Easy Motsunabe-ish Recipe: Pork Hot Pot

Updated at: 22/01/2025

Craving a hearty and flavorful hot pot experience without the fuss? Then look no further than Munu, a simplified, approachable take on the beloved Japanese Motsunabe. This "Motsunabe-ish" recipe cuts down on the traditional prep work while retaining the rich, savory essence of the original. Forget hours of meticulous cleaning and preparation; this recipe prioritizes ease and deliciousness, perfect for a weeknight meal or a casual gathering. We'll use readily available ingredients to achieve a deeply satisfying broth brimming with tender pork and vibrant vegetables.

Munu offers a customizable journey, allowing you to adjust spice levels and add your favorite ingredients to truly make it your own. Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Let's get started with our step-by-step guide to creating this wonderfully easy and satisfying Munu (Motsunabe-ish) Pork Hot Pot.

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Cabbage: 4 servings
  • Chinese chives
  • Garlic: 5 cloves
  • Pork belly slices (thinly sliced): 400g
  • Chinese soup sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Soy sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Oyster sauce: 1 tbsp
  • Chili pepper: 1 tbsp
  • Sesame seeds
  • Chinese soup stock
  • Water: 3 cups

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Vegetables and Aromatics

  • Remove the skin and thinly slice 5 cloves of garlic (adjust to your preference).
  • Cut off the ends and cut them into 2-inch pieces.
  • Remove the core and thinly slice the cabbage.
Prepare the Chinese chives: Cut off the ends and cut them into 2-inch pieces.Prepare the cabbage: Remove the core and thinly slice the cabbage.
Prepare the Vegetables and Aromatics

Step 2. Simmer the Broth and Cabbage

  • Add garlic and Chinese chives to the pot.
  • Add the sliced cabbage to the pot. It will shrink during cooking.
  • Chinese soup stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili pepper, and 3 cups of water. Cook until the cabbage is soft (about 10 minutes).
  • Mix well and continue cooking until the cabbage is completely cooked (another 5 minutes).
Add garlic and Chinese chives to the pot.Add seasonings: Chinese soup stock, soy sauce, oyster sauce, chili pepper, and 3 cups of water. Cook until the cabbage is soft (about 10 minutes).
Simmer the Broth and Cabbage

Step 3. Cook the Pork

  • Add the pork belly slices. Cook until the pork is well cooked (approximately 1-2 minutes).
Add the pork belly slices. Cook until the pork is well cooked (approximately 1-2 minutes).
Cook the Pork

Step 4. Finish and Serve

  • Arrange the cooked pork on one side and cabbage on the other for better presentation.
  • Add sesame seeds.
  • Turn off the heat and serve.
Optional: Arrange the cooked pork on one side and cabbage on the other for better presentation.Add sesame seeds.Turn off the heat and serve.
Finish and Serve

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

Tips

  • This recipe uses pork belly slices instead of offal, making it a more accessible version of Motsunabe.
  • Adjust the amount of garlic to your liking.
  • The cabbage will shrink significantly during cooking, so don't worry about using a lot.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of meat instead of pork?

Absolutely! Beef, chicken, or even tofu would work well. Adjust cooking time accordingly.

2. What can I do if I don't have all the vegetables listed?

No problem! Feel free to substitute with whatever vegetables you have on hand. Cabbage, carrots, and onions are great additions.


Enjoy your delicious and warming bowl of Munu! This simplified Motsunabe recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn't require endless preparation. Now get cozy and savor the fruits of your easy culinary labor!