Spicy Hot Pot Recipe（Mala Tang/麻辣烫）

If you love hotpot but find the preparation too complicated, then this mala tang recipe is perfect for you. It’s simple to make and offers a taste similar to hotpot. In China, some people even consider mala tang to be a simplified version of hotpot.

Compared to the complexity of hotpot, this mala tang recipe is much simpler. All you need is to mix the right sauce and add your favorite ingredients. Let’s dive into this dish together!

1.About Mala Tang

Mala tang originated in Leshan, Sichuan, and is known for its intensely spicy and numbing flavors, which are a hallmark of Sichuan cuisine. However, this bold taste can be challenging for people outside the Sichuan and Chongqing regions to enjoy. Northeastern China has adapted mala tang by using a bone broth base and milder seasonings. The once essential numbing spiciness is now an optional addition, and the traditional red chili oil is no longer a must. Instead, it’s often replaced with a rich sesame sauce, a distinctive flavor of the Northeast. These modifications make mala tang more accessible to a wider range of palates.

2.Differences Between Mala Tang and Hotpot

Although mala tang and hotpot are similar, there are distinct differences in their preparation and serving styles:

Cooking Method:

Hotpot: The cooking method for hotpot is more complex. A large pot is filled with broth, into which various vegetables, meats, seafood, and other ingredients are gradually cooked to enhance their flavors. The broth base can vary according to personal preferences, with options like spicy mala, clear broth, or a split pot (Yuan Yang). This variety allows for a wide range of flavor profiles in hotpot.

Mala Tang: The preparation of mala tang is simpler. Ingredients are typically cut into bite-sized pieces, cooked in a pot, and then served with a dipping sauce made from chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and other seasonings. The broth in mala tang is often reused, with the base flavors absorbed by the ingredients, similar to a dish called "mao cai."

Ingredient Choices:

Hotpot: Hotpot offers a broader selection of ingredients, including various meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu products, and more, catering to diverse tastes.

Mala Tang: Mala tang usually includes ingredients that cook quickly, such as tofu, lotus root slices, glass noodles, and some meats and vegetables.

Serving Style:

Hotpot: Hotpot is typically a communal meal, where people gather around the pot to cook and eat together, sharing the experience and enjoying the food. It's a social dish, often enjoyed during family gatherings or with friends.

Mala Tang: Mala tang is usually served as individual portions, allowing each person to choose their own ingredients and seasonings, making it more suitable for solo dining.

Flavor Profile:

Hotpot: Hotpot tends to have a stronger, more intense flavor, with the option to customize the broth and dipping sauces according to individual tastes.

Mala Tang: Mala tang has a milder flavor, is not typically reheated after initial cooking, and does not include additional dipping sauces or dry seasonings.

3.Ingredients and Substitutions

Here are the ingredients you'll need for this recipe:

Napa Cabbage: Crisp and refreshing, adds fiber and vitamins.

White Beech Mushrooms: Tender and juicy, enhances the dish with a rich mushroom flavor.

Luncheon Meat: Provides protein and a unique, savory taste.

Thinly Sliced Beef Rolls: Richly marbled, tender, and full of beefy flavor.

Bok Choy: Fresh and crunchy, packed with fiber and vitamins.

Assorted Meatballs: Adds a variety of meaty flavors and textures. (Available at Asian markets)

Tofu Sheets (Qian Zhang): Soft and absorbent, adds a subtle bean flavor.

Light Soy Sauce: Adds a salty and umami flavor, balancing the overall taste.

Oyster Sauce: Rich and savory, enhances the dish's overall flavor.

Beef Tallow Hotpot Base: The key seasoning, provides a rich beefy flavor. (Available at Asian markets)

Black Vinegar: Balances acidity and adds a refreshing tang.

Sesame Paste: Adds a rich and complex flavor to the dish.

You can substitute the vegetables with your favorites, but it's recommended not to change the seasonings to maintain the intended flavor.

4.Can You Add Other Ingredients?

Yes, you can. When making mala tang, feel free to add ingredients according to your preferences. In addition to the listed ingredients, you can include fresh shrimp, other types of mushrooms, and additional vegetables. Just be sure to slice any raw meat thinly so it cooks quickly in the boiling broth.

5.Is Mala Tang Healthy?

Homemade mala tang, like other hotpot dishes, typically includes a variety of vegetables, meats, and seasonings, and can offer some nutritional benefits when eaten in moderation. To keep it healthy, control portion sizes, increase the amount of vegetables and beans, avoid excessive fats and high-calorie ingredients, choose fresh ingredients, and moderate your intake of spiciness and salt. Pay attention to the hygiene and quality of the ingredients and adjust your consumption based on your personal health condition to avoid any negative impact on your health.

6.What to Pair with Mala Tang?

Once mala tang is ready, it pairs wonderfully with rice; the rich broth complements the rice perfectly. Additionally, enjoying a glass of tangy lemonade while eating mala tang is a great way to quench your thirst.

7.Delicious Hot Pot Recipes

Chinese Hot Pot at Home

Sichuan Hot Pot

Clear Broth Hot Pot

Healthy Mixed Vegetable Hot Pot

Now, let’s make some delicious mala tang together! If you’re happy with our recipe, please follow us for more high-quality recipes and updates.