Shabu-shabu Dinner Party

Here's a great idea for a dinner party that will really impress your guests - Shabu-shabu!  It is so easy, fun and interactive that everyone will really enjoy.  It doesn't take too much prep time, and provides for everyone to be the chef of their own meal.  We also started with a sashimi appetizer that tasted like it was from your favorite sushi restaurant, simply by using fresh and local ingredients.   Just follow these easy steps!

Ingredients:

• ​Equipment - fondue pot
• Thinly sliced beef (we got it from our local Japanese market - some of it was kobe which really melted in your mouth)
• Shrimp - tail on
• Veggies - we used carrots, mushrooms, and zucchini - it is best to use sturdy veggies that can hold up in the warm broth without falling apart 
• Sashimi for appetizer - we got two different types of tuna - ahi and fatty belly tuna
• Soy sauce
• Mayonnaise mixed with Sriracha for a spicy mayo dip
• Prepared white rice - feel free to substitute with brown rice or omit if you are staying low carb

We love this fancy appetizer of sashimi.  It is so easy and always impresses.  Make sure to use a super sharp knife so you can slice the fish well without tearing.  Cut into rectangle bite sized pieces, like you would get at your favorite sushi place.   Serve along side soy sauce, wasabi, and spicy mayo and you are set!  We garnished with some green onions too - always remember your presentation is the first thing your guests will notice!

As mentioned before, it is good to choose sturdy veggies that won't fall apart as they are cooking in your broth.  And we got very thinly sliced meat from our local Japanese market - the kobe beef was the best!  A little pricier, but definitely worth it.  The shrimp turned out really well too.   You could also use chicken - just be extra careful to not contaminate anything during the process with the raw chicken - it will cook off in the pot, but you will want to be more careful with chicken.

Place your veggies and meat into the simmering broth - the meat will cook very quickly (in 30 seconds to 1 minute) - the veggies (especially carrots) will take a little longer (3 to 4 minutes).  Use your best judgement of how firm you want your veggies.  We used tongs as they were the easiest to handle but you can also use fondue skewers.

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This is a progressive meal that can last for as long as you like while everyone cooks their meat and veggies to their liking.  Enjoy with a side of rice and your favorite sake - we also steamed some edamame for a side dish - a fun meal for everyone!