When you think of eating meat in Japan, many people probably think of “Yakiniku” or “Steak.” In fact, in Japan, there is a dish called “Shabu-shabu” where you can eat meat in a refreshing way. Shabu-shabu has the advantage of being able to eat meat and vegetables at the same time. In this article, we will explain “Shabu-Shabu” and introduce Shabu-shabu chain restaurants in Japan that are recommended for meat lovers.
What is Shabu-Shabu?
“Shabu-shabu” is a dish in which thinly sliced meat is quickly passed through a pot of vegetables and mushrooms, cooked, and eaten with sauce.
The curious name “Shabu-shabu” is said to have been given by the owner of an established Osaka restaurant in 1952.It is said that the name originates from the fact that store employees used to wash towels in a basket, and the process of rinsing the towels was similar to shaking meat in a pot.
Delicious way to eat
Although Shabu-shabu is just a quick heat in a pot, there are some key points to make the dish more delicious.
Water temperature is just before boiling
Once boiled, lower the temperature so as not to lose the flavor of the meat.
It is recommended that no lye (scum) come out.
Which comes first, meat or vegetables?
Normally, it is better to add the meat first and then add the vegetables after the stock comes out, but it is better to add vegetables that are difficult to cook, such as Chinese cabbage and stem vegetables, first.Mushrooms especially have a great flavor.
Please put it in slowly so that the temperature does not drop all at once.
Shabu-shabu each piece of meat
Beef is ready to eat when it has been shabu-shabu 2-3 times and is just pink.
Pork should be well cooked through to the center.
However, do not overcook the meat as it will become tough.
Scoop lye frequently
Lye is a source of odor and bitterness. Sip the lye frequently and enjoy the original flavor of the ingredients.
Recommended Shabu-Shabu Restaurant
Now let me finally introduce you to a restaurant where you can eat plenty of both meat and vegetables.
しゃぶしゃぶ温野菜(Shabu-shabu Onyasai)
This is an all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu chain restaurant with approximately 200 stores in Japan. More than 60 types of meat, domestic vegetables, and specialty dishes come with unlimited refills.
Onyasai’s dashi soup stock is made so that you can enjoy meat and vegetables deliciously even without dipping sauce. There are 7 types of soup stock: Wagyu beef stock, bonito stock, soy milk stock, kelp stock, hot pot stock, sukiyaki stock, and garlic stock, and you can choose up to 2 types.
They are also particular about vegetables, and they talk to farmers and purchase vegetables that go well with Shabu-shabu.
There are many types of meat available, including beef shabu, tongue shabu, Japanese black beef, Iberico pork, and chicken fishballs, so you can enjoy as much of your favorite meat as you like.
When you order a course, a starter set is brought to you. This time, I chose Wagyu Dashi and Hot Pot Dashi.
Additional orders can be made using the touch panel, and an automatic robot brings the items to you.
In addition to meat and vegetables, there is also a menu of snacks that you would find at an izakaya. The all-you-can-eat time is 120 minutes, so you can enjoy it to your heart’s content!
しゃぶ菜(Syabuyo)
This is an all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu chain restaurant with approximately 280 stores in Japan. “Syabuyo” is particular about product management. They regularly visit local farms and processing plants in countries around the world, including Japan, and carefully check hygiene management, so They can provide safe and fresh ingredients.
“Syabuyo” also offers a variety of meats, including domestic beef, black pork, beef misuji, chicken, and pork. There are four basic types of soup stock: soy sauce soup, yuzu salt soup, sukiyaki soup, and red chige miso soup. They also have a wide variety of side menus. All-you-can-eat soft serve ice cream is also included, so you can enjoy some sweet treats along the way.
https://www.skylark.co.jp/en/syabuyo/
