19 Japanese Shabu Shabu Recipe They're Simply Irresistible!
Published on: Mar 25, 2024
Shabu shabu is a popular Japanese hot pot dish that has gained international recognition for its delicious and healthy ingredients. This dish, which is commonly prepared and enjoyed in homes and restaurants throughout Japan, is a must-try for any food lover. The name shabu shabu is derived from the sound the ingredients make when they are swished in the hot broth, and it is a perfect representation of the interactive and communal experience that this dish offers. In this article, we will delve deeper into the origins and components of this traditional Japanese meal and provide you with an easy and authentic Japanese shabu shabu recipe that you can try at home.
If you're a fan of crispy, breaded meats, then you'll love this Japanese twist on a classic dish. Pork katsu is a popular Japanese dish made with tender pork cutlets coated in panko breadcrumbs and fried to golden perfection. It's typically served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce and a side of rice or vegetables.
Fluffy, thick, and packed with flavor – that's what Japanese pancakes are all about. These pancakes are made with a light and airy batter and cooked to perfection on a hot griddle. They're often stacked high and topped with butter, syrup, and fresh fruit for a delicious and indulgent breakfast treat.
Okonomiyaki literally translates to "grilled as you like it" and that's exactly what this savory pancake dish is all about. Made with a batter of flour, eggs, and shredded cabbage, okonomiyaki is then topped with your choice of meats, seafood, or vegetables and finished off with a drizzle of savory sauce and mayo.
If you're a fan of light and fluffy desserts, then you have to try Japanese cotton cheesecake. This unique dessert is made with a combination of cream cheese, eggs, and whipped cream to create a light and airy texture that's similar to a souffle. It's often served with fresh fruit or a dusting of powdered sugar.
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Japanese Cucumber Salad (Sunomono)
Main Ingredients: English Cucumber, Salt, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar
Cool, refreshing, and full of flavor – that's what you'll get with a Japanese cucumber salad, also known as sunomono. This simple salad is made with thinly sliced cucumbers, dressed in a tangy vinegar and soy sauce dressing, and topped with sesame seeds. It's the perfect side dish to any Japanese meal.
Forget the instant ramen you knew in college – authentic Japanese ramen is a whole different ball game. This popular noodle dish is made with chewy wheat noodles in a flavorful broth, topped with an array of savory meats, vegetables, and seasonings. It's a hearty and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.
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Japanese Gyoza Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Napa Cabbage, Ground Pork, Garlic, Fresh Ginger
Gyoza dumplings are a staple in Japanese cuisine and for good reason – they're absolutely delicious. These small, bite-sized dumplings are stuffed with a savory filling of ground meat, cabbage, and seasonings, and then pan-fried to crispy perfection. They're often served as an appetizer or side dish.
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Japanese Rice Balls Onigiri
Main Ingredients: Cooked Rice, Umeboshi, Bonito Flakes, Soy Sauce, Mirin
Onigiri, also known as Japanese rice balls, are a popular snack or light meal in Japan. They're made with cooked rice that's shaped into a triangle or ball and often filled with savory ingredients like salmon, tuna, or pickled plum. They're a convenient and tasty option for a quick bite on the go.
Udon noodle soup is a staple in Japanese cuisine and for good reason – it's comforting, flavorful, and customizable. This soup is made with thick and chewy udon noodles in a savory broth and can be topped with a variety of meats, vegetables, and other toppings to create your perfect bowl.
Eggplant may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Japanese cuisine, but it's a popular ingredient in many dishes. Japanese eggplant is typically longer and thinner than the traditional eggplant and has a sweeter and more delicate flavor. It's often used in stir-fries, stews, and grilled dishes.
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Japanese Soba Noodles With Peanut Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soba Noodles, Unsalted Roasted Peanuts, Sesame Oil
Soba noodles are thin, buckwheat noodles that are a staple in Japanese cuisine. They're often served cold with a flavorful peanut sauce, making for a refreshing and tasty dish on a hot summer day. You can also add in your choice of meats, vegetables, or other toppings to make it a heartier meal.
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Yakitori (Japanese Grilled Chicken)
Main Ingredients: Skinless Chicken Thighs, Soy Sauce, Pure Maple Syrup
Yakitori is a popular street food in Japan that consists of grilled chicken skewers that are marinated in a savory sauce. These skewers are often made with small pieces of chicken, but can also be made with other meats or vegetables. They make for a delicious and convenient snack or appetizer.
