Sukiyaki Is One-Pot Comfort, Japanese-Style

Ward off winter's chill with a bubbling hot pot of beef and vegetables in a sweet and savory broth

Sukiyaki is best shared, simmering away in the center of the table as diners huddle around to grab bites between warm conversation. Atsushi Hirao/Shutterstock

Winters in Japan mean congregating around heat. We camp out under kotatsu, Japanese heated tables, and share all kinds of nabemono, hot one-pot dishes such as shabu-shabu, oden, or sukiyaki. Combining a medley of ingredients in a simmering broth, these Japanese hot pots are cooked at the table, to be enjoyed as a communal feast.

Sukiyaki, in particular, is seasonal party food—a staple on New Year’s tables, and all through the rest of winter.