Shabu mutton, also known as "mutton hot pot", has appeared as early as the Three Kingdoms period. According to the Book of Wei, during the reign of Emperor Cao Pi of the Han Dynasty, people began to use copper hot pots to cook pigs, cows, sheep, chickens, fish and other meats. Although it was not popular at the time, various types of hot pot were developed as cooking techniques continued to evolve.
During the Northern Song Dynasty, the taverns in Bianjing (now Kaifeng) had begun to become an indispensable delicacy in winter. From the end of the Qing Dynasty to the beginning of the first century, hot pots with different characteristics were also formed all over the country. Today, mutton shabu has become an indispensable part of Chinese food culture, with a rich variety of ingredients and unique flavors, making it the first choice for family gatherings and friends dinners.
Shabu mutton is one of the traditional Chinese cuisines, and the choice of side dishes is also very crucial. The following side dishes are a must-order when shabu mutton, which not only tastes good, but also enhances the taste of the whole hot pot.
The first side dish is tofu. Tofu is a very nutritious food, it is rich in plant protein and vitamins, and it has a delicate taste that is easy to absorb in soup. It is known as "plant-based meat". The digestion and absorption rate of tofu is more than 95%, and such a healthy food has always been loved by everyone.
The second side dish is tofu skin. Tofu skin is a very refreshing food, it is rich in protein and fiber, and it has a tough taste that is not easy to soak in soup. When shabu-shabu, the bean skin can be used to accompany the lamb or as part of a side dish to add texture to the whole hot pot.
The third side dish is cabbage. Cabbage is a very refreshing food because it is not only rich in vitamins, dietary fiber and antioxidants, but also has the function of promoting intestinal peristalsis and aiding digestion. The umami taste and low calorie of bok choy also make it one of the ideal side dishes for shabu mutton.
The fourth side dish is enoki mushrooms. Enoki mushrooms are a very nutritious food, rich in protein and vitamins, and have a smooth taste that adds to the taste of the whole hot pot.
The fifth side dish is coriander: coriander contains many volatile oils, and its special aroma is emitted by the volatile oils. It can get rid of the fishy smell of meat, so adding some coriander to some dishes can play a unique role in removing the fishy smell and increasing the flavor.
In addition, mutton is warm and easy to get hot when eaten often. Therefore, when eating mutton, it should be paired with cool and sweet vegetables, which can play a role in cooling, detoxifying, and removing fire. Cool vegetables generally include winter melon, loofah, spinach, cabbage, enoki mushroom, mushroom, coconut white, bamboo shoots, etc.
In short, the above side dishes are all must-order when shabu mutton, they not only taste good, but also nutritious, which can enhance the taste of the whole hot pot. If you're a fan of lamb shabu, try these side dishes.