The Evolution Of Hot Pot: A Traditional Dish Revisited

Hot pot is a popular dish that originated in China and has since spread across the world, with different variations in Japan, Korea, Vietnam, Switzerland, and the Philippines. It is a social and interactive meal where people cook raw ingredients in a pot of flavoured broth at the dining table. The broth is usually kept simmering throughout the meal.

Hot pot is considered a main course and is usually served without rice or noodles. However, noodles are a common addition to the dish, cooked in the broth at the end of the meal.

Hot pot can be prepared and eaten at home or in a restaurant. The equipment needed for hot pot includes a heat source, such as a portable butane stove or a portable induction cooktop, and a compatible cooking vessel, such as a stainless steel pot.

The ingredients used in hot pot can vary depending on personal preference, but typically include thinly sliced meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and starches.

Hot pot burners: butane vs. electric

Hot pot burners are an essential part of the hot pot experience, and there are two main types: butane and electric. Both have their pros and cons, and the best option for you will depend on your personal preferences and specific needs. Here is a detailed comparison between butane and electric hot pot burners to help you decide which one is right for you:

Butane Burners:

• Portability: Butane burners are cordless, making them ideal for outdoor use or for tables far from electrical outlets. They can be used anywhere, providing complete portability.
• Ease of Use: Butane burners have a simple and intuitive design. Turning the dial is all it takes to get started, without the need to press buttons or set temperatures and timers.
• Fuel: Butane canisters are readily available and affordable, typically costing a few dollars each. Each canister provides sufficient fuel for multiple cooking sessions.
• Cost: Butane burners tend to be more affordable than electric burners, making them a cost-effective option.
• Compatibility: Butane burners work with any flat-bottomed pot that is safe for stove use, offering versatility in cookware choice.
• Noise: Butane burners are generally quieter than electric induction burners, as they do not have built-in fans for cooling.

Electric Burners:

• Efficiency: Electric burners, particularly induction cooktops, are highly efficient. They heat up quickly and precisely, with no wasted energy, making them more environmentally friendly.
• Safety: Electric burners, especially induction ones, are safer as they do not involve open flames or the risk of gas leaks. They also cool down faster than butane burners.
• Cleanliness: Electric burners, especially those with smooth glass/ceramic cooktops, are easier to clean than butane burners. There is no risk of food burning onto the cooktop and leaving stubborn residue.
• Temperature Control: Electric burners, especially induction ones, offer more precise temperature control. This precision is ideal for delicate foods that require specific temperatures.
• Versatility: Electric burners can be used for everyday cooking in addition to hot pot, making them a versatile option.

When choosing between butane and electric hot pot burners, consider factors such as portability, ease of use, fuel availability and cost, compatibility with cookware, noise levels, efficiency, safety, cleanliness, temperature control, and versatility. Ultimately, the best option will depend on your specific needs and preferences, as both types of burners have their unique advantages.

The best pots for hot pot

Hot pot is a popular communal dining experience, where a pot of broth is placed on the table and everyone cooks their meat, seafood, and vegetables in the broth. The pot is kept hot by a tabletop heating device, and diners use chopsticks, strainers, and spoons to cook their food.

When it comes to choosing the best pot for hot pot, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the pot should be made of a material that is compatible with your heat source. If you are using an induction burner, for example, you will need a pot made of a magnetic material such as cast iron or stainless steel. If you are using a butane burner, any flat-bottomed pot that is safe for a stove can be used, including traditional earthenware donabe pots.

Secondly, the size of the pot will depend on the number of people you are cooking for. Pots with a capacity of 3 to 6 quarts are typically suitable for groups of up to eight people. If you are cooking for a larger group, you may need two pots and two burners.

Thirdly, the shape of the pot can vary. While a traditional hot pot pot is wide and shallow, a Dutch oven or braiser could also work well. For a unique presentation, you could choose a pot with a divider, allowing you to cook two different broths at once.

