Hotpot is one of the most popular meals in Asia and is gaining popularity worldwide. It features a simmering pot on a portable stove with boiling soup broth at the center of the table. Raw ingredients are placed beside the pot, allowing people to cook whatever they like in the broth.
Hotpot is a delicious and healthy meal. It’s typically enjoyed at the dining table with people gathered around to serve themselves. It’s a fun way to socialize with family and friends, where you dip and eat while the food is still hot.
How to Eat Hotpot:
Hotpot warms the body and improves circulation in winter while helping to cool the body in summer. It’s often made when someone has a minor sickness like a cough, cold, sore throat, or sinus issues, providing temporary relief. Do not add all the ingredients to the soup at once. Add the ingredients that take the longest to cook first, such as corn and chicken. If making seafood hotpot, put the shellfish in first. Then, add your vegetables. Ensure all ingredients are well-cooked before eating.
You can enjoy hotpot by itself or dip it in your prepared dipping sauce.
Types of Hotpot Broth:
- Clear Broth: Cooked in boiling water with a mild taste. The meat or seafood is the only source of flavor. In Japan, it is sometimes called Shabu-Shabu.
- Spicy Broth: Typically cooked with red chili, peppers, chilies, peppercorns, and Sichuan peppers, which are common in Chinese cuisine.
You can make your own broth based on your taste preferences. In my case, I just bought a Sichuan Hotpot Base to save time in the kitchen, and voila! I had a delicious and flavorful soup.
Cultural Significance:
- Sichuan Hotpot is more than just a meal; it’s a social experience. Friends and family gather around the hotpot, sharing food and conversation.
- The dish reflects the culinary traditions of the Sichuan Province, famous for its spicy and aromatic cuisine.
- Its popularity has spread worldwide, with variations and adaptations found in many countries.
Health Benefits:
- Rich in nutrients from a variety of vegetables and lean proteins.
- The spices in Sichuan Hotpot, such as chili peppers and garlic, boost metabolism and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- It’s a low-fat and high-protein meal option, making it a healthier choice.
Tips for Enjoying Sichuan Hotpot:
- Experiment with different ingredients and dipping sauces to find your favorite combination.
- Start with a mild broth if you’re not used to spicy food and gradually increase the spice level.
- Pair with rice or noodles to balance the flavors and make the meal more filling.
Spicy Hotpot – Sichuan Hotpot Based
8
servings20
minutes30
minutes50
minutesThis yummy hotpot is like a big soup party! It has soft tofu, crunchy veggies, tasty mushrooms, and thin slices of beef and bacon. Everything cooks together in a spicy broth made from Sichuan soup base. You dip your cooked food in a tangy sauce and eat it with friends or family. It’s fun, cozy, and super delicious!
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Ingredients:
1 gallon 1 Water
1 pack 1 Sichuan Based SOup
2 cups 2 Napa cabbage, cut to bite pieces
2 cups 2 Oyster Mushrooms, Genty Shredded
1 cup 1 Enoki Mushrooms, Remove Stems
1 1/2 cups 1 1/2 Ronfu Mushrooms, Remove Stems
10 pieces 10 Shiitake Mushrooms, Remove Stems
1 lb 1 Beef, Thinly sliced
2 cups 2 Firm Tofu, Cut into Squares
1 cup 1 Bacon, Cut into bite-size pieces
1 1/2 cup 1 1/2 Rice Cake
2 pieces 2 Corm, Cut into 4equal pieces
1 cup 1 Carrots, Cut Diagonally
- For Dipping Sauce:
1/3 cup 1/3 Soy Sauce
1/4 cup 1/4 White Vinegar
1 tbsp 1 Korean Radish, Grated
2 tbsp 2 Yellow Onion, Minced
1 tbsp 1 Lemon
1 pinch 1 Salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, white vinegar, grated radish, minced onion, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
- Boil the Water: Place a large hotpot or stockpot on a portable stove. Pour in 1 gallon of water and bring it to a boil over high heat (approximately 10 minutes).
- Add the Soup Base: Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add the Sichuan hotpot base. Stir and continue boiling for 5 minutes until the broth is well-mixed and aromatic.
- Organize Your Ingredients: Arrange all vegetables, proteins, and starches on a platter or divided trays for easy access. This ensures smooth cooking during the meal.
- Cook the Hotpot:
Begin adding ingredients gradually. To ensure balanced cooking, follow this order:
First: Add rice cakes and corn they take longer to soften.
Second: Add mushrooms, tofu, carrots, and napa cabbage.
Last: Add thinly sliced beef and bacon, which cook quickly in hot broth.
Simmer gently and allow guests to cook their desired ingredients in batches at the table. - Serve & Enjoy: Ladle hotpot contents into individual bowls. Offer dipping sauce alongside, allowing each guest to customize flavor. Pair with steamed rice or chilled drinks to balance the heat.
Equipment:
- Portable Stove
- Large Pot
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp Knife
- Cutting Board
Notes:
- Add the Slow-Cooking Stuff First: Put in things like corn and rice cakes first they need more time to get soft.
- Veggies and Mushrooms Come Next: They cook faster and soak up yummy flavor from the soup.
- Meat Goes Last: Bacon and thin beef slices cook super quick, so don’t add them too early!
- Keep the Soup Bubbling Gently: A low boil keeps everything cooking nicely without splashing.
- Make It Fun for Everyone: Let your family or friends take turns adding ingredients. Hotpot is great for sharing!
- Make Your Dipping Sauce Cool: You can mix in chili, garlic, green onions, or sesame oil to match your taste.
- Use Firm Tofu: It stays together and doesn’t break into pieces in the soup.
- Pair It with Rice or Noodles: These make the meal more filling and help cool things down if it’s too spicy.
- Use Long Chopsticks or a Spoon: The pot is hot, so use tools to stay safe when picking up food!
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Give it a try and let me know how you like it! I’d love to hear your thoughts and any variations you come up with. Happy cooking!
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