Hotpot is a communal dining experience that brings people together around a simmering pot of flavorful broth. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, celebratory gatherings, and experimenting with exciting ingredients. This recipe takes inspiration from Asian flavors, featuring tender steak, crisp vegetables, juicy mushrooms, and silky tofu, all dipped in a delicious Chinese dipping sauce. Explore our hotpot recipe that is customisable based on your preferences.
Hotpot recipe Ingredients (Serves 4):
Broth:
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
- 1 inch ginger, peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
- 1 star anise (optional)
- 1 cinnamon stick
Meat:
- Your meat of choice thinly sliced, we love steak, sirloin steak or steak of your choice. 1 steak should be enough for 4 people thinly sliced. Or double it up if you’re a meat lover.
Vegetables for Hotpot:
- Your choice of green leafy vegetable, we added fresh and seasonal Asian vegetables from local Asian grocers in Cape Town
- 1 packet of Enoki mushrooms
- 1 packet of Shimeji mushrooms
- 1 block of fresh soft tofu, drained and cut into chunks
- Daikon (optional) Japanese radish
Add some extras to your Hotpot Recipe:
- Cooked rice of your choice (optional)
- Sesame oil, for drizzling
- Bamboo shoots and other garnishes of your choice like spring onions (optional)
Dipping Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons sesame paste
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon chili oil (optional)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped scallions
- Pinch of sugar
TIP: Skip making the sauce and buy a delicious hotpot dipping sauce you find at at any Asian grocer. Many grocers have chinese dipping sauce options for hotpot.
Hotpot recipe Instructions:
- Prepare the Broth: Combine all broth ingredients in a large pot and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and keep warm.
- Prep the Ingredients: Slice the steak thinly, wash and chop the vegetables, and clean the mushrooms. Cut the tofu into thick chunky cubes. Prepare the dipping sauce by whisking together all ingredients in a small bowl. Or buy one if available, as it’s more convenient.
- Set Up the Hotpot: Place the pot of simmering broth in the center of your table. Arrange bowls of vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and steak around the pot. Set out the dipping sauce, cooked rice (optional), sesame oil, and garnishes
- Cook and Enjoy: Using chopsticks, add desired ingredients to the simmering broth. Add the vegetables and the mushrooms to the pot. Cook the steak for 30-45 seconds. Or how you like it by dipping it in and out if the hotpot. The longer it stays in the more well done it comes out. Transfer to your bowl and dip generously in the sauce. Enjoy with cooked rice if desired, drizzle with sesame oil, and garnish with spring onions, bamboo shoots or any garnish of choice. This is a freestyle hotpot recipe.
- Keep Cooking: Continue adding ingredients to the pot and enjoy the communal dining experience! Remember to replace the broth if it gets low or loses flavor.
Tips:
- You can adjust the spiciness of the dipping sauce by adding more chili oil or another spicy element.
- Feel free to substitute other Asian vegetables and mushrooms based on your preference.
- For a vegetarian option, replace the steak with additional tofu or other plant-based proteins.
- Have fun and experiment with different dipping sauces and ingredients!
Additional Notes:
- This recipe is a basic guide, feel free to adjust the ingredients and quantities to your liking.
- You can use an electric hotpot for a more convenient experience.
- Make sure all ingredients are cooked thoroughly before consuming.
If this feels overwhelming learn more about the cost of a private chef and get hotpot delivered to you on your next dining experience at home in Cape Town.
Or better yet eat hotpot at PandaBox, you can order a hotpot on special request when you dine-in and have an intimate food experience with friends in Table View.
