How to Make Microwave Mille-Feuille Hotpot

Craving something warm, comforting, and a little different? This microwave mille-feuille hotpot brings all the cozy flavors of traditional Japanese hot pot to your kitchen—without needing a stove or a fancy pot. It’s fast, simple, and perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something nourishing and homemade.

Mille-feuille nabe is a layered hot pot dish made with napa cabbage and thinly sliced pork belly. The layers resemble a mille-feuille, or “thousand layers,” pastry, but in savory form. Usually simmered in a donabe or pot on the stove, this version uses the microwave to cook everything gently and evenly.

The result? A tender, juicy dish that feels both light and hearty. It’s loaded with umami, and when paired with a dipping sauce like ponzu or sesame, it’s even more delicious. You’ll love how quick and cleanup-friendly it is. Whether you’re cooking for one or two, this microwave mille-feuille hotpot is a warm hug in a bowl.

This cozy dish is best paired with my protein purple rice for an easy cozy dinner!

How to Make Microwave Mille-Feuille Hotpot

This microwave mille-feuille nabe is a simplified version of a beloved Japanese hot pot. By layering napa cabbage and pork belly, then steaming it in the microwave, you get all the traditional flavors with none of the hassle.

It’s warming, savory, and quick to make—just pop it in a heat-safe dish, cover, and cook. You can even prep it ahead and reheat later. Serve it with rice and a light dipping sauce for the ultimate comfort meal.

Author: Rice Zhang

Print Recipe

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 6 mins Total Time 16 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Ingredients

Servings

1/4 head napa cabbage

• 2 heads baby bok choy
• ¹⁄₂ lb thinly sliced beef (such as shabu-shabu cut)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp salt
• ¹⁄₄ tsp pepper
• ¹⁄₂ c water
• 1 tsp dashi powder
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 green onion, sliced

Instructions

1. Rinse and trim the napa cabbage and baby bok choy.
   
2. Layer napa cabbage, bok choy, and thinly sliced beef alternately and cut into sections as deep as your in microwave-safe dish, starting and ending with leafy greens.
   
3. Add dashi powder, soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
   
4. Cover the dish with a microwave-safe vented lid and add chicken broth/water.
   
5. Microwave on high for 7–9 min, or until the beef is fully cooked and the greens are tender.
6. Let rest for 2 min before uncovering.
7. Top with sliced green onions and serve with ponzu or peanut sauce if desired.
   

Keywords: microwave mille-feuille nabe, Japanese hot pot recipe, mille-feuille nabe, pork and cabbage hot pot, napa cabbage recipe, microwave Japanese recipe, microwave hot pot, easy mille-feuille nabe, Japanese comfort food, microwave nabe, simple hot pot dinner, cabbage pork layers, quick Japanese dinner, nabe in microwave, Japanese microwave recipe, winter hot pot idea, one-pot microwave meal, easy microwave dinner, cozy Japanese meal, hot pot without stove