How to Make Japanese Oden: Easy Recipe & Guide

Oden: a comforting Japanese stew that evokes images of steaming pots and warm, savoury flavors. This guide will provide you with a simple, authentic Japanese Oden recipe, perfect for a cozy meal for two, and also a super easy fuss free option.   

What is Japanese Oden?

Japanese Oden is a classic winter dish featuring various ingredients simmered in a light, flavourful dashi broth. It's a staple of Japanese comfort food, known for its warmth, versatility, and communal eating style. Traditionally enjoyed in izakayas (Japanese pubs) and street stalls, Oden is the perfect dish to share with loved ones on a cold evening.

Key Components of Japanese Oden Soup:

• Dashi Broth: The foundation of Oden, made from kombu (dried kelp) and katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes).
• Daikon Radish: A mild, slightly sweet root vegetable that absorbs the broth's flavors.  
• Fish Cakes (Chikuwa, Hanpen): Provide a chewy, savory element.  
• Eggs: Hard-boiled eggs add protein and richness.  
• Konnyaku: A gelatinous yam cake with a unique texture.  
  

How to Make Japanese Oden (Standard Recipe)

Key Ingredients

• Dashi (600ml Water, 1 piece Kombu (5cm), 1 handful Katsuobushi)
• Oden, (1/2 Daikon radish, 2 Eggs, store-bought 4 pieces Chikuwa, 4 pieces of Hanpen and 4 Konnyaku) 
  
  

Instructions

Dashi Preparation:

1. Soak kombu in water for 30 minutes.
2. Heat until just before boiling, remove kombu.
3. Add katsuobushi, turn off heat, steep 1-2 minutes.
4. Strain broth.

Oden Assembly:

1. Simmer daikon in dashi for 15-20 minutes.
2. Add remaining Oden ingredients, simmer 15-20 minutes.
3. Add greens last 5 minutes.
   
   

Fuss-Free Japanese Oden Option

(Using Pre-Packed Oden Set from Seaco)

For an even quicker and easier Oden experience, consider using a pre-packed Oden set. Seaco's Japanese oden is made with Alaskan Cod (Gadus Chalcogrammus), and comes with four soup sachets. Made from bonito, kombu and dashi, the soup stock has a umami flavour and brings an authentic taste of Japan. 

Even if you're time-pressed or not a seasoned cook, you'll find this Japanese Oden easy to make and delicious. With the variety of different oden inside this pack, it is also a hot favourite among mums and children!

Ingredients

1. Pre-packed Oden set containing:
2. Rich soup stock (bonito, kombu, and dashi based)
3. Premium Oden made from Alaskan Cod (Gadus Chalcogrammus)
4. Optional: your favorite noodles, and extra toppings.

Instructions

1. Heat the Soup Stock: Pour the pre-packed soup stock into a pot and bring to a simmer.
2. Add Oden and Toppings: Add the pre-packed Oden ingredients to the simmering broth.
3. You can also add your favorite toppings and noodles at this stage.
4. Simmer and Serve: Simmer until all ingredients are heated through. Serve hot.

Watch the video to see how you can customise the Japanese Oden for 2 pax:

Variations and Tips

• Customise with preferred ingredients.
• Slow simmering enhances flavor (for the standard recipe).
• Use quality ingredients.
  

For those who do not wish to cook, many restaurants offer Japanese Oden delivery.
Japanese Oden Delivery. 

Frequently Asked Questions