Imogara Stir-fry and Simmer
Quick answer
- Total time
- 65 min
- Level
- Easy
- Servings
- 4 servings
- Ingredients
- 11
About this dish
Imogara no itame-ni is an Ibaraki side dish of rehydrated dried taro stalk stir-fried with lotus root, carrot, fried tofu, and konjac, then simmered until a sweet soy broth is absorbed.
Read more
Dried taro stalk was kept as a year-round preserved ingredient; once soaked, its porous fibers take in seasoning while retaining a noticeable bite. The pot stays uncovered during simmering so the lotus root remains crisp, and the dish is finished when almost no liquid remains. It appears both as an everyday prepared side and at New Year or celebratory gatherings.
Instructions
Read the steps as a cooking flow: prep, heat, seasoning, doneness control, and finish.
- 1Prep
Rinse 50g dried taro stalk and soak it in plenty of water for 30 minutes.
When flexible, squeeze out the water and cut into bite-size lengths.
- 2Heat
Cut 120g lotus root and 100g carrot into 5mm quarter rounds.
Place the lotus root in water immediately after cutting, then drain just before cooking.
- 3Prep
Cut 1 fried tofu sheet and 1 piece konjac into short strips.
Blanch together for 1 minute, then drain to remove surface oil and the konjac aroma.
- 4Control
Heat 2 tablespoons cooking oil in a pot over medium heat.
Add the taro stalk, lotus root, carrot, fried tofu, and konjac and stir-fry for 4 minutes. When evenly coated, add 150ml water.
- 5Control
Stir in 2 tablespoons sugar, 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sake, and 1 tablespoon mirin.
Simmer uncovered over medium-low heat for about 15 minutes, until almost no liquid remains and the lotus root is still crisp.
Practical Cooking Checks
The cues that matter most while cooking.
- Key technique
- Dried taro stalk soaked 30 minutes before seasoning
- Finish cue
- Stir in 2 tablespoons sugar, 2.5 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sake, and 1 tablespoon mirin.
Cooking decision evidence
Calculated Charim data and applicable official food safety guidance.
This recipe
65min, 11 ingredients
Category median
27min, 8 ingredients
Based on 206 recipes
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