Pork Shabu-Shabu: A Quick & Easy Japanese Hot Pot Recipe

Dive into the delightful world of Japanese cuisine with this quick and easy Pork Shabu-Shabu recipe! Shabu-shabu, meaning "to swish," perfectly describes the simple yet satisfying process of cooking thinly sliced pork in a flavorful broth. This comforting hot pot is a perfect weeknight meal, offering a delicious balance of textures and tastes, and surprisingly minimal cleanup. The rich, savory broth is complemented by the tender pork, and the experience is further enhanced by an array of fresh dipping sauces and vibrant vegetables. It's a customizable dish that allows you to tailor the ingredients to your preferences.

Forget complicated recipes and lengthy prep times; this Pork Shabu-Shabu recipe is designed for simplicity and speed. From preparing the broth to cooking the ingredients, you'll be enjoying a delicious and healthy meal in no time. Ready to experience the joy of effortless cooking and incredibly satisfying flavors? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!

Tools Needed

Ingredients

  • Dried Kombu
  • Pork (thinly sliced)
  • Mizuna
  • Shimeji Mushrooms
  • Tofu
  • Daikon Radish
  • Sake
  • Ponzu Sauce
  • Shichimi Togarashi (optional)
  • Water

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare the Broth and Ingredients

  • Soak dried kombu in water for at least 15 minutes.
  • Cut mizuna into 2-inch pieces.
  • Cut off the ends of shimeji mushrooms and separate into small bunches.
  • Cut tofu into 8 pieces.
Soak dried kombu in water for at least 15 minutes.Cut mizuna into 2-inch pieces.Cut off the ends of shimeji mushrooms and separate into small bunches.Cut tofu into 8 pieces.
Prepare the Broth and Ingredients
  • Peel and grate daikon radish for the dipping sauce.
  • Add grated daikon radish and shichimi to individual bowls of ponzu sauce.
  • Heat water with kombu until it boils, then remove kombu. Reduce heat to medium-low, add sake.
Peel and grate daikon radish for the dipping sauce.Prepare the dipping sauce: Add grated daikon radish and shichimi to individual bowls of ponzu sauce.Heat water with kombu until it boils, then remove kombu. Reduce heat to medium-low, add sake.
Prepare the Broth and Ingredients

Step 2. Cook the Pork and Vegetables

  • Add tofu and vegetables to the broth.
  • Once boiling again, dip pork slices into the simmering broth until cooked through (longer than beef).
Add tofu and vegetables to the broth.Once boiling again, dip pork slices into the simmering broth until cooked through (longer than beef).
Cook the Pork and Vegetables

Step 3. Assemble the Dipping Sauce

  • Peel and grate daikon radish for the dipping sauce.
  • Add grated daikon radish and shichimi to individual bowls of ponzu sauce.
Peel and grate daikon radish for the dipping sauce.Prepare the dipping sauce: Add grated daikon radish and shichimi to individual bowls of ponzu sauce.
Assemble the Dipping Sauce

Step 4. Serve

  • Serve the cooked pork and vegetables with the dipping sauce.
Serve the cooked pork and vegetables with the dipping sauce.
Serve

Read more: Authentic Japanese Beef Sukiyaki Recipe - Easy & Delicious Hot Pot

Tips

  • Thinly sliced pork, ideally from a Japanese or Asian market, is best for shabu-shabu. If unavailable, slice frozen pork thinly.
  • Feel free to add more vegetables or substitute with your favorites.
  • This is a great meal for busy people, as it's quick to prepare and cook.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. What kind of pork is best for Shabu-Shabu?

Thinly sliced pork belly or loin works best. Look for cuts specifically labeled for Shabu-Shabu or hot pot.

2. Can I use a different broth?

Absolutely! While kombu and bonito are traditional, you can use chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even a flavorful miso broth.

3. What are some good dipping sauces?

Ponzu sauce (citrus soy sauce) is classic. You can also use sesame sauce, a chili-garlic sauce, or even a simple soy sauce and rice vinegar mixture.


So there you have it – a delicious and satisfying Pork Shabu-Shabu dinner ready in a flash! This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a fun gathering with friends and family. Enjoy the delightful flavors and simple elegance of this classic Japanese hot pot!