By assembling everything you need for shabu-shabu, you can enjoy Japan’s enchanting take on the traditional hot pot experience.
Winter loses its fun factor eventually. The novelty and serenity eventually fade away. Once the bloom is off the rose, you probably get sick and tired (literally and figuratively) of the cold weather. By assembling everything you need for shabu-shabu, you can enjoy Japan’s enchanting take on the traditional hot pot experience. A chilled variant called rei-shabu also exists, perfect for cooling down on a hot summer’s day. Let’s sit around the table and chat about how to get rid of your winter blues!
Breaking Down What Shabu-Shabu Is
First, let’s find out what shabu-shabu is supposed to be. How does it differ from Chinese hot pot? In its native tongue, it is referred to as nabemono. The ingredients start out raw but are then cooked at your table when the meal begins, just like a fondue is. In other types of hot pot settings, the constitute meats, veggies, and seafood are cooked together at roughly the same time before you can eat them.
Required Equipment and Tools
Before you can chow down, you’re going to need a few things. A large Japanese pot called “nabe” is essential. Then you need a method for cooking the food right at your table. Portable burners or hot plates are good ideas if you intend to stay home and cook. At many restaurants, you’ll notice that they use induction heating cooktops instead. Ladles and skimmers will reduce frustration when you pick up noodles or scoop away excess froth from the soup broth. Ensure everyone has their own set of chopsticks to eat with; longer chopsticks can be used for serving. Small bowls of dipping sauces will allow everybody to have their condiment of choice without disagreeing with anyone else sharing in the meal.
Tasty Ingredient and Sauce Ideas
Here’s the main event: all of the ingredients and sauces that make the whole experience feel authentic and satisfying. The broth is dashi made from kombu seaweed. Many different flavored broths are becoming increasingly popular as signature flavors from other Asian cultures join the party. Some examples are Korean kimchi, tomato dashi, and soy collagen. Split pots (in the shape of a yin-yang design) allow you to experiment with two different broth types at the same time. This arrangement is convenient when one of your dining companions has to avoid gluten. Beef, pork, chicken, lamb, tofu, napa cabbage, onions, carrots, and mushrooms are the standard fillings.
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop-shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 Maryland and Virginia locations, this growing market is continually expanding and opening new markets to better serve our customers. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.