Pork Belly & Cabbage Hot Pot
When the temperature drops, there’s nothing more comforting than a hot pot meal, and Pork Belly & Cabbage Nabe is one of my all-time favorites. This simple one-pot dish is packed with rich flavors, hearty ingredients, and warmth. Perfect for cozy evenings with family or friends. By frying garlic and pork belly before adding the broth, the soup becomes deeply aromatic, with a richness that will have everyone asking for seconds. I’ll show you how to prepare two versions of the dish in this recipe. The classic nabe and a variation with ramen noodles. Serving both allows you and your guests to enjoy two unique experiences in one meal. Making dinner even more fun and satisfying.
The Magic of Garlic and Pork Belly
The secret to the incredible flavor of this dish lies in the preparation. I like to start by frying garlic and pork belly in the pot before adding any liquid. This step releases the fragrant aroma of garlic and renders the fat from the pork belly, which then infuses the soup with a rich, savory base. It’s amazing how this small step transforms the entire dish. Creating a depth of flavor that makes this nabe stand out from other hot pots. Plus, the combination of tender pork belly and sweet cabbage is simply irresistible.
Two Ways to Serve During the Same Meal
One of the things I love most about this Pork Belly & Cabbage Nabe recipe is the opportunity to serve it in two stages, creating a deeper and more interactive dining experience. The first serving highlights the hearty soup, where the fragrant broth, tender pork belly, and sweet cabbage take center stage. By serving smaller portions of the soup initially, you leave room for everyone to enjoy a second version without feeling too full. It’s a chance to savor the pure, comforting flavors of the nabe on their own.
For the second version, the leftover broth transforms into a rich base for ramen noodles. Once everyone has enjoyed the first serving, simply add cooked ramen noodles to the pot. Allowing them to soak up all the delicious flavors of the remaining broth. This progression creates an exciting culinary experience as the meal evolves, offering variety and a sense of discovery. My family loves anticipating this second course—it feels like a treat that takes the meal to another level. Serving the dish this way also encourages conversation and shared enjoyment, making dinner feel extra special.
Serving Tips for Pork Belly & Cabbage Hot Pot
One of the most beautiful aspects of nabe is how it brings people together. In Japan, sharing a hot pot meal like this is more than just eating. It’s about connection, conversation, and creating lasting memories. The pot is placed in the center of the table, steaming and fragrant, inviting everyone to gather around and enjoy the meal together. Each person serves themselves directly from the pot, adding to the sense of participation and closeness. There’s something special about the way a nabe meal unfolds. With everyone savoring the same dish in their own way, sharing laughs, and enjoying the warmth of both the food and the company.
Growing up in Japan, some of my fondest memories are of nabe meals like this. On chilly evenings, my family would sit around the table. The hot pot bubbling away in the middle, filling the room with its comforting aroma. It wasn’t just about the food. It was about the feeling of togetherness, of slowing down and appreciating each other’s company. Meals like these have a way of turning simple ingredients into something extraordinary because of the shared experience. When I cook Pork Belly & Cabbage Nabe for my family now, it brings back those wonderful memories. And I love knowing that we’re creating new ones in the process.
Nabe is a dish that embodies the spirit of Japanese dining. Bringing people together, encouraging conversation, and making the meal feel like a special occasion. Whether you’re sharing it with family or friends, it’s an experience that nourishes both the body and the soul.
Perfect Pairings for Your Nabe Meal
To complement your Pork Belly & Cabbage Nabe, consider serving a light side dish like Inarizushi. Sweet and savory tofu pouches stuffed with sushi rice, which balance the rich flavors of the nabe beautifully. For dessert, a simple and refreshing Matcha Tofu Pudding is an excellent choice. Its creamy texture and earthy sweetness provide the perfect ending to a warm, satisfying meal. These dishes not only enhance the dining experience but also bring more Japanese flavors to your table.
Pork Belly & Cabbage Nabe Hot Pot
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 clove garlic
- 250 g pork belly
- 500 g cabbage
- 500 ml water
- 3 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoon shiro-dashi
- 1 tablespoon sake
- 2 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon chicken stock powder
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 g Katsuobushi Bonito flakes
- 150 g silken tofu
- 2 red chili pepper
- 100 g Nira
- 2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 bundle of ramen noodle
Instructions
- Grind one garlic clove.
- Slice another garlic clove.
- Remove the seeds from the red pepper and slice it into rings.
- Microwave 2 packs of katsuobushi at 600W for 1 minute without a cover.
- Crush the katsuobushi into small pieces.
- Cut the cabbage into large, bite-sized pieces.
- Rinse the nira thoroughly and cut it into 2-inch pieces.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of sesame oil in a pot and add the ground garlic. Stir until fragrant.
- Add the pork belly to the pot and cook lightly.
- Remove the pork when partially cooked and set aside, keeping the pork juices in the pot.
- Add the cabbage to the pot.
- Add 1 tablespoon of chicken stock powder, 1 tablespoon of sake, 2 tablespoons of mirin, 1½ tablespoons of white dashi, 1 tablespoon of sugar, 3g of crushed katsuobushi, and 3 tablespoons of soy sauce.
- Pour in 500ml of water.
- Cover, and cook for 8 minutes.
- Return the pork belly to the pot along with tofu.
- Add the sliced red pepper and garlic on top.
- Cover and cook for 5 minutes until the cabbage is soft.
- Add the cut nira on top.
- Cover again, and cook for 1-2 minutes until softened.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sesame seeds over the dish and serve hot.
- Optional (for noodles): Cook ramen noodles 1 minute less than the package instructions.
- Add the boiled noodles to the broth and serve.
