Shabu shabu is a beloved Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meats and vegetables are cooked in a delicious broth, then dipped in flavorful sauces. If you’re new to shabu shabu, follow these 10 steps to fully enjoy the experience.

1. Select your ingredients: Choose from an array of thinly sliced meats (like beef, pork, or lamb), fresh vegetables (such as mushrooms, cabbage, and spinach), and seafood options (like shrimp or fish). Pick up some tofu and noodles as well.

2. Prepare your dipping sauces: Traditional shabu shabu dipping sauces include goma (sesame) sauce and ponzu (soy citrus) sauce. Mix your sauces in small individual bowls prior to cooking your ingredients.

3. Heat the broth: Pour your chosen broth (usually a kombu-based dashi) into the hot pot and bring it to a simmer. If you’re using a portable stove at home, place it on your dining table so everyone can gather around.

4. Prepare your chopsticks: Have two sets of chopsticks per person – one for eating and another for cooking the ingredients.

5. Skim the broth: If any impurities or foam rise to the surface of the broth, use a ladle or spoon to skim them off.

6. Cook the meat: Hold a piece of thinly sliced meat with your cooking chopsticks and swish it back and forth in the simmering broth until cooked – this should only take a few seconds. Dip the cooked meat into your chosen sauce before eating.

7. Cook the vegetables: Add some veggies into the simmering broth, using your cooking chopsticks to stir them occasionally until tender. Scoop them out and dip them into one of your sauces before eating.

8. Add seafood and other ingredients: Similarly, cook your seafood and other chosen ingredients in the broth. Ensure everything is cooked thoroughly before dipping it in the sauce and consuming.

9. Cook your noodles: Once most of the vegetables, meat, and seafood have been eaten, cook noodles like udon or somen in the remaining broth. You can also add more broth to the pot if necessary.

10. Enjoy a porridge finale: Make a delicious porridge by adding rice and a whisked egg to the remaining broth, stirring well until cooked. Ladle the porridge into individual bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.

Now that you know how to eat shabu shabu, gather your friends and family for a delightful and interactive culinary experience. Happy cooking!