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Oden
Peel the daikon thickly to get under the fibrous layer, cut it into 3 cm rounds, shave off the sharp edges and score a shallow cross on one face. Simmer the rounds in water with the raw rice for 25 minutes, until a skewer goes in easily, then rinse.
Tip: The rice takes the bitter, radishy edge off. Rice-washing water does the same job.
Questions about this dish
Answers taken from this dish's times, amounts, swaps and tips.
How long does Oden take?
2 hr 50 min all in — 30 min prep, 1 hr 20 min cook, 1 hr rest. Cook and rest follow the method. Leftover storage and optional extra waits are not included.
How many does it serve?
The recipe is written for 6 people. Scale the ingredient list on the page if you are cooking for a different number.
How hard is it?
Easy.
How spicy is it?
No chilli.
What allergens should I watch?
This recipe is labelled for Fish, Eggs, Soy, Wheat. Labels are informational — check the packets in your kitchen. This is not medical advice.
Does it fit a diet?
The published recipe is labelled Dairy-free, Nut-free.
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What does it cost to cook?
A bit special — about $16–28 USD, as a grocery budget for this recipe, not a restaurant price.
What equipment do I need?
Dutch oven, Saucepan, Chef's knife, Cutting board.
How much salt do I put in?
The recipe lists Salt at 1 tsp.
How much soy sauce?
60 ml (light soy if you have it) of Soy sauce.
How much mirin?
60 ml of Mirin.
What can I use instead?
Japanese fish cakes → Korean eomuk or Chinese fish balls. Both are close relatives and easier to find in some grocers. Korean sheets can be folded onto skewers.
What should I watch for?
Do not let it boil. Small, lazy bubbles at the edge are the most it should do.
Any tips from this recipe?
The flavour goes in as the pot cools, not as it cooks. That is why the second day is better. Top up the broth with dashi and a splash of soy as it reduces over several days. Keep the pot in the fridge between meals and bring it back to steaming hot each time. Halve the eggs only at the table. Whole, they soak up colour without falling apart.
Can I prepare this ahead?
Add the fish cakes and tofu and keep at the same gentle heat for 25 minutes more, adding any hanpen only for the last 5 minutes. Take the pot off the heat and leave it at least an hour, or cool and refrigerate overnight. Reheat slowly to hot, then serve a few pieces of everything in each bowl with a ladle of broth and mustard on the side.
Can I use an air fryer?
This method is not written for an air fryer. The core technique on the page still applies.