Shabu Shabu Salad

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Refreshing Shabu Shabu Salad, A Japanese Summer Delight

Looking for a light yet satisfying meal to beat the hot weather? This Japanese Shabu Shabu Salad is the perfect choice. Combining tender, thinly sliced pork with crisp vegetables and a nutty sesame dressing, it's a refreshing twist on the traditional hot pot dish.​

Why You'll Love This Shabu Shabu Salad

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.

• Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein and fresh veggies.

• Versatile: Customize with your favorite greens or switch to beef slices for variation.

• Perfect for Spring and Summer: Served chilled, it's a cooling meal for hot days.

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RECIPE

Servings: 3-4

Time: 20 min

Ingredients:

• 1/2 lb thinly sliced pork loin

• 1 tbsp sake

• salt

• 1/2 lettuce

• 2 pcs persian cucumber

• 2 pcs tomato

Sauce:

• 2 tbsp sugar

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar

• 2 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds

• 2 tbsp sesame paste or tahini (if not available, skip and add extra sesame seeds)

Kitchen Tools:

Cooking Pot

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pork:

   Boil water in a pot, add sake and a pinch of salt.

   Cook each pork slice for about 1 minute until just done.

   Transfer to iced water to chill, pat the meat with the paper towel.

2. Assemble the Salad:

   In a large bowl, combine chopped lettuce, julienned cucumbers, and sliced tomatoes.

   Add the chilled pork slices on top.

3. Make the Dressing:

   In a small bowl or a jar, whisk together sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground sesame seeds, and sesame paste until smooth.

4. Combine and Serve:

   Drizzle the dressing over the salad. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately for a refreshing meal.​

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What is Shabu Shabu?

Shabu Shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meat and vegetables are cooked in boiling water and dipped in flavorful sauces. The term "shabu shabu" mimics the swishing sound of the pork slices in the pot. This salad version offers the essence of the dish in a cool, refreshing format, perfect for warmer months.

How to Cook Shabu Shabu Meat Extra Delicious

To keep the pork juicy and tender, add a splash of sake and a pinch of salt to the boiling water before cooking.

The sake helps neutralize any unwanted pork aroma while also enhancing umami, and the salt gently seasons the meat from within. Be sure to cook each slice briefly—just until it changes color—to avoid overcooking and maintain the tender texture. Immediately chilling the meat in an ice bath also helps lock in the tenderness and prevents it from drying out.