Shabu Shabu and More Amazing Pork Dishes from Japan!

Explore the rich flavors of shabu shabu and the endless types of Japanese pork dishes. Across Japan, pork dishes are available in various restaurants. From cozy small restaurants to fine dining to izakayas (Japanese pubs), pork dishes make great dishes for any vibe!

The flavors and textures of pork dishes, with their sweet, umami, and savory touches, are the ultimate comfort food! From juicy pork belly and creamy tonkatsu ramen to a steaming pot of shabu shabu, there’s a dish for every taste. Get ready to enjoy the delicious world of Japanese pork dishes. Here are some of the most unique and delicious Japanese pork dishes to add to your food list!

Shabu shabu 

Shabu shabu is a dish of thinly sliced meat and bite-sized vegetables swished lightly in a boiling broth. The fun starts as you dip and swirl the pork in the simmering broth, cooking it right before your eyes. The name shabu shabu even mimics the sound of swirling the meat in the pot. 

Once it’s perfect, you also can dip it in your favorite sauces for extra flavor. But the most popular way to enjoy this hearty dish is by dipping it in ponzu (a citrus-based sauce) or sesame sauce. It’s all about sharing, savoring, and enjoying the experience together—perfect for creating lasting memories over a delicious meal!

Tonkatsu 

Tonkatsu is a juicy pork cutlet, tender on the inside and coated in a crunchy, golden-brown panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) crust. This delectable dish is usually served with shredded cabbage, fluffy rice, and a drizzle of rich sauce. The sauce is a little sweet and a little tangy and goes perfectly with the crispy pork cutlet.

There are also different versions of this dish that are all worth a try. Made like a sandwich, poured over with thick miso (fermented soybeans) sauce, or served with curry!

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Buta-maki 

Buta-maki is like a tasty little gift wrapped in bacon! Picture juicy pork belly or tender pork slices rolled around fresh vegetables and grilled to perfection. The most popular combos are bacon-wrapped cherry tomatoes, or thinly sliced pork rolled up with shiso (perilla herb). They can be pan-fried, steamed, or skewered and grilled as yakitori (grilled skewered pork). 

The aroma fills the air as they sizzle, making your mouth water in anticipation. Each bite is a delightful mix of savory, smoky goodness and the fresh crunch of veggies! Generally brushed with a sweet soy glaze, buta-maki is a flavor-packed delight!

Tonkotsu ramen 

Another version that you may or may not have tried is tonkotsu ramen! This started in the Hakata region of northern Kyushu, one of the most popular types of ramen. It is a bowl of creamy white pork bone soup in its original form. It’s eaten with thin, straight noodles, sliced green onion, and tender barbecued pork char siu slices. 

It can take four days to make, although most of that is just watching a pot boil. The pork bones are cooked for hours, so the bone collagen has time to transform into gelatin. The soup also has a silky texture and a cloudy coloring – Tonkotsu is heartwarming. It’s pure comfort in a bowl; once you try it, you’ll be hooked!

Kakuni/Rafute

Kakuni, also known as rafute in Okinawa, is pork belly at its finest that is braised until it’s incredibly tender. Picture tender chunks of pork belly that have been simmered low and slow until they’re delicious. It’s generally served with a side of rice or in a bowl of ramen.

They soak up a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, sake (rice wine), and sugar. As a result, the meat is so soft it practically shimmers, and each bite is rich and juicy, like a little flavor explosion. 

Why are these pork dishes so good?

People like these dishes because the pork quality is top-notch—think tender, juicy cuts that practically melt in your mouth. Then there’s also the cooking technique: slow-braising, grilling, or frying, which locks in all that delicious flavor and creates perfect textures.

From crispy tonkatsu to a steaming pot of shabu shabu, there’s a dish for every craving. You might be surprised at just how many ways you can enjoy pork! Taste pork like you’ve never had it before on your next visit to Japan. 

Overall, we hope you enjoyed our take on some great Japanese pork dishes! Which one are you most excited to try? Do you have a favorite one? Let us know in the comments below!