What is Sukiyaki?
Sukiyaki is a dish where thinly sliced beef, along with vegetables, tofu, and shirataki noodles, is cooked in a sweet and savory soy-based sauce. It’s commonly enjoyed by dipping in raw egg before eating—a style quite unique to Japanese culture. In many countries, consuming raw egg is unusual, leading to some foreigners being surprised when experiencing sukiyaki. However, the combination of raw egg and sukiyaki sauce creates a rich and mellow flavor, beloved by many Japanese.
History and Evolution of Sukiyaki
The origins of sukiyaki are not entirely clear, but documents from the late Edo period mention a dish called ‘sukiyaki’ where meat was grilled on an iron plate. With the advent of the Meiji era, influenced by Western culture and Japan’s globalization, promoting meat consumption became a national policy. Behind this shift towards beef consumption was the nation’s modernization and the re-evaluation of beef as a nutritious food source. Notably, in 1872, Emperor Meiji publicly ate beef, breaking a longstanding taboo.
Dining Culture Around the Hearth
Sukiyaki represents a dining culture where ingredients are cooked in an iron pot or on an iron plate, enjoyed directly and collectively with family and friends. This is related to Japan’s ‘hearth culture’, where families and friends have long gathered around a hearth during cold seasons. In other Asian countries, communal cooking and dining styles (like Korean BBQ in Korea or Hotpot in China) are prevalent, reflecting each nation’s traditions and culture. However, using raw egg as a dipping sauce, as done in sukiyaki, is uniquely Japanese. This method is novel for many foreigners, contributing to sukiyaki’s distinct appeal.
Global Adoration
Sukiyaki is known and loved worldwide as ‘sukiyaki’. The hit song “Ue o Muite Arukou” (commonly known as “Sukiyaki”) by Kyu Sakamoto became a global sensation in the 1960s. This song, popularized as ‘Sukiyaki’, helped raise global awareness of the dish as a representative of Japanese cuisine. While overseas variations of sukiyaki might incorporate local ingredients and unique twists, its fundamental style and taste, reminiscent of Japan’s version, remains beloved.
Sukiyaki Etiquette and Enjoyment
When savoring sukiyaki, it’s important to follow certain etiquettes. Pay attention to the doneness of the meat, use of the raw egg, and the order in which ingredients are added, maximizing the dish’s flavor. Also, when serving, aim for a beautiful presentation to enhance the dining experience.
Experiencing the World Through Sukiyaki
Sukiyaki epitomizes Japanese culinary culture. Its taste and style are cherished both within and outside of Japan. The warmth derived from communal dining, coupled with the delectable combination of meat and vegetables, continues to satisfy the souls across generations. Through sukiyaki, indulge in delightful moments with family and friends, savoring the allure and culture of food to the fullest.