Moranbon Co., Ltd., headquartered in Fuchu City, Tokyo, is set to revolutionize the shabu shabu experience with the introduction of three innovative dipping sauces. Slated for release on August 10, 2025, these sauces—"Ground Sesame Dipping Sauce," "Rich Meat Ponzu Dipping Sauce," and "Seafood Tonkotsu Dipping Sauce"—aim to offer a fresh take on traditional flavors while addressing common consumer concerns regarding dipping sauces.
Product Features
The new dipping sauces come in convenient, single-use packages that allow for less waste and easier use. Each sauce has been crafted with unique ingredients designed to enhance the shabu shabu experience:
1.
Ground Sesame Dipping Sauce: Made with freshly ground roasted sesame seeds, blended with roasted sesame paste, mixed sugar, and kelp broth, this sauce offers a rich and deep flavor profile.
2.
Rich Meat Ponzu Dipping Sauce: Featuring coarsely grated daikon radish with the freshness of squeezed yuzu juice, enhanced with garlic and ginger, this sauce is aromatic and flavorful.
3.
Seafood Tonkotsu Dipping Sauce: Combining the umami of seafood (bonito, mackerel, and dried sardines) with pork bone flavor, this sauce has a unique layer of taste thanks to a hint of yuzu, creating a truly addictive experience.
Moranbon also encourages customers to explore their creativity with over 32 delightful dipping sauce variations available on their website.
Development Background
The frequency of shabu shabu consumption has been steadily increasing. Despite the impact of milder winters that have diminished the occasion for hot pot meals, shabu shabu has remained a staple during the fall and winter seasons. Data shows that the frequency of shabu shabu at home has risen by 134% among middle-aged and older demographics compared to fifteen years ago. The convenience of customizing flavors and broths has made it a popular option for diners.
However, consumers have raised concerns regarding dips, citing challenges such as difficulty in utilizing leftovers, lack of appropriate portion sizes, diluted flavors, and difficulty in finding their preferred taste. In response, Moranbon has developed these new sauces to enhance the ease and enjoyment of shabu shabu, solving previous issues with taste, volume, and usability.
New Flavor Inspired by Tsukemen
Despite increasing interest in shabu shabu, many still see it as a dish primarily favored by those over 40. In a bid to appeal to younger consumers, the company sought to create flavors that resonate with this demographic while being distinct in the market. Inspiration struck when the development team noticed the thriving selection of tsukemen at the supermarket. Drawing parallels between dipping sauces—"tsukeru" in Japanese meaning "to dip—both the tsukemen sauce and shabu shabu sauce share a commonality in their usage. It became clear that the popular seafood tonkotsu flavor, which dominates the tsukemen dipping sauce market, could attract a younger audience with its bold taste.
Recommended Dishes
Moranbon suggests several pairing options for the "Seafood Tonkotsu Dipping Sauce." A special emphasis is placed on the ability for families to gather around the hot pot, allowing everyone to customize their experience based on personal taste preferences. This idea of "Varied Shabu Shabu" encapsulates the appeal of this communal meal style. The versatility of meat, vegetables, sauces, and various combinations can lead to an array of dining options, making shabu shabu a perfect choice for family gatherings during the colder months.
Product Information
- - Ground Sesame Dipping Sauce
- Volume: 170g
- Units per case: 10
- Storage: Keep away from direct sunlight, store at room temperature
- Shelf life: 300 days
- MSRP: 280 yen (excluding tax) / 302 yen (including tax)
- - Rich Meat Ponzu Dipping Sauce
- Volume: 165g
- Units per case: 10
- Storage: Same as above
- Shelf life: 210 days
- MSRP: 280 yen (excluding tax) / 302 yen (including tax)
- - Seafood Tonkotsu Dipping Sauce
- Volume: 170g
- Units per case: 10
- Storage: Same as above
- Shelf life: 240 days
- MSRP: 280 yen (excluding tax) / 302 yen (including tax)
Moranbon's introduction of these new dipping sauces represents a step forward in making shabu shabu more versatile and enjoyable for everyone. With the upcoming launch scheduled for August 2025, families can look forward to a fresh yet comforting dining experience this autumn and winter.