Sichuan Spicy Hot Pot
Ingredients List:
Regarding the Broth:
- 1 liter, or around 4 cups, of vegetable or chicken broth
- Four cups, or one liter, of water
- Four ginger slices
- three to four smashed garlic cloves
- Anise with two to three stars
- two to three bay leaves
- One cinnamon stick
- One-third cup Sichuan peppercorns
- Two tsp soy sauce
- One tablespoon of fermented broad bean paste, or doubanjiang
- 1-2 teaspoons of chile oil (modify according to desired level of spice)
- Taste-tested salt and sugar
Regarding the Ingredients:
- Thinly sliced beef (you can also use lamb, hog, or chicken)
- seafood, such as shrimp
- Tofu and fish balls
- Vermicelli rice or noodles
- a variety of veggies (sliced potatoes, spinach, mushrooms, and napa cabbage work particularly nicely)
- Dipping sauces: green onions, minced garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce
Step By Step Guidelines:
1. Get The Broth Ready:
- Add the water, ginger, garlic, star anise, bay leaves, cinnamon stick, Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, doubanjiang, chile oil, salt, and sugar to a large saucepan along with the chicken or vegetable broth.
- To enable the flavors to blend, bring the broth to a boil, then lower the heat and simmer it for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
2. Assemble The Hot Pot:
Arrange a portable stove or hot plate in the center of the dining table to keep the broth simmering while you place the hot pot there.
3. Get the ingredients ready:
For easy access, place the noodles, veggies, shellfish, tofu, and thinly sliced meats on plates around the table.
4. Cooking Method:
Every diner cooks their preferred items in the simmering soup using a ladle or chopsticks. Because cooking times differ, be mindful of how done each component is.
5. Dippers Sauces:
Make separate dipping sauces using chopped green onions, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. Tailor the sauce to your personal preferences.
6. Have fun:
Once the ingredients are cooked, enjoy the wonderful hot pot experience by dipping them into your favorite dipping sauce.
Hot pot is a great way to have a tasty and community meal with family and friends since it's a social and interactive meal. You are welcome to change the dipping sauces and broth ingredients to suit your tastes!