrooms, and leafy vegetables all work beautifully together. The broth can be seasoned with soy sauce, miso, sake, and dashi to create a deep savory umami flavor.
Everything is cooked together at the table in a traditional hot pot, allowing the ingredients to remain warm throughout the meal. Serve Chanko Nabe with steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying Japanese dinner.
Cooking Method
- Pour the dashi or chicken broth into a large Japanese hot pot or heavy saucepan.
- Bring the broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Add the soy sauce, sake, ginger, and miso paste.
- Stir until the miso has completely dissolved.
- Add the chicken slices and chicken meatballs.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.
- Add the daikon, carrots, and napa cabbage.
- Cook for another 5 minutes.
- Add the tofu and mushrooms.
- Continue simmering for 5–7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Add the green onions during the final few minutes of cooking.
- Taste the broth and adjust with soy sauce or salt if needed.
- Keep the hot pot gently simmering at the table if serving family-style.
- Serve hot in individual bowls with steamed rice or noodles.
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