Sichuan Hot Pot

Eating Sichuan hot pot on a cold winter day can warm you up from head to toe. Known for its spicy and bold flavors, Sichuan hot pot is popular all over the world. Today, I'll share a homemade Sichuan hot pot recipe.

Numbing and spicy flavors are the hallmark of Sichuan cuisine. The defining feature of Sichuan dishes is the combination of chili's spiciness and Sichuan peppercorn's numbing heat. Today's Sichuan hot pot has two flavors: one spicy and numbing, and one clear broth, catering to friends who can't handle spicy food. Let's dive into Sichuan hot pot together!

1. About Sichuan Hot Pot

Sichuan hot pot, known for its numbing, spicy, fresh, and fragrant flavors, originated from the local people and has been embraced by all social classes. Regardless of age, gender, or status, everyone loves it. As a culinary icon, Sichuan hot pot has become one of the signature dishes of Sichuan and Chongqing, boasting a broad consumer base and high consumption frequency unmatched elsewhere.

As of January 2023, Sichuan hot pot has spread to over 50 countries and regions worldwide. Chefs have skillfully combined the traditional Sichuan hot pot flavors with local culinary customs, adapting to different environments and showcasing the unique charm of Sichuan hot pot in foreign lands.

2. Ingredients and Substitutes

There are many varieties of Sichuan hot pot, and different ingredient combinations can create unique flavors. Here are the ingredients I use for making Sichuan hot pot:

Hot Pot Base:

Spicy beef tallow base and golden broth base. You can make these yourself or purchase them ready-made.

Meats:

Luncheon meat, live shrimp, fish balls, crab sticks, etc. You can substitute with your preferred meats, such as pork, beef, shrimp balls, etc.

Vegetables:

Tofu, enoki mushrooms, crown daisy, fresh wood ear mushrooms, spinach sprouts, etc. You can also substitute with your favorite vegetables, such as shiitake mushrooms, tomatoes, lotus root, etc.

Important Tip:

Adding some noodles to the hot pot is also a great idea. You can use ramen, alkaline noodles, or even serve the hot pot with rice.

3. What Kind of Pot Do You Need?

For this recipe, I used a divided pot (Yuan Yang pot) since I'm making two flavors. The Yuan Yang pot is common in China, especially in hot pot restaurants, and allows you to cook both spicy and mild broths simultaneously to cater to different tastes.

You can find a Yuan Yang pot on Amazon or at your local Asian grocery store. If you're only making one flavor, you don't need to buy a special pot—just use your regular electric pot and cook your preferred hot pot flavor.

4. Why I’m Sharing This Recipe?

I’m sharing this recipe because I’m a hot pot enthusiast. Since leaving China, I’ve had very few opportunities to enjoy hot pot, partly due to time constraints and high costs. By chance, a Chinese friend taught me how to make Sichuan hot pot at home, and the process is simple and the results are fantastic. I decided to share it to help more people enjoy making Sichuan hot pot at home. Good food should be shared with others.

5. Hot Pot Eating Tips

Wait for Full Cooking: Make sure all ingredients are fully cooked before eating, especially meat, to avoid digestive issues.

Ensure Freshness: Choose fresh meat, seafood, and vegetables to ensure quality and safety.

Control Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the cooking time to avoid overcooking or undercooking the ingredients.

Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the table and utensils clean to avoid cross-contamination.

Separate Raw and Cooked Foods: Keep raw and cooked ingredients separate to prevent cross-contamination.

Practice Good Hygiene: Wash your hands before eating to avoid touching food with dirty hands.

Balance Your Diet: Include vegetables along with meat to maintain a balanced diet.

Use Seasonings Moderately: Use spices and chili in moderation to avoid irritating your digestive system.

Be Cautious of Heat: Be careful of hot temperatures right after cooking to avoid burning your mouth.

6. Hot Pot Dipping Sauces

Here are a few versatile hot pot dipping sauces you can choose from based on your preference:

Spicy Dipping Sauce:

Mix peanut butter, chili oil, sesame paste, minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and sesame oil to taste.

Garlic Sauce:

Mix minced garlic, light soy sauce, vinegar, and a bit of sugar.

Korean Spicy Dipping Sauce:

Mix chili paste, Korean chili powder, minced garlic, chopped green onions, soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil.

Cilantro Dipping Sauce:

Mix chopped cilantro, minced garlic, light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a bit of chili oil.

Sesame Paste Dipping Sauce:

Mix sesame paste, minced garlic, light soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a bit of water.

Let's make and enjoy a delicious Sichuan hot pot together!