Japanese Oden Stew

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty winter stew with daikon, squid, and eggs in a rich dashi broth, inspired by street food traditions. This japanese-inspired one pot ready in about 75 minutes pairs Dashi broth, large Daikon radish, Squid for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 45 min Serves 4 Japanese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot, combine 1.5L dashi broth and 2 tbsp miso paste. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
  2. Step 2: Dice daikon radish into 1/2-inch cubes and add to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until tender.
  3. Step 3: Add 200g squid and 1 block tofu, stirring to prevent sticking. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the squid is just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Create a small well in the broth with a spoon and gently crack 4 eggs into it. Let sit for 5 minutes until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1 tbsp soy sauce and 2 stalks green onions, sliced. Adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or salt. Serve hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Japanese Oden Stew take to make?

Total time is about 75 minutes (30 min prep + 45 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Japanese Oden Stew?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep dashi broth from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Japanese Oden Stew?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Japanese Oden Stew for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Japanese Oden Stew?

Japanese one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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