Beijing-style Copper Pot Shabu Meat Cooking“老北京铜锅涮肉”（lǎo běijīng tóng guō shuàn ròu）.
On a cold winter day, sitting in a cozy little tavern, basking in the residual warmth of the fireplace, I am preparing to indulge in a feast of deliciousness and soul. Copper pot meat cooking, a captivating traditional delicacy that satisfies not only the taste buds but also warms the heart.Placing the copper pot on the table, its metallic surface glimmers with an alluring shine, as if telling the story of the food it has witnessed. Gently picking up the knife, I trim the fresh and tender slices of meat, watching them dance in the pot, creating tiny splashes of water, and my mood becomes joyful. Carefully chosen slices of meat are placed into the boiling clear broth, and I feel the warmth rising slowly. As the meat changes color, releasing a rich aroma, my mouth starts watering. Using chopsticks, I gently flip the meat, hoping that each piece will be perfectly cooked, retaining its juicy tenderness.In this delightful ritual, every bite is savored, bringing a moment of blissful pleasure. The combination of the tender meat and the flavorful broth creates a harmony that nourishes both body and soul. The experience of copper pot meat cooking transcends mere sustenance; it is a celebration of food’s ability to bring joy, comfort, and a sense of connection.
Comprehensive rating:
| PREP TIME | COOK TIME | VARIETY | MOUTHFEEL | LEVEL |
| 5 min | 1 min | 12 | tender 、smooth texture | Moderate |
Ingredients for Copper Pot Shabu Meat Cooking:
| Green onion | 20g |
| Ginger | 20g |
| Jujube | 20g |
| Shiitake mushroom | 50g |
| Nori | 20g |
| Sesame sauce | 50g |
| Cinnamon bark | 5g |
| Star anise | 3g |
| Fragrant leaves | 3g |
| Sichuan peppercorn | 5g |
| Sichuan peppercorn | 5g |
| Sesame oil | 5g |
Steps:
1.Before the delightful ritual of copper pot meat cooking begins, prepare fresh lamb meat carefully. Wash the lamb meat with clean water to ensure it is free from impurities. Then, slice the lamb meat into thin pieces, each slice as thin as a sheet of paper, so that it can easily absorb the flavors during the cooking process. Use a knife to maintain a uniform cutting angle and precise cutting technique, so that the meat slices can be evenly heated and achieve the best texture. Each piece of lamb emits a delicious aroma, conveying a promise of taste. After carefully cutting the lamb meat, arrange them neatly on a plate. The color of the lamb meat slices is vibrant and enticing, making one’s appetite soar. Eagerly anticipating the moment when they will be placed into the pot, knowing that the taste will be intoxicating.
2.Prepare an empty bowl as the container for the seasoning mixture. Start with sesame paste and soy sauce, which are essential ingredients in making the seasoning. Pour an appropriate amount of sesame paste into the empty bowl, observing the thick sauce and inhaling the fragrant aroma of sesame. Next, add soy sauce to the bowl, adding a salty and savory flavor to the seasoning. Then, add some special spices to make the seasoning more diverse. Take out cinnamon, star anise, bay leaves, and Sichuan peppercorns, put them in a container, and pour in a sufficient amount of water. Let these spices soak for a while to release their unique fragrance and taste. Once the spices have soaked thoroughly, pour the soaking liquid into the bowl with sesame paste and soy sauce. Stir with a spoon or chopsticks until all the ingredients are well blended, creating a rich seasoning. This seasoning formula has been carefully crafted and adjusted to provide the best texture and flavor for the lamb meat during cooking.
3.After preparing the seasoning, the next step is to prepare the copper pot. Pour a certain amount of water into the copper pot and add some scallions, mushrooms, ginger, red dates, and seaweed. These ingredients add aroma and flavor to the water, making the lamb meat cooked in it more delicious. Ignite the heat source and place the copper pot on it. As the temperature gradually rises, the water slowly boils, releasing a rich aroma. Throughout the process, the fragrance of scallions, the umami of mushrooms, the spiciness of ginger, the sweetness of red dates, and the seafood flavor of seaweed intertwine in the air, making one’s mouth water. When the water in the pot boils, gently place the sliced lamb meat into the pot. The lamb slices quickly change color in the boiling broth, emitting an enticing aroma. Use chopsticks to gently flip the lamb meat, ensuring that each slice is evenly heated and maintains a tender texture.
Tips:
- Choose high-quality lamb meat: Select fresh and tender lamb slices. High-quality lamb meat is easier to cook to achieve a delicious texture.
- Keep the heat moderate: Excessive heat can make the meat tough, while insufficient heat can result in undercooked meat. Maintain moderate heat, control the cooking time, and ensure that the meat is cooked through while remaining tender.
Once the meat is cooked, take it out and dip it into the homemade sauce using a stone bowl. The sauce’s aroma wafts through the air, combining spicy, numbing, sweet, and sour flavors, tantalizing the taste buds. Every bite of cooked meat brings endless satisfaction and happiness, as if time stands still, leaving only the dance of food and soul. Copper pot shabu meat cooking is not just a dish; it is also a companion for the soul. With each tasting, one can feel the chef’s dedication and effort. It is believed that as long as we approach life with enthusiasm and love, whether it’s in food or other aspects, we can find the beauty of fulfillment. Keep this beauty in our hearts, allowing the immersive experience of copper pot shabu meat cooking to integrate into all aspects of life. Let food become a sanctuary for the soul, guiding us on a journey to seek happiness and satisfaction. May every tasting bring us joy and happiness, keeping us perpetually immersed in the world of deliciousness.