Chinese hot pot, also known as “huǒ guō” in Mandarin, is a popular cooking and dining style in China and other parts of Asia. It involves a communal pot of simmering broth placed at the centre of the table, where diners cook a variety of ingredients directly in the broth. The cooked ingredients are then dipped into various sauces and enjoyed. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1-inch piece of ginger, sliced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Assortment of thinly sliced meats (beef, pork, lamb, chicken) or seafood (shrimp, fish balls, squid)
- Assortment of thinly sliced vegetables (Napa cabbage, spinach, mushrooms, carrots, bean sprouts)
- Assortment of dumplings, noodles, or tofu (optional)
- Dipping sauces: soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, chopped green onions, cilantro, minced garlic
Instructions:
- In a large pot or electric hot pot, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, oyster sauce, Shaoxing wine (if using), minced garlic, and ginger slices. Bring the broth to a simmer over medium heat. You can also add additional seasonings such as star anise, cinnamon, or Sichuan peppercorns for extra flavor if desired.
- While the broth is simmering, prepare the thinly sliced meats, seafood, and vegetables. Arrange them on a platter for easy access.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a small skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Transfer the hot oil and garlic to a small bowl and set aside. This will be used as a dipping sauce.
- Place the platter of ingredients and the bowls of dipping sauce on the table along with serving utensils and chopsticks.
- Once the broth is simmering, each diner can select their preferred ingredients and cook them in the broth. Cooking times will vary depending on the ingredients, but thinly sliced meats and seafood usually take just a few seconds to cook, while vegetables and dumplings may take a few minutes.
- Use chopsticks or a slotted spoon to retrieve the cooked ingredients from the broth and transfer them to individual bowls or plates.
- Dip the cooked ingredients into the prepared dipping sauces before eating.
- Repeat the process, adding more ingredients to the broth as desired and enjoying the meal together.
- Remember to adjust the heat of the hot pot as needed to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the meal.
Chinese hot pot is not only a delicious meal but also a social and interactive dining experience. It brings people together around the table, allowing everyone to cook their own food and enjoy a variety of flavors. It’s a fun and engaging way to share a meal with family and friends.
Hot pot is a customizable and interactive dining experience, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavours according to your preferences. Enjoy your Chinese Hot Pot feast!
