These two Japanese and Chinese foods have a lot in common, such as being communal and sharing-focused, and incorporating seasonally available ingredients. But one of the most apparent similarities is how much people are raving about them. In short, people are obsessed with them.
These are the types of food crazes that take over the world, and you’ll be hearing a lot more about them as they become more mainstream and less quirky.
So what exactly is hot pot and shabu-shabu? Let’s explore the similarities and differences between the two, shall we?
Shabu shabu and hot pot are both Asian-style hot pot dishes that are made by boiling meat, seafood and vegetables in a broth. Both shabu shabu and hot pot are eaten by dipping food into the soup with chopsticks. Shabu shabu is usually served in a large, shallow bowl with a built-in cooking pot.
Hot pot is usually served in a large, deep boiling pot that is placed on a table. While shabu shabu is eaten at restaurants, hot pot is commonly prepared at home.
Hot pot and shabu shabu are both versatile dishes that can be enjoyed by a wide range of people. Both dishes can be cooked to varying degrees of spiciness, meaning they are suitable for most people’s taste preferences.
What is Shabu-Shabu?
Shabu-shabu is a Japanese-inspired method of cooking wherein you cook small pieces of meat and vegetables in a pot of boiling water, and then dip them in a yummy, savory, or sweet sauce.
The name is derived from the Japanese word shabu, which means “to boil.”
What is Hot Pot?
Hot pot is similar to shabu-shabu in that you cook small pieces of meat and vegetables in a pot of boiling water, and then dip them in a yummy, savory, or sweet sauce.
But the name hot pot is derived from the fact that you cook food in a pot that is kept hot over a stove or fire.
So, What’s the Difference Between Shabu-Shabu and Hot Pot?
Although both shabu-shabu and hot pot are Japanese food trends, there are some key differences.
Shabu-shabu is often served as a communal meal at a restaurant or at a friend’s house.
You would order a la carte and then wait until everyone at the table gets their food.
Final Notes and Considerations
Hot pot is a Chinese dish that involves cooking thinly sliced meats and vegetables in a broth at the dining table. Shabu shabu is a Japanese-style hot pot dish that is eaten with a spoon.
While both hot pot and shabu shabu are similar in that they feature meats, vegetables and broth, the two differ in cooking technique, ingredients, and presentation.
Shabu shabu involves thinly slicing meats and vegetables before eating them in a broth. Hot pot, on the other hand, involves cooking meats and vegetables in a broth at the dining table.
Shabu shabu is often served with dipping sauces, while hot pot is often served with a variety of dipping sauces.
Hot pot also offers a larger variety of ingredients to choose from as it can accommodate more guests than shabu shabu.
When it comes to ingredients, hot pot allows diners to choose their own ingredients while shabu shabu requires diners to eat all of the dishes prepared for them beforehand.
Hot pot is also easier to eat as it is presented in a communal manner, allowing diners to share a single large pot.
Shabu shabu, on the other hand, is presented in individual pots for each guest and is eaten with a spoon.
Shabu shabu and hot pot are both great ways to enjoy meat and vegetables whether you’re dining with friends or family or looking for an easy way to cook dinner