Discover the Delightful Flavors of Mille Feuille Nabe: A Scrumptious Pork Hot Pot ミルフィーユ鍋

Discover the Delightful Flavors of Mille Feuille Nabe: A Scrumptious Pork Hot Pot ミルフィーユ鍋 is a easy Japanese recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Just One Cookbook on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 10 min | Total: 45 min

Cost: $8.02 total, $2.01 per serving

Ingredients

  • 5 cups Water (for broth)
  • 2 packets Instant Dashi Packets (Japanese soup stock, can use kombu and bonito flakes)
  • 2 tablespoons Sake (Japanese rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon Soy Sauce (regular or low‑sodium)
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
  • 1 inch Fresh Ginger (peeled and sliced into 8‑10 thin pieces)
  • 1 stalk Green Onion (thinly sliced for garnish and broth)
  • 1 head Napa Cabbage (about 1.5 lb, leaves separated and washed)
  • 8 slices Pork Belly (about 8 oz, thin slices for layering)
  • 1/4 cup Ponzu Sauce (for dipping, store‑bought or homemade)
  • 1 teaspoon Shichimi Togarashi (Japanese seven‑spice blend, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Dashi Broth

    In a saucepan combine 5 cups of water with the 2 instant dashi packets. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to medium‑low and simmer for 2–3 minutes. Remove the packets, stir in 2 Tbsp sake, 1 Tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tsp kosher salt. Turn off the heat and keep the broth covered.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Prep the Aromatics and Cabbage

    Thinly slice the ginger into 8‑10 pieces and the green onion into thin rounds. Cut the Napa cabbage lengthwise into quarters, keep the core attached for now, and tear the top half of each wedge by hand. Wash all leaves thoroughly and drain well.

    Time: PT10M

  3. Layer Pork Belly with Cabbage

    Place one slice of pork belly between each cabbage leaf, adding an extra slice on the outer, wider leaves if you have leftovers. Then cut off the core of each wedge and cut each quarter into four bite‑size pieces.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Cook the Nabe

    In a large pot, start arranging the thicker cabbage leaves near the outer edge and work toward the center, packing tightly. Insert the thin ginger slices between layers. Pour the prepared dashi broth over everything. Cover and bring to a boil over medium‑high heat, then reduce to medium‑low and simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the cabbage is tender and the pork belly is cooked through.

    Time: PT10M

  5. Serve

    Transfer the hot pot to a serving bowl. Serve immediately with a side of ponzu sauce, sprinkled with chopped green onion and a pinch of shichimi togarashi.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
15 g
Carbohydrates
12 g
Fat
25 g
Fiber
3 g

Dietary info: Contains pork, Gluten (unless tamari is used)

Allergens: Soy, Wheat (if regular soy sauce is used)

Last updated: April 18, 2026

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Discover the Delightful Flavors of Mille Feuille Nabe: A Scrumptious Pork Hot Pot ミルフィーユ鍋

Recipe by Just One Cookbook

A quick week‑night Japanese hot pot made with layers of Napa cabbage and thin pork belly slices, simmered in a light dashi broth and served with ponzu and shichimi togarashi. Ready in under 45 minutes, this comforting dish is perfect for a cozy dinner.

EasyJapaneseServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
15m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
42m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.02
Total cost
$2.01
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preparing the dashi broth with correct seasoning
  • Layering pork belly and cabbage tightly to ensure even cooking
  • Simmering the pot just until the cabbage is tender and pork is fully cooked

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling broth with care to avoid burns.
  • Use a sharp knife safely when slicing cabbage and ginger.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Napa Cabbage and Pork Belly Nabe in Japanese cuisine?

A

Nabe (hot pot) is a traditional Japanese communal dish that dates back to the Edo period, originally a simple way to stretch seasonal vegetables and inexpensive cuts of meat into a hearty meal. Using Napa cabbage and pork belly reflects the Japanese love of balancing tender greens with rich, fatty pork, making it a comforting winter favorite.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of nabe that include cabbage and pork in Japan?

A

In the Kanto region, "Mizutaki" often features chicken and napa cabbage, while in Kansai, "Yosenabe" mixes seafood, pork, and a variety of vegetables. Some northern prefectures add miso‑based broth instead of dashi, creating a deeper flavor profile.

cultural
Q

How is Napa Cabbage and Pork Belly Nabe traditionally served in Japan?

A

Traditionally, the hot pot is placed at the center of the table and diners pick pieces directly from the pot using chopsticks. It is commonly accompanied by ponzu or a simple soy‑based dipping sauce, and a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi for a mild kick.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is nabe, such as this Napa Cabbage and Pork Belly version, associated with in Japanese culture?

A

Nabe is often enjoyed during colder months, at year‑end gatherings, and during New Year celebrations (Oshogatsu) as a warming, communal dish. It is also popular for casual family meals and after‑work get‑togethers.

cultural
Q

What other Japanese dishes pair well with Napa Cabbage and Pork Belly Nabe?

A

Serve it alongside a light miso soup, a small bowl of rice, and a simple cucumber sunomono salad. A side of pickled ginger (gari) or tsukemono adds a refreshing contrast to the rich broth.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Napa Cabbage and Pork Belly Nabe at home?

A

Common errors include over‑packing the pot, which prevents even cooking, and boiling the broth too vigorously, which can make the cabbage soggy. Keep the pot tightly covered and simmer gently after the initial boil.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use instant dashi packets instead of a homemade kombu‑bonito stock?

A

Instant dashi provides a consistent, quick‑dissolving base that saves time for a weeknight meal while still delivering the umami depth of traditional kombu and bonito flakes. Homemade stock can be used for a richer flavor if time permits.

technical
Q

Can I make Napa Cabbage and Pork Belly Nabe ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the broth and slice the ingredients up to step 3, then refrigerate in separate containers. Assemble and cook the nabe within 24 hours for best texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat gently.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the Napa Cabbage and Pork Belly Nabe is done?

A

The cabbage should be wilted but still retain a slight crunch, and the pork belly should be opaque, tender, and slightly glossy from the broth. The broth itself will be clear with a faint amber hue from the soy sauce and sake.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Just One Cookbook specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Just One Cookbook, created by Nami, specializes in authentic Japanese home cooking, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that demystify traditional recipes for English‑speaking audiences.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Just One Cookbook's approach to Japanese cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Just One Cookbook focuses on clear, concise explanations, cultural context, and ingredient accessibility, often providing budget‑friendly alternatives and detailed visual cues that make Japanese techniques approachable for home cooks worldwide.

channel

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