Sukiyaki

Instructions

1. Prepare the ingredients
   Arrange all prepared ingredients on a large platter. Slice the beef thinly if not pre-sliced. Cut tofu, cabbage, and scallions into bite-sized pieces. Clean and prepare all mushrooms.
2. Make the sukiyaki sauce
   In a bowl, combine soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This sweet and savory sauce is called 'warishita'.
3. Heat the pot
   Place a sukiyaki pot or large cast-iron skillet on medium-high heat at the center of the table. Add vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pot.
4. Sear the beef
   Once the pot is hot, add a few slices of beef and sear until browned on both sides, about 1-2 minutes. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
5. Add vegetables
   Push the beef to one side of the pot and add the tofu, napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, onions, and shirataki noodles. Pour approximately half of the sukiyaki sauce over the ingredients.
6. Simmer and serve
   Cover and simmer for about 5-7 minutes until vegetables are tender. Add the scallions and enoki mushrooms during the last 2 minutes. Add more sauce as needed.
7. Prepare dipping eggs
   If using, beat individual raw eggs in small bowls for each diner. In Japan, cooked ingredients are traditionally dipped in raw egg before eating for added richness.
8. Enjoy communally
   Serve directly from the pot, allowing diners to take what they want. Continue adding ingredients and sauce as the pot gets low. The communal dining experience is part of sukiyaki's charm.