Hekka(Sukiyaki)
Hekka (Sukiyaki) is a hearty Japanese hot pot featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and savory broth, perfect for sharing warm, comforting meals with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. butter
- 2 1/2 to 3 lb. frying chicken ⓘ
- 3 1/2 Tbsp. sugar ⓘ
- 2 medium round onions ⓘ
- 1 (No. 2 size) can bamboo shoots, sliced diagonally ⓘ
- 1 cup green onions, cut in 1 1/2-inch lengths ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup sliced dried elephant ear or kikurage mushrooms, soaked in lukewarm water ⓘ
- 1 bundle long rice ⓘ
Instructions
- Grate half of an onion to be added to the shoyu (soy sauce).
- Slice the remaining onion into thin rounds.
- In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the frying chicken and cook until browned.
- Stir in the sugar and grated onion, cooking until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the sliced onions, bamboo shoots, green onions, mushrooms, and soaked dried elephant ear or kikurage mushrooms.
- Pour in enough water or broth to cover the ingredients and bring to a boil.
- Add the bundle of long rice and simmer until all ingredients are tender and flavors meld, about 20-30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try using a mix of broth instead of just water. If you can't find dried elephant ear mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms are a great substitute. Adjust the sugar based on personal preference, but remember that the sweetness balances the savory elements. This dish is similar to other chicken recipes, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Hekka with a side of steamed rice to soak up the flavorful broth. It pairs beautifully with a light salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also enjoy it with pickled vegetables to add acidity and balance the rich flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pot over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the rice mushy and unevenly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Hekka(Sukiyaki) contains roughly 893 calories, with 11g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 70g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin D (79% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (38% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces or even thighs for a more flavorful dish. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
What can I serve with Hekka?
Hekka is traditionally served with steamed rice. You might also consider pairing it with a side of pickled vegetables or a simple salad to add freshness and balance the meal.
Is Hekka suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Hekka holds up well in the fridge and the flavors actually improve after a day or two. Just be sure to store it in individual portions for easy reheating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).