Hot Pot is an incredibly popular Chinese communal dish enjoyed especially during colder months. With a simmering pot of broth at the center of the table, diners add a variety of fresh vegetables, thinly sliced meats, noodles, and seafood, cooking each ingredient to their preferred doneness. It’s both a flavorful experience and a wonderful way to bring people together.

Ingredients

For the Broth

8 cups (1.9 liters) chicken or vegetable stock

2 cloves garlic, minced

1-inch (2.5 cm) ginger, sliced

2 green onions, chopped

2 tbsp (30 ml) soy sauce

1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil

1-2 dried chili peppers (optional for spice)

1 star anise

For Dipping Ingredients (Adjust Quantities Based on Group Size)

0.5 lb (225 g) thinly sliced beef or lamb

0.5 lb (225 g) shrimp or fish fillets

0.5 lb (225 g) tofu cubes

1 lb (450 g) assorted vegetables (e.g., bok choy, spinach, mushrooms, napa cabbage)

0.5 lb (225 g) cooked noodles or rice vermicelli

0.5 lb (225 g) firm tofu, cubed

0.5 lb (225 g) enoki mushrooms or shiitake mushrooms

For Dipping Sauces (optional)

Soy sauce

Sesame oil

Hoisin sauce

Chili oil

Instructions

Prepare the Broth In a large pot, add chicken or vegetable stock, garlic, ginger, green onions, soy sauce, sesame oil, dried chili peppers, and star anise. Bring the broth to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the flavors blend for about 15-20 minutes.

Set Up the Hot Pot Transfer the broth to a hot pot or electric tabletop cooker set at a simmer. Arrange the sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and noodles on platters around the pot.

Cooking and Eating Each diner selects ingredients, adds them to the simmering broth, and lets them cook to their preferred doneness. Use dipping sauces as desired. Thinner items like leafy greens will cook quickly, while thicker cuts of meat or tofu may take a few extra minutes.

Serving

Hot Pot is best enjoyed as a shared meal. Place all ingredients around the table and provide each guest with small bowls for broth and dipping sauces.

Hot Pot is a delicious, interactive experience perfect for gatherings. With fresh ingredients and a flavorful broth, this dish is sure to bring warmth and satisfaction to any table. Customize your Hot Pot with your favorite ingredients, and enjoy the communal tradition that has brought families together for generations.