Simmer Down Now

Nimono Chicken and Carrots in Savory Dashi Broth

40 minutes
Serves 4
DinnerJapanese
Herb's take

Nimono is Japanese comfort food at its finest, gently simmering chicken and carrots in a sweet-savory broth until tender perfection. You'll master the art of flavor layering, learning how classic Japanese seasoning turns simple ingredients into something quietly magical.

Ingredients

Yield
4

Instructions

  1. 01
    Heat the neutral oil in a large saucepan or shallow Dutch oven over medium heat.
  2. 02
    Add the ginger slices and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. 03
    Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring, until all sides are just opaque, about 3 minutes.
  4. 04
    Add the carrots and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  5. 05
    Pour in the sake and let it bubble for 30 seconds to cook off the alcohol.
  6. 06
    Add the dashi stock, soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. 07
    Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.
  8. 08
    Cover the pan with a drop lid (or parchment/foil pressed directly onto the surface) and simmer gently for 20 minutes, until the carrots are tender and the chicken is cooked through.
  9. 09
    Remove the lid, increase the heat to medium-high, and cook 3-5 minutes to reduce the broth slightly.
  10. 10
    Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed.
  11. 11
    Divide the chicken and carrots among bowls, ladle over some broth, and scatter with sliced scallions to serve.

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