Ingredients
Scale
Creating your own hot pot experience at home is surprisingly simple, and it allows you to tailor the meal to your preferences. Here’s a list of essentials that will make your hot pot night a success:
- 2 liters chicken or vegetable broth
- 200g thinly sliced beef or chicken
- 200g assorted seafood (shrimp, scallops, or fish fillets)
- 200g tofu, cut into cubes
- 200g assorted mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, or button)
- 200g leafy greens (bok choy, spinach, or napa cabbage)
- 100g noodles (udon, rice noodles, or glass noodles)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 thumb-sized piece of ginger, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chili paste or sauce for added heat
You can substitute the protein with your choice of meat or keep it entirely vegetarian. The beauty of hot pot lies in its adaptability—tailor it to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
Instructions
With all the ingredients at hand, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of creating your hot pot feast:
- Start by preparing your broth. In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a gentle boil. Add the minced garlic, sliced ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Allow the flavors to meld for about 10 minutes, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Arrange the meats, seafood, tofu, mushrooms, and greens on separate platters, allowing your guests to choose their own combinations.
- Once the broth is ready, transfer it to a hot pot cooker or a portable stove placed at the center of your dining table.
- Let your guests add their chosen ingredients to the bubbling broth. Cook the meats and seafood for 3-5 minutes, or until done, and allow the vegetables to soften to your desired texture.
- Encourage everyone to mix and match different ingredients to discover their favorite combinations. Serve with noodles and a selection of dipping sauces for an added burst of flavor.
- As you savor the meal, share stories and laughter, much like the evenings spent in Mama Lou’s kitchen.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International