Feb 12, 2025

Hasegawa Akari's Winter Donabe Recipe: Roast Pork

Written by Team MUSUBI

Culinary expert Akari Hasegawa introduces a succulent roast pork prepared in a donabe pot. This exceptional roast pork recipe stands apart from those that are complex and time-consuming. It's simple to prepare, yet boasts an impressive appearance and delicious flavor.

"During the cold winter months, there's a craving for hearty cuts of meat. This recipe allows you to prepare both the main dish of pork and the staple of potatoes in a single pot. Potatoes not only provide carbohydrates but also contain vitamin C," says Hasegawa. The key to tender meat lies in thoroughly rubbing salt until it dissolves and generously using sake. "The alcohol content of sake helps achieve a tender finish. Additionally, using a donabe ensures a gradual increase in temperature inside the pot, resulting in a tender texture."

We also recommend pairing this dish with another winter donabe recipe, Green Minestrone with Spinach and Cauliflower, so be sure to check it out as well.

Ingredients

(For 2 servings)

Pork shoulder block: 300 g (10.6 oz)
Salt: 1 tsp (2% of the pork weight)
Potatoes: 2 (200 g / 7 oz)
Butter: 10 g (0.4 oz)

Sake: 200 ml (6.8 fl oz) (can substitute with white wine)
Salt: a pinch
Dried basil: to taste

Step 1

Sprinkle salt evenly over the pork and rub it in thoroughly until the granules dissolve.

Step 2

Peel the potatoes and cut them into large, bite-sized pieces.

Step 3

Heat butter in the donabe clay pot over medium heat and sear the pork until browned on all sides.

Step 4

Add ingredients from A and the potatoes. Once the mixture comes to a boil, cover with the lid and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes. Turn the meat over halfway through.

Step 5

Remove the meat and place it on a cutting board. Once it has cooled slightly, slice it thinly. Simmer the remaining broth in the clay pot until reduced by half.

Step 6

Arrange the sliced meat and potatoes on a serving dish, pour the reduced broth over the top, and sprinkle with dried basil to finish.

Hasegawa Akari

Akari Hasegawa, a chef and dietitian, transitioned from being a child actor to studying nutrition in college. She gained fame in 2022 with her recipes on social media and has since become a popular influencer, contributing to magazines, websites, and cooking events.