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Japanese Beef Steak
Main Ingredients: Garlic, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Sake, Water, New York Steaks
If you're a meat lover, then you have to try Japanese beef steak. This dish features tender and flavorful cuts of beef that are marinated in a sweet and savory sauce and then grilled to perfection. It's often served with rice, vegetables, and a side of tangy tonkatsu sauce.
Zucchini may seem like a common vegetable, but in Japanese cuisine, it's often prepared and served in unique ways. Japanese zucchini is typically sliced thin and stir-fried with other vegetables, meats, or seasonings to create a flavorful and colorful dish.
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Katsudon Japanese Pork Cutlet and Egg Rice Bowl
Main Ingredients: Boneless Pork Chops, Salt, Pepper, Flour, Egg, Panko
If you love the combination of savory meats and eggs, then you have to try katsudon. This popular rice bowl dish is made with a layer of rice topped with a crispy pork cutlet, a sweet and savory sauce, and a runny fried egg. It's a comforting and filling meal that's perfect for any time of day.
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Japanese Sweet Potato Okonomiyaki
Main Ingredients: Plain Flour, Baking Powder, Vegetable Stock, Eggs, Soy
If you want to add a little sweetness to your okonomiyaki, then try making it with Japanese sweet potatoes. This variation of the traditional savory pancake dish features the sweet and earthy flavor of sweet potatoes and is often topped with a creamy mayonnaise and savory sauce.
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Japanese Yaki Udon For Beginners
Main Ingredients: Udon Noodles, Sesame Oil, Garlic, Rice Vinegar, Pepper
Yaki udon is a simple and delicious dish that's perfect for beginners to Japanese cuisine. This stir-fried noodle dish is made with thick and chewy udon noodles, your choice of meats or vegetables, and a savory sauce. It's a quick and easy meal that's sure to satisfy any craving.
Japanese curry is a popular comfort food in Japan that's made with a rich and flavorful curry sauce, tender chunks of meat, and an array of vegetables. It's often served over rice and can be customized with your choice of protein and spiciness level.
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Japanese Ramen with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Chicken Breasts, Salt, Pepper, Unsalted Butter, Sesame
For a lighter and healthier twist on traditional ramen, try making it with chicken instead of pork. This version of ramen features a flavorful broth made with chicken bones, tender slices of chicken, and an array of toppings like soft-boiled eggs, bamboo shoots, and green onions.
Tonkatsu is a popular Japanese dish that features crispy, breaded pork cutlets that are deep-fried to perfection. It's often served with a tangy tonkatsu sauce and a side of rice or vegetables, making for a satisfying and indulgent meal.
The Ingredients
Meat
The key ingredient in shabu shabu is thin slices of high-quality beef. The most commonly used cuts are ribeye, chuck, or top sirloin, as they are well-marbled and tender. However, you can also opt for other types of meat, such as pork, chicken, or seafood, depending on your preference. The meat is typically sliced paper-thin, making it easy to cook quickly in the hot broth.
Vegetables
A variety of fresh and seasonal vegetables are also an essential part of shabu shabu. Some popular choices include napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, carrots, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms. These vegetables not only add color and texture to the dish but also provide essential nutrients and balance out the richness of the meat.
Dipping Sauces
One of the unique aspects of shabu shabu is the dipping sauces that accompany the meal. The two most common sauces are ponzu sauce, which is made from a combination of soy sauce, citrus juice, and vinegar, and goma dare, a sesame-based sauce. These sauces add a burst of flavor and enhance the overall experience of the dish.
The Preparation
To prepare the broth for shabu shabu, you can either use a traditional Japanese dashi broth or a simpler combination of water, soy sauce, and sake. The broth is brought to a boil in a pot placed in the center of the table, and the ingredients are then added and cooked by each individual at the table.
The Cooking Process
Once the broth and ingredients are ready, each person can start cooking their own shabu shabu by swishing the slices of meat in the hot broth for a few seconds until they are cooked to their liking. The cooked meat and vegetables are then dipped into the various sauces before being eaten.
In Conclusion
Shabu shabu is not only a delicious and healthy meal but also a fun and interactive dining experience that brings people together. With this Japanese shabu shabu recipe, you can now recreate this traditional dish in the comfort of your own home. So gather your friends and family, and enjoy this flavorful and communal meal.
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