What is Oden?
Oden is a traditional Japanese dish served in winter. It is similar to a Western-style stew or hot pot with all ingredients simmered in one pot. Oden is very popular in Japan and is often sold in convenience stores, from simmering pots or mobile food carts, as well as vending machines in major cities. Oden costs as little as 100 yen with one ingredient and more for more ingredients and better quality.
The Art of Oden Preparation
People usually make Oden in a donabe, which is a type of pot. They simmer the ingredients in a soy sauce and dashi broth for about an hour. You can make it with different ingredients, including vegetarian, meat, or fish. Common ingredients include vegetables, eggs, tofu, fish cakes or balls, and sliced pork. The most popular ingredients are daikon, a large white radish, and konnyaku.
Regional Variations
The broth for Oden varies by region in Japan. People in Nagoya like a sweet broth, while those in Kansai like a stronger one. However, the ingredients used vary more by household than by region. They are similar throughout Japan.
How to make Oden at Home?
If you’d like to try making your own Oden at home, here’s a basic recipe:
In a large pot, combine the 4 cups of dashi, 2 tablespoons of sake, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon of sugar. Stir to mix the ingredients.
Add the prepared daikon, konnyaku, potatoes, fried tofu, fried fish cakes, and cabbage rolls to the pot.
Bring the pot to a simmer over low heat and cook for approximately 60 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding more dashi or soy sauce as needed to maintain the desired flavor and consistency.
After 60 minutes, add the halved boiled eggs and chopped nori sheets to the pot.
Simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve the Oden hot, making sure each portion includes a variety of the simmered ingredients. Enjoy this comforting and delicious Japanese winter dish!
Comments
List of comments （2）
It seems delicious, i want to try:)
every convenience store in Japan has it in winter season! If you come to Japan, Try it!