Asian Hot Pot Dining (Print Version)

Simmer fresh vegetables, proteins, and noodles in aromatic broth for a lively communal meal.

# Components:

→ Broth

01 - 10.5 cups chicken or vegetable broth
02 - 2 cloves garlic, sliced
03 - 2 inches fresh ginger, sliced
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon sesame oil
07 - 2 dried shiitake mushrooms
08 - 1 small chili, sliced (optional)

→ Proteins

09 - 10.6 ounces thinly sliced beef, chicken, pork, or tofu
10 - 7 ounces shrimp, peeled and deveined
11 - 7 ounces firm tofu, cubed

→ Vegetables

12 - 7 ounces Napa cabbage, chopped
13 - 5.3 ounces baby bok choy, halved
14 - 3.5 ounces mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, or button), sliced
15 - 1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
16 - 3.5 ounces snow peas
17 - 1 small corn cob, sliced into rounds
18 - 1 bunch scallions, cut into 2 inch pieces

→ Noodles

19 - 7 ounces rice noodles or glass noodles

→ Dipping Sauces and Garnishes

20 - Soy sauce
21 - Chili oil
22 - Hoisin sauce
23 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
24 - Sesame seeds
25 - Lime wedges

# Directions:

01 - In a large pot, combine broth, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, shiitake mushrooms, and chili. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor. Strain and remove solids before serving.
02 - Arrange all thinly sliced meats, tofu, seafood, and vegetables on separate platters for easy access at the table.
03 - Soak noodles in warm water according to package instructions, then drain and set aside on a serving platter.
04 - Position a portable burner or induction cooktop at the center of the dining table with a wide, shallow hot pot. Pour in the strained hot broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
05 - Each diner selects desired ingredients using chopsticks or slotted spoons to cook in the simmering broth. Cook proteins for 1 to 3 minutes and vegetables and noodles for 2 to 5 minutes until tender.
06 - Transfer cooked items to individual bowls and serve with dipping sauces and garnishes of choice.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everyone cooks exactly what they want, exactly how they want it, so there's zero food waste and maximum happiness around the table.
  • The communal vibe turns dinner into an actual event where people linger longer and talk more than they normally would.
02 -
  • Don't skip the 30-minute broth simmer time—I learned this the hard way when I rushed and ended up with something that tasted like hot salt water instead of the aromatic magic it should be.
  • Arrange your ingredients by cooking time on the platters, and mention this to guests so they understand that tender vegetables aren't going in the same moment as raw shrimp.
03 -
  • Cook your proteins first while the broth is at its hottest, then add vegetables that need less heat, because this timing trick keeps everything tasting fresh instead of overcooked.
  • Keep a small damp cloth nearby for your guests to wipe their hands between cooking and eating, because hot pot can get messy and people appreciate not feeling sticky while they're trying to enjoy their meal.
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