Pork and Napa Cabbage Mille-Feuille Hot Pot Recipe

Pork and Napa Cabbage Mille-Feuille Hot Pot is a comforting Japanese hot pot made by layering Napa cabbage and thinly sliced pork belly to resemble the delicate layers of the French pastry, mille-feuille. In Japan, it’s lovingly known as Mille-Feuille Nabe. With its beautiful, neatly stacked layers, this dish is as eye-catching as it is delicious. Simple ingredients come together to create a deeply satisfying meal, making it the perfect way to warm up during the colder months.

What’s Pork and Napa Cabbage Mille-Feuille Hot Pot?

Pork and Napa Cabbage Mille-Feuille Hot Pot—called Mille-Feuille Nabe in Japan—is one of those dishes that looks impressive but is surprisingly simple to make. Thinly sliced pork belly and Napa cabbage are layered over and over again, creating beautiful stacks that resemble the delicate layers of the French pastry mille-feuille. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for chilly days.

Interestingly, this dish is said to have started as “Nakao Nabe,” created by Japanese actor Akira Nakao. He loved cooking and has shared that he was already making this hot pot back when he was in college. With just cabbage and pork layered together, it was affordable, easy, and delicious—he said it became popular among his friends. Later, the dish was introduced on television and other media in the 2000s, and little by little, it became a winter favorite all across Japan.

Napa cabbage is at its best from November through February, when it’s naturally sweet and tender. It’s a staple in many Japanese hot pot dishes, but here it really shines. It’s packed with nutrients like potassium, calcium, vitamin C, folate, and fiber, while still being low in calories. The white stems in particular are full of natural glutamic acid, which gives that wonderful umami flavor.

The pork is usually thinly sliced pork belly. The layers of fat add richness and flavor to the broth as it cooks, and they keep the meat tender and juicy. If you prefer something leaner, you can use pork loin instead—just keep in mind the texture will be a bit lighter and less rich.

Another reason to love this dish? It’s incredibly easy to put together. The ingredients and seasonings are simple, and you may already have most of them in your pantry if you cook Japanese food regularly. Napa cabbage is easy to find at most grocery stores. If you buy pork belly in a block instead of pre-sliced, just pop it in the freezer for a short time to firm it up, then slice it as thinly as you can.

Once everything is ready, simply layer the cabbage and pork in your pot, packing them in snugly so they hold their shape. If you’re using an 8-inch pot, the standard recipe amount should fit nicely. For a 10-inch pot, increase the ingredients by about 50% so the pot is filled generously, and adjust the broth and seasonings to match.

Pork and Napa Cabbage Mille-Feuille Hot Pot is delicious on its own with its gentle, comforting flavor. Since it’s lightly seasoned, many people like to dip the cooked pork and cabbage into Ponzu sauce for a refreshing, tangy kick. It’s simple, cozy food at its best.

Tips for Pork and Napa Cabbage Mille-Feuille Hot Pot

With just a few small adjustments, you can easily tailor this cozy hot pot to your own taste.

• Start from the outside and work your way in – When layering the cabbage and pork, begin along the outer edge of the pot. The wall of the pot helps support the layers and keeps them standing upright. Once the outer ring is in place, continue working toward the center, packing everything snugly.
• Prepare a little extra – The amount of cabbage and pork you need will depend on the size of your pot. It’s always a good idea to prep a bit more than you think you’ll need—this dish looks and cooks best when the pot is tightly packed rather than loosely filled
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste – If you’re planning to enjoy the hot pot without a dipping sauce, consider seasoning the broth a little more boldly. You can also add extra flavor to the broth with freshly sliced ginger or a touch of Yuzu citrus for a bright, refreshing aroma.

More Recipes like Pork and Napa Cabbage Mille-Feuille Hot Pot

• Jyoya Nabe
• Chanko Nabe
• Kimchi Nabe
• Kaki Dotenabe