Updated:
April 17, 2018
0
Bookmark
Chanko Nabe Recipe: The Quintessential Sumo Hot Pot!
Have you heard of the Chanko Nabe? Most people associate this Japanese dish with Sumo culture as it is an important part of the Japanese traditional wrestlers' diet. However, Chanko Nabe is a pretty popular type of hot pot for people in general as well. It's arguably one of the best winter foods in Japan. Here's how to make it.
Feel free to follow favy!
Chanko Nabe Recipe

This is a standard recipe for about 4 people. All the ingredients may not be easily available in your country so feel free to use substitutes for what you can't find.
I've separated the recipe into 3 sections:
- The vegetables and meat you'll need
- How to make the chicken meatballs that go in the Chanko Nabe hotpot
- How to make the broth
I've separated the recipe into 3 sections:
- The vegetables and meat you'll need
- How to make the chicken meatballs that go in the Chanko Nabe hotpot
- How to make the broth
The Vegetables And Meat
These are the basic veggies you add to the broth. Feel free to add some more.

This is called "hakusai" in Japanese, it's a type of Chinese cabbage. Half of it will do for the recipe. Roughly chop it into 5 cm pieces.

"Moyashi" or bean sprouts. You'll need about 200-400 grams of these.

These are "mizuna", you can substitute them with a different kind of leafy green vegetable. A bag of these should do. As you did with the Chinese cabbage, chop them into pieces of about 5 cm.

One pack of mushrooms. Any kind will do. Japanese often use shiitake or enoki mushrooms.

200 to 400 grams of chicken thigh meat cut into bite-size pieces. For this recipe, this is the only meat we'll be using but you can also add salmon or codfish for example.
Tori Dango (Chicken Meat Ball)
The chicken meatballs are an important ingredient of the recipe. If you live in Japan, you can find them at your local supermarket. You can make them yourself as well. Here's how.

You'll need 400 grams of chicken minced meat.

Half a leek very finely chopped (or a full one if it's small). Japanese ones tend to be quite large.

Half a medium size carotte also very finely chopped. These are going to be mixed in with the meat.

One heaping tablespoon of grated fresh ginger.
You'll also need:
About 2/3 of a tablespoon of chicken powdered chicken consomme.
And 2/3 tablespoon of sake (white wine can work too).
You'll also need:
About 2/3 of a tablespoon of chicken powdered chicken consomme.
And 2/3 tablespoon of sake (white wine can work too).

To make the meatballs, simply mix all the above ingredients together and form them.
The Chanko Nabe Broth

For the broth, you'll need:
900 ml of water
1/2 tablespoon of mirin
1 tablespoon of sake
1/2 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of chicken powdered consomme
1 tablespoon of grated ginger
900 ml of water
1/2 tablespoon of mirin
1 tablespoon of sake
1/2 tablespoon of salt
1 tablespoon of chicken powdered consomme
1 tablespoon of grated ginger
Making The Chanko Nabe
Now you're ready to make your Japanese Sumo hotpot.

What people use in Japan is this kind of earthenware pot called "donabe".

This is how it's eaten in most houses. The donabe is placed on a burner in the middle of the table. The ingredients are first placed in the pot in the most aesthetically nice way, and the broth is then added. The pot is then heated until the ingredients are cooked. People then start picking what they want to eat. Make sure that the chicken meatballs are thoroughly cooked and that the vegetables are not overcooked. Adjust the fire as you dine and add more ingredients to the hotpot as people eat up. As a condiment, you can use a type of citrusy sauce called "ponzu" to add some extra flavor.
Making It With A Regular Pot
Make it in any kind of pot you have if you don't have that kind of apparatus. It loses a bit of its authentic charm but still, you'll get the same great taste of Chanko Nabe.
Add Whatever You Want!
This was a recipe for a basic Chanko Nabe, but don't limit yourself to those ingredients alone! You can add all kinds of different vegetables, cubes of tofu and pieces of different kinds of meat for instance. Lastly, it's quite common to finish the meal by adding udon noodles or rice to the broth too. Try that too!
Where To Eat It In Tokyo
If you're in Tokyo, there are some good restaurants where you can have it. Here are some of the best restaurants serving Chanko Nabe in Tokyo.
- tabikamome
- Japanese food culture enthusiast. Love to explore new areas and discover local specialties.
Hot Posts!
1
A New Delicious Product Is Available For A Limited Time At Coisof!
Lili Wanderlust
2
Mega Hamburg Steak of 1kg! "Steak no Kuishinbo" Caters To The Insatiable "Hambaagu" Meat Lover!
tabikamome
3
A Super Promotion Now At A Genuine Hokkaido Izakaya in Bangkok! Only 99B For a Plate Of Sashimi!
favy
4
NoMad Grill Lounge - Nagatacho, Tokyo : Heavenly Juicy Wagyu Steaks!
haru
5
Only 20 Dishes Served Per Month, Come Try The Special Katsu Curry At The Michelin Guide Introduced Ponchiken
Lili Wanderlust
Recommend Posts!
1
GOMAYA KUKI: Sesame Ice Cream Store In Harajuku, Tokyo!
favy
2
A Super Promotion Now At A Genuine Hokkaido Izakaya in Bangkok! Only 99B For a Plate Of Sashimi!
favy
3
Need A Stamina Charge? Get Yourself A HUGE Yakiniku Meat Bowl At "Yakinikudon Tadon" In Akihabara, Tokyo
favy
4
Yakinikudon Tadon In Ikebukuro, Tokyo: Awesome Place To Enjoy Some Hearty, Succulent Meat Bowls
favy
5
"Sushi Izakaya Number.4": Your Dreams Are Made Of This Japanese Cuisine
favy
Featured Posts
Exploring Yokocho Alleys: a Guide to the Back Streets!
Spring Season Guide For Japanese Food!
For All Japanese Alcohol Aficionados!
Events
Matcha Cafe Maiko, An Award-Winning Matcha Ice Cream Store Will Open in Tokyo On April 21st!
Apr 21, Sat
〜
Apr 30, Mon
A New Delicious Product Is Available For A Limited Time At Coisof!
Apr 14, Sat
〜
May 13, Sun
Strawberry Frappuccino To Kick Off the Summer At Starbucks Japan
Apr 12, Thu
〜
May 29, Tue
Matcha Bonanza At Mister Donut From April, 2018!
Apr 06, Fri
〜
May 31, Thu
Conrad Osaka Has Just Renewed Its Dessert Buffet And It Looks So Tempting!
Jan 06, Sat
〜
May 06, Sun