Authentic Asian Hotpot: A Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients

1 large hotpot
1 litre of chicken broth
1 litre of beef broth
1 block of firm tofu, cut into cubes
300 grams of thinly sliced beef
300 grams of thinly sliced chicken
200 grams of shiitake mushrooms, sliced
200 grams of enoki mushrooms
1 bunch of greens (bok choy, spinach or napa cabbage)
1 packet of udon noodles
2 medium carrots, sliced
1 bunch of green onions, chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 piece of ginger, minced
Soy sauce for dipping
Sesame oil for dipping
Sriracha for dipping

Steps and instructions

Prepare all the ingredients: slice the beef and chicken, cut the tofu, slice the mushrooms, chop the greens, slice the carrots, chop the green onions, mince the garlic, and mince the ginger.
In the hotpot, bring the chicken and beef broth to a boil.
Add the minced garlic and ginger to the broths, stir well, and let it simmer.
Arrange the sliced beef, chicken, tofu, mushrooms, greens, noodles, and carrots on separate plates around the hotpot.
Once the broth has simmered for about 15 minutes, start adding the ingredients to the hotpot. Start with the ingredients that take longer to cook like the carrots and some of the meat.
As the ingredients cook, remove them using a slotted spoon and place them in serving bowls. Add more ingredients to the hotpot as needed.
Guests can dip the cooked food in their favorite combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and Sriracha.
Continue cooking and eating until all ingredients have been used.

Tools for making

Hotpot - A large pot used for cooking the hotpot.
Slotted spoon - Used for removing cooked ingredients from the hotpot.
Chopping board - To prepare and chop the ingredients.
Knife - For slicing the beef, chicken, mushrooms, and carrots.
Soup ladle - For scooping and serving the hot broth.
Tongs - To handle the hot ingredients while cooking and serving.
Bowls - For serving the cooked ingredients.
Plates - To arrange and serve the sliced beef, chicken, tofu, and mushrooms.
Dipping sauces containers - Small bowls or ramekins to hold the soy sauce, sesame oil, and Sriracha for dipping.
Hotplate or portable stove - Optional, to keep the hotpot broth simmering at the dining table.

Recipe variations

Vegetarian/Vegan option: Replace the chicken and beef broth with vegetable broth and omit the sliced beef and chicken. Instead, use a variety of plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan.
Seafood Hotpot: Add a variety of seafood such as shrimp, fish fillets, crab, and clams to the hotpot broth.
Spicy Hotpot: Add spicy elements like chili peppers, chili oil, or Sichuan peppercorns to the broth for an extra kick.
Mushroom Hotpot: Use a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and portobello as the main ingredient in the hotpot.
Customized Broth: Experiment with different broth flavors like miso, tom yum, or mushroom broth for a unique twist.
Noodle Variations: Try different types of noodles such as rice noodles, glass noodles, or even ramen noodles in the hotpot.
Additional Vegetables: Add other vegetables like sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, or baby corn to enhance the hotpot.
Spice Blends: Use pre-made hotpot spice blends or create your own by combining ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, and Sichuan peppercorns.

Recipe overview

Experience a fun and interactive dining experience with this Hotpot recipe. Originating from East Asia, Hotpot is a communal-style dish where guests cook their own food in a simmering pot of broth at the table. This recipe features a variety of ingredients, including thinly sliced meats, tofu, mushrooms, vegetables, and noodles, all cooked in a flavorful chicken and beef broth. Each bite can be customized with a choice of flavorful dips, such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and Sriracha. Cooking and eating hotpot is a social event, perfect for family gatherings or a night in with friends. Prepare for a delicious adventure where everyone is a chef!

Common questions

Can I use vegetable broth instead of chicken and beef broth? Yes, you can substitute vegetable broth if you prefer a vegetarian version of hotpot.
Can I use different types of meat? Absolutely! Hotpot is versatile, and you can use any thinly sliced meat of your choice, such as pork, lamb, or seafood.
What other vegetables can I add? Feel free to add other vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms of your choice to enhance the variety of flavors and textures.
Can I use different types of noodles? Yes, you can use different types of noodles like rice noodles, glass noodles, or even spaghetti if you prefer.
What is the recommended cooking time for the ingredients? Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the meat and the desired level of doneness. Generally, thinly sliced meat cooks within a minute or two, while vegetables may take a bit longer, around 3-5 minutes.
Can I make the broth spicier? Yes, if you prefer a spicier broth, you can add chili peppers, chili flakes, or a spicy hotpot sauce to the broth while simmering.
Can I prepare the ingredients in advance? Yes, you can prepare the ingredients in advance by slicing, chopping, and arranging them on separate plates. This can help save time during the cooking process.
Can I adjust the seasoning to my taste? Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasoning by adding more soy sauce, sesame oil, or any other dipping sauce according to your preference.

Serving dishes and utensils

Hotpot - A large pot with a built-in heating element for cooking hotpot dishes.
Hotpot ladle - A long-handled ladle used for scooping and serving ingredients from the hotpot.
Slotted spoon - A spoon with slots or holes that allows for easy draining of cooked ingredients from the hotpot.
Chopsticks - Utensils used for picking up and eating the cooked ingredients.
Soup bowls - Bowls for serving the hotpot broth and individual portions of cooked ingredients.
Dipping bowls - Small bowls for serving soy sauce, sesame oil, and Sriracha for dipping.
Tabletop stove or portable cooktop - An additional heating element to keep the hotpot broth hot throughout the meal.
Trivet or heat-resistant mat - A protective mat for placing the hotpot on the dining table.
Plates and bowls - Additional plates and bowls for arranging and serving the raw ingredients.

Origin stories

Hotpot, a popular Asian cuisine, has a rich history that dates back to over one thousand years. Originating during the Tang dynasty in China, it was initially a simple meal for poor laborers with a limited variety of ingredients. The humble hotpot, however, soon found its way to the imperial court, where it evolved into a culinary art as exotic ingredients were added, reflecting the wealth and power of the rulers. Hotpot meals are known to be social, fostering a sense of community as everyone gathers around the pot, cooking and eating together. This is mirrored in the Chinese saying “围炉夜话”, translated as "night talks around the stove", illustrating the warmth and camaraderie shared over a hotpot meal.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.