Published Jul 09, 2024 Updated Aug 12, 2024
The Best Chinese Hot Pot Recipe
There are many types of hot pot in Asia, each with unique flavors and ingredients. In China and Southeast Asia, we have Chinese hot pot, known for its different broths and dipping sauces. In Japan, there are yosenabe, a mix of meats and vegetables, and shabu shabu, where thin meat slices are quickly cooked in a tasty broth. Every Chinese New Year’s Eve, my family and I gather around the dining table to enjoy a scrumptious, hearty, and homey meal of Chinese hot pot. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a cherished tradition that brings us together. The hot pot symbolizes unity and togetherness as we cook and share a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables. Each ingredient in the hot pot signifies abundance and prosperity for the year ahead, making this shared experience even more meaningful during this festive season. I’ve put together an easy Chinese hot pot recipe that’s perfect for beginners. With just 4 simple steps and easy-to-find ingredients, it’s designed to keep things simple while still capturing the delicious flavors of traditional hot pot broth. Looking for other hearty soups without having to make a big pot? Check out my Hot and Sour Soup, Egg Drop Soup and West Lake Beef Soup recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and easy. With just 4 simple steps, a delicious broth, and your choice of ingredients, this hot pot recipe is a straightforward and stress-free meal to prepare. Variety. Hot pot offers a wide array of ingredients to choose from, ensuring endless possibilities. Tasty and fresh. Ingredients are cooked right at your table, ensuring a delicious meal that’s enjoyed right away! Versatility. Hot pot isn’t just for Chinese New Year and during cold weather—it’s perfect year-round, offering warmth and comfort whenever you crave it.
Hot Pot Recipe Ingredients
Chicken stock cubes – Creates a quick and hassle free savory base. You may also use can chicken broth, or make your own stock from scratch! Chicken meat – Adds a mild, savory flavor to the broth. Seafood – Adds a savory seafood flavor to the hot pot broth. Napa cabbage and bok choy – Absorbs the flavors of the broth while adding a crisp, slightly sweet taste. Fish balls – Adds a a chewy and bouncy texture. If you prefer homemade fish balls, check out my How to Make Fish Balls recipe. Mushroom – Adds a savory and earthy flavor to the broth.
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.
How To Make Chinese Hot Pot
Cooking Tips For Home Cooks
To assemble the fresh ingredients, simply cut and slice them, then arrange them on a plate. All family members should gather around the dining table with the hot pot in the center. Fresh ingredients will be placed alongside the hot pot, and everyone will be given a bowl and a pair of chopsticks to enjoy the meal. Start with ingredients that take longer to cook, like root vegetables or tougher cuts of meat, before adding quicker-cooking items like seafood or leafy greens. Cook your ingredients in small batches to keep the broth at the perfect temperature and avoid overcrowding the pot. As the soup continues to simmer in the pot, the flavor develops and it becomes tastier as the meal proceeds. I love adding garlic oil to the hot pot, which adds an earthy nuance to the dish. For the dipping sauce, you can just use soy sauce. If you like a bit of heat, you can add cut chilies or chili oil to the soy sauce.
What To Serve With This Recipe
This hot pot recipe is best served as the main dish. For a wholesome festive feast with your family and friends, I recommend the following recipes:
Other Recipes You Might Like
Shanghai-Style Borscht Soup (Luo Song Tang) Chinese Chicken Noodle Soup Chicken Wonton Soup Ginger and Clam Soup
