Japanese Nikujaga

Nikujaga is a classic Japanese home-style stew, its name literally translating to 'meat and potatoes.' It typically features thinly sliced beef (or pork), potatoes, onions, and sometimes carrots or shirataki noodles, all simmered in a savory-sweet broth of soy sauce, mirin, and sake. This comforting dish is a staple of Japanese 'yoshoku' (Western-influenced cuisine) and a beloved comfort food across the country.

🍳 View the full Japanese Nikujaga recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

As a hearty stew, nikujaga is moderately high in carbohydrates from the potatoes, with a good amount of protein from the meat. It provides key nutrients like potassium, vitamin C, and B vitamins, and a typical serving contains roughly 300-400 calories, depending on the meat-to-vegetable ratio and broth richness.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	250 kcal
Protein	12 g
Carbs	30 g
Fat	9 g
Fiber	3 g
Sugar	5 g
Sodium	680 mg
Potassium	450 mg
Vitamin C	15 mg
Vitamin B6	0.3 mg
Iron	1.8 mg
Zinc	2.5 mg
Phosphorus	180 mg
Niacin (B3)	4 mg
Selenium	12 µg

Per 1 cup (240 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Nikujaga is often called the 'Japanese beef stew' and is considered a quintessential 'aizukai' or home-cooked meal, symbolizing maternal care and domestic comfort. Nutritionally, the simmering process allows the umami from the meat and dashi to deeply flavor the starchy potatoes, making it a satisfying and efficient one-pot meal.