Oden (Japanese Winter Hotpot with Daikon and Eggs)
Tender daikon, soft eggs, tofu and potatoes slowly simmered in a light, savoury dashi broth.
Made with Dashi stock. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time1 hr 15
- LevelMedium
- Costabout £1.23 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Put the eggs in a pan of cold water, bring to the boil and simmer for 8 minutes. Cool under cold water and peel.
8 min - 2
Simmer the daikon rounds in water for 10 minutes to remove any bitterness, then drain.
10 min - 3
Combine your ready made dashi (see the base recipe) with the mirin, tamari and salt in a large pot and bring to a gentle simmer.
- 4
Add the daikon, potatoes and tofu. Simmer very gently with a lid slightly ajar for 30 minutes, until the daikon is translucent and easily pierced.
30 min - 5
Slip in the peeled eggs and simmer for 10 minutes more so they take on the colour of the broth.
10 min - 6
Serve in deep bowls with a little broth and mustard on the side.
Tips
- Simmer gently, never at a rolling boil, so the tofu stays whole and the broth stays clear.
- Oden improves overnight as the ingredients soak up the dashi.
- Fish cakes, konnyaku and fried tofu balls are classic extras from Asian shops.
Storing and freezing
Keeps 3 days in the fridge in the broth, cooled within 1 hour. Reheat until steaming hot all the way through.
Questions
What is oden?
Oden is a Japanese winter dish of simmered daikon, eggs and fish cakes in dashi, sold in convenience stores and street stalls across Japan.
Where can I buy daikon?
In Asian shops and many supermarkets, sold as mooli. Choose firm, heavy roots with smooth skin.
Can I add meat?
Yes, small pieces of chicken wing or sausage work well. Simmer until cooked through with no pink.
More made with dashi stock
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.