Looking for a simple and cozy Japanese dish that’s full of flavor?
Try this nikujaga—a classic Japanese pork and potato stew, but with a twist:
✅ No carrots
✅ No water added
✅ Made with thin-sliced pork, onions, and shirataki noodles
✅ A richer taste and perfect for adults and families alike!
This version is especially great for those who aren’t fans of sweet stewed carrots, and it’s highly rated by men for its savory, well-balanced flavor.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)
- Thinly sliced pork (shoulder or belly) … 200g / 7 oz
- Potatoes … 2 medium
- Onion … 1 large
- Shirataki noodles (konjac noodles) … 1 pack
- Sesame oil … 1 tsp
Seasoning:
- Sake … 2 tbsp
- Mirin … 2 tbsp
- Soy sauce … 2 tbsp
- Sugar … 1 tbsp
- Dashi powder … ½ tsp (or replace with dashi broth if preferred)
🔪 How to Make It
1. Prep the ingredients
- Peel and cut the potatoes into large bite-size chunks.
- Slice the onion.
- Cut the shirataki noodles into shorter lengths and boil briefly to remove the odor.
2. Sauté onions
In a deep pan, heat sesame oil and sauté the onions over medium heat until soft and translucent.
3. Add pork
Add the sliced pork and stir-fry until the meat is no longer pink.
4. Add shirataki & potatoes
Stir in the shirataki noodles, then the potatoes. Cook briefly to coat everything with oil.
5. Season and simmer
Add all the seasonings: sake, mirin, soy sauce, sugar, and dashi powder.
Cover with a drop lid (otoshibuta) or parchment paper and simmer on medium-low heat for about 12–15 minutes.
Let sit with the heat off for a few minutes before serving to let flavors soak in.
🍴 Why This Recipe Works
- No carrot = less sweetness, more umami
- Pork adds a rich, meaty flavor
- No water = concentrated taste
- Shirataki noodles give it a satisfying texture
- Easy enough for beginners, but impressive enough to serve guests
💡 Tips
- You can use beef instead of pork, but pork makes it lighter and a bit sweeter.
- For a meal-prep idea, make extra and use leftovers in curry the next day!
🍛 Leftover Idea: Turn It Into Curry!
Got leftovers? Add curry roux and a bit of water to transform it into Japanese curry the next day!
Check out the full curry hack here → Nikujaga Curry Recipe
📌 Final Thoughts
This no-carrot version of nikujaga is a simplified take on a traditional favorite.
Even without carrots or water, it’s full of flavor, comfort, and nostalgia.
Perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy authentic Japanese home cooking—no fancy ingredients needed.
