What is Sukiyaki? How is it typically enjoyed?

Oh, Sukiyaki! This dish is absolutely perfect for sharing with friends and family; it's warm and brings a special feeling of happiness.

You can simply think of it as a Japanese "sweet and savory hot pot."

Its broth isn't the clear or spicy kind we usually have, but a sauce called "Warishita." It's mainly made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (a sweet Japanese cooking wine), giving it a rich, sweet and savory flavor and a very strong aroma.

When eating, people usually gather around a shallow iron pot. Once the pot is hot, beef fat is used to grease the bottom, then thinly sliced marbled beef is lightly seared. Once the meat changes color, the special sauce is poured in. The beef absorbs the sweet and savory broth, and just the smell is mouth-watering.

Next, various ingredients like leeks, grilled tofu, shiitake mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, and chewy konjac noodles are added to the pot. They simmer, slowly absorbing the essence of the broth.

The most crucial and unique way to enjoy Sukiyaki is to dip it in "raw beaten egg"!

First-timers might feel a bit hesitant, but this is absolutely the soul of Sukiyaki. The process is simple: crack a fresh raw egg into your small bowl and beat it with chopsticks. Take the hot, cooked beef or vegetables from the pot, dip them in the egg, and then enjoy.

Why eat it this way?

1. Super smooth and tender texture: The hot meat, coated in a layer of smooth egg, feels like it melts in your mouth, instantly enriching the texture.
2. Milder flavor: Sukiyaki broth has a rather strong flavor, but the egg dip perfectly neutralizes some of the sweet and savory notes, making the overall taste richer and mellower.
3. Cooling effect: Ingredients fresh out of the pot are very hot; dipping them in the egg quickly cools them down, allowing you to enjoy them immediately without burning your mouth.

Therefore, eating Sukiyaki is not just a meal; it's an experience. Everyone gathers around, cooking and chatting, listening to the pot simmer, picking up a piece of meat, dipping it in the golden egg... that feeling of satisfaction is unforgettable once you've tried it.