Chinese Hot Pot

Chinese hot pot is a beloved communal dining experience that brings people together around a simmering pot of flavourful broth. Diners cook their own meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles in the broth, then dip them in personalized sauces. It’s a fun, interactive way to enjoy a delicious meal with family and friends, especially during colder months.

If you want to create an authentic Chinese hot pot experience at home, here is the ultimate recipe guide, including two bonus tips to take your hot pot to the next level.

Hot Pot Broth

• 8 cups chicken, pork or seafood stock
• 4 cups water
• 1 onion, cut into chunks
• 6 slices ginger
• 2 star anise
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt to taste
• Optional: 1 package hot pot soup base (Sichuan spicy, satay, tomato, etc.)

Combine all broth ingredients in a pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30 minutes. Strain out solids. Transfer to hot pot and keep simmering.

Suggested Hot Pot Ingredients

• Thinly sliced meats – beef, lamb, pork, chicken
• Seafood – fish fillets, shrimp, squid, fish balls
• Vegetables – napa cabbage, bok choy, spinach, watercress, mushrooms
• Tofu – soft, firm, fried tofu puffs
• Noodles – yam noodles, rice noodles, udon, instant ramen
• Dumplings, wontons, meat balls

Dipping Sauce

• 1/4 cup Chinese sesame paste or peanut butter
• 1/4 cup hot pot broth
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp chili oil or chili crisp (optional)
• 2 cloves garlic, grated
• 2 tbsp chopped scallions
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

Whisk together sesame paste and broth until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients. Adjust to taste.

Instructions

1. Set up portable burner in center of table. Transfer hot broth to pot and keep simmering.
2. Arrange raw ingredients on plates around the pot. Give each person their own bowl, chopsticks, strainer, and sauce.
3. Add desired ingredients to the simmering broth. Cook until done, then retrieve with strainers.
4. Dip cooked foods in sauce and enjoy! Replenish broth with water or stock as needed.

What Are the Key Differences Between Lancashire Hotpot and Chinese Hot Pot?

Lancashire Hotpot and Chinese Hot Pot are vastly different dishes with unique origins. While the traditional lancashire hotpot recipe features slow-cooked lamb, onions, and potatoes, baked to perfection, Chinese Hot Pot is a communal dish where diners cook various meats, vegetables, and noodles in simmering broth at the table.

Bonus Tips

1. Drink some fruit juice or yogurt before a spicy hot pot to help your stomach handle the heat better. Remove clothing items that could get in the way and tie back long hair.
2. Cook seafood and meats first before vegetables, as the leafy greens will soak up more of the broth’s flavor. Let tofu cool slightly before eating as it gets very hot. Be careful not to splash the boiling broth.

With this guide and tips, you’ll be ready to host an impressive and authentic Chinese hot pot feast at home. The keys are using high-quality ingredients, offering a variety of foods to cook, and encouraging guests to personalize their dipping sauces. Hot pot is a social, exciting, and delicious way to gather around the table.