Elegant Mille-feuille Nabe: An Easy Recipe for Special Occasions
A Simple Yet Special Dish: Mille-feuille Nabe, Perfect for Housewarming Parties
I prepared this popular housewarming dish, Mille-feuille Nabe, in a simple yet special way for our Friday evening dinner. It’s a visually stunning dish that offers both a delightful presentation and a delicious eating experience.
Main Ingredients
- 400g thinly sliced beef for Shabu-Shabu (thin slices work best)
- 6-7 large Napa cabbage leaves (or similar mild leafy greens)
- 12-14 fresh perilla leaves (깻잎)
- 2-3 heads of bok choy
- A small piece of daikon radish (for broth and lining the pot)
- 2 shiitake mushrooms (for broth and garnish)
Dipping Sauces
- Store-bought chili sauce
- Wasabi soy sauce (soy sauce mixed with wasabi)
Flavorful Broth Ingredients
- 1 broth pack (kelp and anchovy, or homemade broth)
- 1/2 onion
- 1/4 leek (white part preferred)
- 1-2 dried shiitake mushrooms (or fresh ones)
- Store-bought chili sauce
- Wasabi soy sauce (soy sauce mixed with wasabi)
Flavorful Broth Ingredients
- 1 broth pack (kelp and anchovy, or homemade broth)
- 1/2 onion
- 1/4 leek (white part preferred)
- 1-2 dried shiitake mushrooms (or fresh ones)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the thinly sliced beef intended for Shabu-Shabu. Its thinness makes it ideal for the nabe, ensuring it cooks quickly and stays tender.
Step 2
Thoroughly wash the main vegetables: Napa cabbage, perilla leaves, and bok choy. Also, wash the shiitake mushrooms and daikon radish. Fresh ingredients yield the best flavor.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the broth, which is key to the deliciousness of Mille-feuille Nabe. In a pot, combine water with the broth pack, half an onion, the white part of the leek, and shiitake mushrooms.
Step 4
Simmer the broth over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes to achieve a rich flavor. While the broth is simmering, you can start preparing the ingredients for layering, which saves valuable time.
Step 5
Lay out a Napa cabbage leaf flat on your work surface or at the bottom of the pot. The natural sweetness of the cabbage will infuse into the broth, enhancing its depth.
Step 6
Place two perilla leaves, slightly overlapping, on top of the cabbage leaf. The aromatic essence of the perilla leaves complements the beef wonderfully, adding another layer of flavor.
Step 7
Next, add two leaves of bok choy, layered on top. Be mindful not to add too much bok choy, as it can cloud the broth; a moderate amount is best. (Feel free to add more if you prefer!)
Step 8
Now it’s time to add the beef. Generously layer the thinly sliced Shabu-Shabu beef over the vegetables. Using ample beef will make the dish more hearty and delicious.
Step 9
Repeat the layering process (cabbage → perilla leaves → bok choy → beef) about 3 to 4 times. You should end up with approximately 3 bundles. This layered construction creates a beautiful, flower-like appearance.
Step 10
Carefully cut the stacked bundles into manageable portions, about 3-4 cm thick. Using a sharp knife will help create clean cuts.
Step 11
Line the bottom of your nabe pot with the prepared slices of daikon radish. The daikon will absorb the broth, becoming tender and adding a refreshing sweetness to the soup.
Step 12
Arrange the cut bundles upright in the pot, ensuring the cut surfaces are visible. This creates an aesthetically pleasing presentation, resembling a lush bouquet. It really starts to look like nabe now!
Step 13
Finally, garnish the nabe with 2 to 4 shiitake mushrooms. Their earthy aroma and chewy texture elevate the dish, adding a touch of sophistication.
Step 14
Place the assembled Mille-feuille Nabe pot on a portable burner or induction cooktop. Pour the simmering hot broth over the ingredients until they are mostly submerged. The broth will begin to cook the layers.
Step 15
Once the broth comes to a gentle boil, reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until all ingredients are tender and cooked through. Everything should be perfectly soft and ready to enjoy!
Step 16
Pick up a bundle of tender, cooked cabbage and beef, dip it into your chosen sauce, and savor the incredibly delicious combination. It’s a match made in heaven!
Step 17
For an extra kick, dip into the store-bought chili sauce or the wasabi soy sauce. (While I used store-bought sauces, making your own is also a great option.)
Step 18
Mille-feuille Nabe is surprisingly easy to make, yet it creates a stunning and flavorful meal. Enjoy a simple yet truly special dining experience that will impress everyone at the table!
