Shabu Shabu

Yep, it's another food post. In the past couple of weeks, I've been craving Shabu Shabu. I've satisfied those cravings two times now and just might have to do it again this week.



This delicious dish is not a traditional Korean dish. Shabu Shabu is a Japanese dish with it's origins traced back to the traditional Chinese Hot Pot. Shabu Shabu is traditionally prepared with thinly sliced beef but chicken, pork and even duck are available at restaurants. It is usually served with tofu and vegetables, including Chinese cabbage, chrysanthemum leaves, nori (edible seaweed), onions, carrots, shiitake mushrooms and enokitake mushrooms. In some places, udon, mochi or harusame noodles may also be served (thank you wiki).

The dish is prepared by submerging the slices of meat and vegetables in a pot of boiling water and swishing it back and forth several times. The familiar swishing sound is where the dish gets its name. Shabu-shabu translates to "swish-swish". Once the meat and vegetables have been eaten, leftover broth from the pot is combined with the remaining rice, and made into a fried rice.

Todd and I have tried beef and duck. The beef dish was incredibly spicy (we chose the spicy broth). I typically don't enjoy dishes that are too spicy but it was wonderful. Last week we visited a Shabu Shabu restaurant near our apartment and enjoyed the duck. All I can say is, it was delicious!

If you're interested, do a Google search for Shabu Shabu. There are videos and recipes on how to make your own. You won't be disappointed!