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!

Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 6 mins

Total Time 16 mins

Cooking Method: Microwave

Cuisine: Japanese

Difficulty: Intermediate

Servings: 2

Description

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.

Ingredients

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.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

Amount Per Serving
Calories 329.69kcal

% Daily Value *
Total Fat 24.98g39%
Saturated Fat 9.02g46%
Cholesterol 80.51mg27%
Sodium 947.01mg40%
Potassium 351.47mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 4.8g2%
Dietary Fiber 0.32g2%
Sugars 2.31g
Protein 20.63g42%

Vitamin A 105.79 IU
Vitamin C 1.63 mg
Calcium 31.59 mg
Iron 2.54 mg
Vitamin E 0.54 mg
Vitamin K 15.18 mcg
Thiamin 0.06 mg
Riboflavin 0.19 mg
Niacin 5.22 mg
Vitamin B6 0.39 mg
Folate 13.65 mcg
Vitamin B12 2.43 mcg
Pantothenic Acid 0.61 mg
Phosphorus 194.56 mg
Magnesium 25.56 mg
Zinc 4.82 mg
Selenium 17.16 mcg
Copper 0.1 mg
Manganese 0.1 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.