Eat Like a Local, Eat like Koreans

I recently met up with some old friends, and we headed straight for a Shabu-shabu restaurant. There’s something so magical about Shabu-shabu—watching the broth simmer right in front of you and tossing in your favorite vegetables and meat exactly how you like it.

Especially when the weather is chilly, it’s truly the perfect comfort food. That’s why I wanted to share this with you before winter officially slips away. It’s a meal that warms not just your body, but your heart as well.

What makes this place special is that you can choose from a variety of unique broths, and they offer unlimited servings of fresh vegetables and meat.

Eating out at a restaurant is always a treat, but we’re here to find ways to enjoy these flavors in the comfort of our own homes, right? So, let me share an easy home-style recipe with you.

It is incredibly simple! All you need is a flavorful broth, some fresh vegetables, and your choice of meat. That’s it! You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to recreate that restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.

<Ingredients to Prepare>

■ Beef(Prepare thinly sliced cuts such as brisket, chuck roll, striploin, ribeye, tenderloin, or beef flank)
■ Vegetables: Napa cabbage, bok choy, and bean sprouts. Oyster Mushrooms,Enoki Mushrooms, Crown Daisy,Fish Balls (Just prepare what you can easily find. Even with just Napa cabbage and mushrooms you can still enjoy a wonderful meal)
■ Broth Tablets , Tsuyu (Japanese soup base)(You can use either broth tablets or Tsuyu to make your soup base)
■ Soy Sauce Dipping Sauce : Soy sauce(3 tbsp), Vinegar (0.5 tbsp),Sugar(0.5 tbsp),Broth (1–2 tbsp)

1. Combine 700ml (approx. 3 cups) of water, 3 broth tablets, and 1 tbsp of Tsuyu to prepare your soup base.
2. Layer the bean sprouts at the bottom of the pot first, then arrange the vegetables, mushrooms, and beef on top. Pour in the prepared broth until the ingredients are about two-thirds (2/3) submerged.
3. Bring it to a boil and enjoy your meal right at the table!
4. Do not overcook the beef, as it can become tough. Just dip it in the boiling broth for a few seconds until it changes color
5. Feel free to dip it in soy sauce or sesame sauce according to your preference.

While it is convenient to toss all the ingredients into the pot at once, if you have a portable gas stove or induction cooktop, it’s even better to cook right at the table. You can boil the broth and dip each ingredient one by one in whatever order you like!

Don’t feel limited by the ingredients listed. Feel free to use whatever vegetables or meats you have in your fridge. After all, there are no “correct answers” in cooking!

“After you’ve finished the meat and vegetables, don’t even think about cleaning up yet! In Korea, the meal isn’t over until you’ve had the ‘Grand Finale’. The broth, now deeply concentrated with the flavors of beef and veggies, is perfect for the next two steps.

First, add some Kalguksu (knife-cut noodles). The starch from the noodles will thicken the soup, making it even more savory. Once the noodles are gone, it’s time for the legendary K-Dessert: Egg Porridge (Juk). steamed rice, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a whisked egg into the remaining small amount of broth. Stir constantly until it reaches a creamy consistency. This comforting, velvety porridge is often the highlight of the entire meal for many Koreans.”

In Korea, we often say that the fried rice or porridge you eat after the main meal is our ‘True K-Dessert.’Forget about cakes or cookies for a moment! In my upcoming posts, I’ll show you how we turn savory leftovers into a legendary second meal—from the golden fried rice after Korean BBQ to the velvety porridge after Shabu-shabu. You’ll soon realize that ‘dessert’ doesn’t always have to be sweet. Stay tuned! ^^ Hahaha.”

Why You Don’t Tip in Korean Restaurants

“Wait, there’s more! If you think Shabu-shabu porridge is good, wait until you see what we do with Maeuntang (Spicy Fish Stew). After enjoying the spicy, umami-rich fish broth, we never just walk away. We make another ‘K-Dessert’—Fried Rice! 

Imagine the concentrated spicy seafood flavor soaking into the rice, topped with crunchy seaweed and sesame oil. It’s so good that some people say they eat the stew just to get to the fried rice at the end. I’ll be sharing the secret to the perfect Maeuntang fried rice very soon, so stay tuned!”

Why Shabu-shabu is Perfect for Your Diet

Oh, I almost forgot to mention one of the most important charms of Shabu-shabu! The biggest advantage of Shabu-shabu is that it is a perfect meal for dieting—it’s delicious, healthy, and doesn’t make you gain weight!

I can’t believe I almost skipped this great point. We all know how miserable it can be to eat only cold salads when you’re on a diet.

With Shabu-shabu, you can eat a huge amount of vegetables without worrying about digestion issues or gaining weight. Plus, the warm broth helps satisfy your cravings and makes you feel full (though try not to drink too much of the broth as it contains sodium). For vegetarians, it’s also a fantastic option as it can easily be a vegan-friendly meal if you skip the meat.

Even if you are on a strict diet, adding thinly sliced beef to your Shabu-shabu is a great way to get your protein. There’s a reason why so many people say, “Shabu–shabu is the best menu to choose when meeting friends while on a diet.” It’s truly a guilt-free, nutritious, and satisfying meal!

If you successfully finish your diet, you must give Gopchang (grilled small intestines) a try! It’s a representative “guilty food” that you can never have while dieting, but the taste is just as heavenly as the guilt you might feel. There is even a famous Korean actress who confessed that she feels guilty but still visits her favorite Gopchang spot three times a month because she just can’t resist it!

The Hidden Gem of K-BBQ : Gopchang

Best,
MJay from Korea