Shabu Shabu
Shabu Shabu is a traditional Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meats and a variety of vegetables are cooked quickly in boiling water. This dish is perfect for family gatherings and allows everyone to customize their meal to their liking.
Plan and shop
Save this recipe for real-life cooking
Build a local shopping list or place this recipe into a weekly meal plan. No account is required.
Illustrated cooking guide
Step-by-step visual method
A polished English infographic for the whole cooking flow, paired with the full written recipe below for detail and SEO.
Written method
Instructions
Read through once, then cook at your own pace with the illustrated guide above.
- 1
In a large pot, bring the dashi broth to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- 2
Once the broth is simmering, add the chopped napa cabbage and let it cook for about 2 minutes until slightly softened.
- 3
Next, add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and julienned carrots to the pot and allow them to simmer with the cabbage for another 2-3 minutes.
- 4
Carefully add the cubed tofu to the pot, letting it warm up for about a minute.
- 5
Using chopsticks, take a slice of the thinly sliced beef sirloin and dip it into the boiling broth. Cook for about 10-15 seconds until it turns a beautiful shade of pink. Repeat with more beef slices as desired.
- 6
Once cooked, dip the cooked beef and vegetables in soy sauce for added flavor and enjoy together.
- 7
Before serving, check that the finished dish includes Salt, Pepper so the recipe matches the ingredient list.
Cook notes
Tips
Use a variety of fresh seasonal vegetables to enhance flavor.
Make sure the beef is sliced very thin for quick cooking.
A side of rice complements this dish well.
Cook smarter
Helpful notes
Practical storage, serving, swap, and troubleshooting notes for a better first try.
Storage Tips
- Store any leftover broth in the refrigerator and reheat before serving.
- Keep cooked beef and vegetables stored separately to maintain texture.
Substitutions
- Use vegetable broth instead of dashi for a vegetarian option.
- Silken tofu can be substituted with firm tofu for a different texture.
What to Serve With
- Steamed white rice
- Pickled vegetables
- Udon noodles
Common Mistakes
- Not slicing the beef thinly enough for quick cooking.
- Overcrowding the pot, which can lower the broth temperature.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use chicken or pork instead of beef?
Yes, you can substitute thinly sliced chicken or pork for the beef.
What type of broth should I use?
Dashi broth is traditional for Shabu Shabu, but chicken or vegetable broth can be used as alternatives.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Kitchen tools
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
A light, editable placeholder for future partner recommendations. No real affiliate links are enabled yet.
Blender
Helpful for smooth sauces, soups, marinades, and purees.
Saucepan
Useful for simmering sauces, soups, grains, and small-batch stews.
Chef knife
A basic prep tool for vegetables, herbs, aromatics, and proteins.
Cutting board
Keeps prep organized for chopping, slicing, and staging ingredients.
Measuring spoons
Useful for balancing spices, salt, acids, and sauces.
Some links may be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate or partner, we may earn from qualifying purchases when enabled. Read the Affiliate Disclosure.
Cook along weekly
Want more illustrated recipes like Shabu Shabu?
Join the World Recipe Letter for global home-cooking ideas and visual recipe guides.
Join the World Recipe Letter
Get 5 illustrated recipes every week.
No account needed. Unsubscribe when email delivery is connected.
Cook next
You might also like
More flavors from the same country or nearby pantry style.
Chicken Teriyaki Donburi
A glossy chicken rice bowl with quick teriyaki sauce, cucumber, scallions, and sesame.
Vegetable Miso Ramen
A cozy vegetarian ramen with miso broth, noodles, greens, mushrooms, and jammy eggs.
Salmon Onigiri
Hand-shaped rice balls filled with flaky salmon and wrapped in crisp nori.