What is Shabu-shabu?
A Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Shabu-shabu
What Is Shabu-shabu?
Shabu-shabu is a popular Japanese hot pot dish made with thinly sliced meat, vegetables, tofu, and other ingredients. They’re cooked in a light broth, usually made with kombu (dried kelp).
One of the most fun parts of shabu-shabu is cooking the ingredients yourself by swishing them through the hot broth. 🥢
What’s in Shabu-shabu?
- Thinly sliced beef 🥩
- Thinly sliced pork 🐷
- Chinese cabbage 🥬
- Green onion 🧅
- Shiitake mushrooms 🍄
- Enoki mushrooms 🍄
- Tofu ◻️
- Shungiku (Japanese chrysanthemum greens) 🌿
- Shirataki noodles
- Thinly sliced rice cake
Shirataki are thin, chewy noodles made from konjac. They have a light flavour and are often enjoyed in Japanese hot pot dishes.
Shabu-shabu Broth
Shabu-shabu is usually cooked in a light broth made with kombu (dried kelp). The broth has a mild flavour, allowing the natural taste of the meat and vegetables to shine.
Good to know: The broth is usually kept simple because the main flavour comes from the meat, vegetables, and dipping sauces.
What Kind of Meat Is Used?
- Thinly sliced beef is a popular choice for shabu-shabu.
- Thinly sliced pork is also very common and is often used for pork shabu-shabu.
- Well-marbled beef is popular because the fat makes the meat tender and flavourful.
- Wagyu beef is available at some restaurants for a more premium shabu-shabu experience.
How to Eat Shabu-shabu 🥢
① Heat the broth until it’s gently simmering.
💡Keep the pot hot throughout the meal.
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② Add vegetables, tofu, mushrooms, and other ingredients to the pot and cook until they’re tender.
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③ Pick up a thin slice of meat with chopsticks and gently swish it through the hot broth until it’s cooked.
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④Dip the cooked meat and vegetables into ponzu or sesame sauce. Add your favourite condiments for extra flavour.
As you cook, some foam and impurities may float to the surface. Skim them off with a ladle to keep the broth clear.
Dipping Sauces & Condiments 🥢
Ponzu: A light and refreshing sauce made with soy sauce and citrus. 🍋
Sesame sauce: A rich and creamy sauce made with sesame.
Popular condiments:
- Grated daikon
- Chilli, chopped green onion
- Yuzu kosho – a spicy Japanese condiment made with yuzu citrus and chilli peppers.🍊🌶️
- Myoga
- Shiso leaves 🌿
What Is “Shime”? 🍜
Shime (締め) means the final part of a meal. With Japanese hot pot dishes, it’s common to enjoy noodles or rice at the end, using the delicious flavour left in the pot.
For shabu-shabu, noodles or rice can be added to the remaining broth for a comforting final dish.
Where Can You Eat ? 🍲
Shabu-shabu is easy to find throughout Japan, especially at specialty restaurants and all-you-can-eat restaurants.
Here are a few popular chains where you can try it:
🥬 Shabu-shabu Onyasai
A popular shabu-shabu chain offering all-you-can-eat courses with meat and plenty of vegetables.
Official Website
🥢 Shabu-Yo
A casual all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu restaurant with locations across Japan.
Official Website
🥩 MO-MO-PARADISE
A shabu-shabu and sukiyaki specialty restaurant known for its all-you-can-eat courses.
Official Website
Dietary Information
Traditional shabu-shabu usually contains meat and soy sauce. 🥩
🌱V Vegetarian
Traditional shabu-shabu contains meat, but vegetarian versions may be available.
🌿VG Vegan
Traditional shabu-shabu contains meat. Vegetarian or vegan versions may be available.
If you have dietary restrictions or allergies, it’s best to check the ingredients with the restaurant before ordering.
Enjoy your shabu-shabu! 🇯🇵✨