If you’re looking to elevate your Shabu Shabu hot pot experience, my Shabu Shabu Dipping Sauce is the perfect addition! I crafted this simple and delicious homemade sauce with fresh ingredients like garlic and green onion with a ponzu base, and it pairs beautifully with any meat or veggie you toss into your hot pot! Ready in just 1 minute, this sauce has been perfected in my kitchen for over 15 years, and trust me, once you try it, you’ll want it with every shabu shabu meal!
Why I Love This Recipe
I absolutely love this Shabu Shabu Dipping Sauce because it’s the perfect way to elevate any homemade shabu shabu meal! It’s a simple, zesty ponzu-based sauce with just the right balance of garlic, sweetness, and citrusy tang, designed to complement all your favorite shabu shabu dishes like Beef Shabu, Chicken Shabu, Pork Shabu, or even Shrimp Shabu!
I’ve spent over 15 years perfecting this recipe, and it’s become a family favorite because it’s so easy to make—just mix the ingredients, let it rest, and voilà! Trust me, once you try this homemade dipping sauce, you’ll never go back to store-bought versions. Get ready to take your shabu shabu to the next level with my recipe!
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Ponzu – citrus-flavored soy sauce that comes in a bottle. Mizkan brand is preferred, which can be purchased at most Asian supermarkets. Used as the base flavor in the shabu shabu dipping sauce.
- 1 tsp Sweetener – use your preferred sweetener. Used in the dipping sauce.
- 1 Clove Garlic – fresh and grated, used in the shabu shabu dipping sauce.
- 1 Stalk Green Onion – freshly chopped green onion scallions. Used in the dipping sauce.
- 1/2 tsp Lemon – freshly squeezed lemon juice. Used in the dipping sauce.
Directions
Step 1 Mix together ponzu, sweetener, grated garlic, lemon juice, and chopped green onions in a small bowl. Serve along side shabu shabu of choice.
💡 Sauce Pro Tip
For optimal results, Rest the Sauce for 5-10 Minutes at room temperature before using it. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, enhancing the flavor of the sauce.
Recipe Variations
For a different twist, try my Goma Sesame Dipping Sauce. This sesame-based sauce adds a creamy, flavorful touch to your shabu shabu, making it a great variation to mix things up!
Pairing Recommendations
This shabu shabu sauce pairs perfectly with your favorite shabu shabu dishes, whether you’re enjoying Beef Shabu, Chicken Shabu, Pork Shabu, or even Shrimp Shabu. The sauce complements the flavors of the tender meats and vegetables in your hot pot!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
What if I don’t have ponzu?
I recommend using premade ponzu for the best flavor, but if you don't have any, you can substitute it with soy sauce, a touch of dashi, and a little lemon juice to get a similar taste.
Can I make this sauce spicier?
Yes, you can easily add some heat to this sauce by incorporating chili oil. It’s a great way to spice up the flavor and customize it to your liking!
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will last for 10-14 days.
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Watch How To Make It
Shabu Shabu Dipping Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp Ponzu
- 1 tsp Sweetener your preferred sweetener
- 1 Clove Garlic grated
- 1 Stalk Green Onion chopped
- 1/2 tsp Lemon Juice
Instructions
- Gather all the ingredients.
- In a small bowl, combine ponzu, sweetener, grated garlic, lemon juice, and chopped green onions. Serve this dipping sauce alongside your choice of shabu shabu.
Nutrition
*Values Based Per Serving
