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beef hot pot
Carmen Spillette

5 ingredient Beef Hot Pot (Mille Feuille Nabe)

5 from 1 vote
Comforting and stunning! This Mille Feuille Nabe (Japanese-style layered hot pot) is surprisingly simple with just 5 main ingredients. Thinly sliced beef and napa cabbage are layered like petals, simmered in a savory broth, and paired with the best hot pot sauce. It’s cozy, nourishing, and perfect for sharing.
 
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course: Braising
Cuisine: Braising
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Beef Hot Pot:
  • ½ head of napa cabbage rinsed and leaves separated
  • 1.5 lbs thinly sliced beef shabu shabu-style, from Costco or Asian grocery store
  • 1 pack shimeji mushrooms or substitute enoki
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoon Shiro dashi
Hot Pot Dipping Sauce:
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 stalk green onion finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoon tahini
  • 2 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or tamari for gluten-free
  • 1 tablespoon chili crisp
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Layers: Cut napa cabbage leaves and beef slices into roughly equal sizes. Take one cabbage leaf, place a slice of beef on top, and continue layering until you’ve used them all. Stack 4 layers high, then slice the layered stack into 2- to 3-inch sections.
  2. Arrange in Pot: In a large shallow pot (a shallow, wide pot works best), arrange the cut sections upright in a circular pattern, tightly packed. Tuck in mushrooms in the middle.
  3. Add Broth: Pour in chicken broth and Shiro dashi, gently covering the base of the pot—no need to submerge the layers fully, just enough to steam and simmer.
  4. Cook the Beef Hot Pot: Cover and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 - 20 minutes until the cabbage is tender and the beef is fully cooked.
  5. Make the hot pot sauce: While the hot pot simmers, mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve: Carefully ladle the hot pot into individual bowls and serve with the dipping sauce on the side. Best enjoyed with rice, noodles or by itself. 

Notes

  • Use thinly sliced beef: Shabu shabu or sukiyaki beef cooks quickly and layers perfectly with napa cabbage for even cooking and beautiful presentation. I got mine from Costco. 
  • Pack the pot tightly: Arrange the cabbage and beef rolls snugly upright in the pot. This helps everything cook evenly and keeps the layers intact.
  • Add tofu, udon noodles, or extra veggies like carrots, or spinach for variety and extra nutrients. 

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