Nikujaga facts for kids
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| Place of origin | Japan |
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| Main ingredients | Meat (sliced or ground beef, or pork), potatoes, onion, sweetened soy sauce and mirin |
Nikujaga (pronounced "nee-koo-jah-gah") is a popular Japanese dish. Its name means "meat and potatoes" in Japanese, which tells you exactly what it is! It's a delicious stew made with meat, potatoes, and onions. These ingredients are cooked in a sweet and savory sauce, usually made from soy sauce and mirin (a type of sweet rice wine used in cooking). Sometimes, other things like special noodles called ito konnyaku or other vegetables are added.
Nikujaga is a great example of yōshoku, which means Japanese food that has been influenced by Western cooking styles. In this dish, potatoes are usually the main part, making it filling and hearty. The meat, often thinly sliced beef or pork, adds a lot of flavor to the stew. It's usually cooked until most of the liquid has been soaked up by the ingredients.
This dish is a common meal cooked at home, especially during the colder months. It's often served with a bowl of white rice and miso soup, making it a complete and comforting meal. You might also find it in izakayas, which are like Japanese pubs or casual restaurants.
The Story of Nikujaga
Nikujaga has an interesting history! It was first created by chefs working for the Imperial Japanese Navy in the late 1800s.
Who Invented Nikujaga?
There's a famous story that says Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō was the one who asked for this dish to be made. He had spent time in the British Royal Navy and enjoyed the beef stews they served. So, he wanted Japanese naval cooks to create a similar dish for his sailors.
Two cities in Japan, Maizuru and Kure, both claim to be the birthplace of Nikujaga.
- The city of Maizuru, in Kyoto, says that Admiral Tōgō was stationed there in 1895 when he ordered the dish.
- However, the city of Kure, in Hiroshima, says that he commissioned the dish in 1898 while he was the chief of staff at the Kure naval base.
No matter which city is the true birthplace, Nikujaga became a beloved dish that is still enjoyed by many families in Japan today!
Images for kids
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Nikujaga
See also
In Spanish: Nikujyaga para niños
