Easy Chicken Hot Pot (Tori Nabe) Recipe - Authentic Japanese Flavor

Updated at: 09/01/2025

Dive into the comforting warmth of a traditional Japanese Tori Nabe, a delicious and easy-to-make chicken hot pot. This hearty dish is perfect for a chilly evening, bringing together tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and a flavorful broth that will tantalize your taste buds. Imagine the aroma of simmering chicken and fragrant vegetables filling your kitchen, creating a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Tori Nabe is more than just a meal; it's an experience, a celebration of simple, fresh ingredients transformed into something truly special. It's incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and proteins.

This recipe guides you through the simple steps of creating an authentic Tori Nabe, from preparing the broth to assembling the perfect hot pot. Forget complicated techniques and enjoy the process of building your own flavorful masterpiece. Ready to experience the magic of Tori Nabe? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide!

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 200g
  • Daikon Radish
  • Carrot
  • Tofu
  • Oyster Mushrooms
  • Spinach
  • Shimeji Mushrooms
  • Scallions
  • Ginger: 1 clove
  • Garlic: 1 clove
  • Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
  • Mirin (or Sugar): 2 tablespoons
  • Kombu Kelp: 1 strip

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients and Sauce

  • Cut all ingredients into bite-sized pieces. Start with the chicken, daikon radish (use the bottom, slightly tangier part), carrots, tofu, and mushrooms.
  • Finely chop scallions (remove the outer layer if dry), then smash garlic and ginger. Mix with soy sauce and mirin (or sugar). Let it rest for 10 minutes.
Cut all ingredients into bite-sized pieces. Start with the chicken, daikon radish (use the bottom, slightly tangier part), carrots, tofu, and mushrooms. Prepare the sauce: Finely chop scallions (remove the outer layer if dry), then smash garlic and ginger. Mix with soy sauce and mirin (or sugar). Let it rest for 10 minutes.
Prepare Ingredients and Sauce

Step 2. Prepare and Simmer the Broth

  • In a pot, add a strip of kombu kelp and hot water. Bring to a boil, then remove the kombu.
  • Add daikon radish and carrots to the boiling broth. Once boiling again, add the rest of the ingredients except spinach.
Prepare the broth: In a pot, add a strip of kombu kelp and hot water. Bring to a boil, then remove the kombu.Add daikon radish and carrots to the boiling broth. Once boiling again, add the rest of the ingredients except spinach.
Prepare and Simmer the Broth

Step 3. Finish and Serve

  • Once boiling again, add spinach.
  • Add 2 tablespoons of the hot pot broth to the sauce to adjust the consistency.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!
Once boiling again, add spinach.Add 2 tablespoons of the hot pot broth to the sauce to adjust the consistency.Serve immediately and enjoy!
Finish and Serve

Read more: Authentic Japanese Beef Sukiyaki Recipe - Easy & Delicious Hot Pot

Tips

  • Don't be afraid to use a lot of spinach; it shrinks when cooked.
  • The bottom part of the daikon radish is tangier; the top part is sweeter. Use accordingly.
  • If scallions are dry, peel off the outermost layer before chopping.
  • The sauce contains plenty of umami; the broth should not be discarded.
  • The chicken is perfectly cooked when it's rounded and plump with juices.

Nutrition

  • Calories: approximately 400-500
  • Fat: 15-20g
  • Carbs: 30-40g
  • Protein: 40-50g

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of meat besides chicken in Tori Nabe?

Absolutely! Many variations use pork, beef, or seafood. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

2. What can I do if my broth is too salty?

Add a bit more water or dashi to dilute the saltiness. You can also add more vegetables to balance the flavors.


Enjoy your homemade Tori Nabe! This comforting and flavorful hot pot is perfect for sharing with friends and family. From now on, you can easily recreate this authentic Japanese taste in your own kitchen.