Shabu Shabu (Japanese Beef Hotpot at the Table)
Paper thin beef and fresh vegetables swished in a bubbling dashi pot at the table, with sesame and chilli dips.
Made with Chinese chilli oil and Dashi stock. Make a batch of the base first, then this takes minutes. Skip to the method
- Time35 min
- LevelEasy
- Costabout £3.50 a head
Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.
Ingredients
Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.
Method
- 1
Arrange the beef, Chinese leaf, shiitake, tofu, carrots and spring onions on large platters.
- 2
Make the dipping sauce: mix the tamari, rice vinegar and 2 tbsp water in small bowls. Spoon a little of your ready made chilli oil (see the base recipe) into each bowl.
- 3
Pour your ready made dashi (see the base recipe) into a wide pot or electric hot pot and bring to a gentle simmer on the table.
5 min - 4
Add the harder vegetables, carrots, shiitake and tofu, and simmer for 5 minutes.
5 min - 5
Each person swishes a slice of beef in the simmering broth for 10 to 15 seconds until the pink has gone, then dips it in the sauce.
- 6
Add the Chinese leaf and spring onions as you go. Finish by serving the rich broth over rice.
Tips
- Do not boil the broth fiercely. A gentle simmer cooks the beef in seconds without making it tough.
- Make sure all meat is cooked until no pink remains, and use separate chopsticks for raw and cooked food.
- Skim any foam off the broth now and then to keep it clear.
Storing and freezing
Eat straight away. Strain and cool leftover broth within 1 hour, keep 1 day in the fridge and boil before using again, as it has had raw meat in it.
Questions
What cut of beef is best for shabu shabu?
Ribeye or sirloin sliced as thinly as paper. Many Asian supermarkets sell it frozen and ready sliced for hotpots.
Can I use a normal pot?
Yes. Use a wide casserole on a camping stove or portable induction hob at the table, or cook at the hob and bring bowls to the table.
Is it gluten free?
Yes, with gluten free tamari, rice vinegar and homemade dashi. It is also dairy free, egg free and nut free.
More made with chinese chilli oil
Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.