• Cuisinart Cast-Iron Single Burner: This electric burner is quick to heat up and powerful, making it a good choice for hot pot.
• Stainless Steel Divided Hot Pot: This pot has a divider, allowing you to cook two different broths at once. It is made of stainless steel and has a clear lid so you can easily see when the broths are boiling.
• Aroma Housewares Grillet 3-in-1 Electric Indoor Grill: This electric grill comes with a 3-quart pot, making it suitable for larger groups. It also has an adjustable temperature control and is dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
• Dezin Electric Mini Pot: This compact and affordable electric pot is perfect for small spaces such as dorm rooms. It has two temperature settings and a non-stick surface for easy cleanup.
• Zojirushi Gourmet d'Expert Electric Skillet: This multi-functional appliance has a deep inner pan, a tempered glass lid, and a non-stick plate for grilling. It also has adjustable temperature settings and safety features such as a magnetic cord and cool-to-touch handles.

Hot pot ingredients

Hot pot is a fun and interactive dining experience, where a pot of broth is placed at the centre of the table, surrounded by various raw ingredients that each person can add to the broth and cook as they eat.

There are four main categories of ingredients for hot pot: broth, protein, carbs, and veggies.

Broth

The broth can be made from scratch or using a pre-packaged hot pot base. Some common ingredients for a homemade broth include:

• Chicken broth
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Daikon radish
• Green onions
• Ginger

Protein

Protein options for hot pot include:

• Assorted thinly sliced meats, such as beef ribeye, beef brisket, lamb shoulder, or pork
• Seafood, such as shrimp, fish fillets, or squid
• Meatballs, such as beef balls, pork balls, or fish balls

Carbs

Carb options for hot pot include:

• Noodles, such as mung bean vermicelli, rice noodles, thin fresh white noodles, or frozen dumplings
• Rice cakes
• Tofu, such as firm tofu or frozen tofu

Veggies

Vegetable options for hot pot include:

• Leafy greens, such as baby bok choy, napa cabbage, or spinach
• Other vegetables, such as pumpkin, tomatoes, corn, or potatoes
• Mushrooms, such as enoki mushrooms, shiitake mushrooms, or oyster mushrooms

Hot pot dipping sauces

Hot pot is a fantastic communal dining experience, and the right dipping sauce can take your hot pot to the next level. Here are some ideas for hot pot dipping sauces, ranging from light and creamy to spicy and savoury.

Light Sesame Soy

A simple recipe that is perfect if you're in the mood for an Asian-inspired dish. Combine sesame oil, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and chopped spring onion. For added texture, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

Chilli Oil Vinegar Dip

The main ingredient here is chilli oil, which adds a wonderful kick to the dip. It can be found in most Asian supermarkets or made at home by heating oil and adding chilli flakes. This dip is perfect for vegetables, meat, and more.

Creamy Dashi Garlic

A versatile, creamy sauce with a few simple ingredients: peanut butter, minced garlic, and chopped coriander.

Honey Miso Dip

This dip is a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savoury. Combine chopped spring onion, chopped coriander, and peanut butter.

Spicy Peanut Dip

This dip is easy to make and perfect for meat. The main ingredient is peanut butter, which adds creaminess and a nutty flavour. To keep it healthy, use a quality peanut butter with no added sugar. You can also add dou ban jiang, a popular bean paste used in Sichuan cuisine, for an extra kick.

Classic Spicy and Sweet Chilli

A classic combination of chilli paste and sweet chilli sauce, with a bit of garlic and onion powder. For extra heat, add some chilli flakes or dried chilli.

Hot and Sour Garlic

A simple combination of McDonald's garlic chilli sauce, black/rice vinegar, and light soy sauce.

Taiwanese Shacha Dipping Sauce

A savoury and garlicky sauce with a hint of seafood flavour. The key ingredients are garlic, Shacha sauce, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, scallion, toasted sesame oil, and Thai chilli peppers (optional).

Garlic Sesame Sauce

A creamy, garlicky, savoury sauce. If you're allergic to nut butter, use sunflower seed butter instead. Combine Chinese sesame paste, cashew butter, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, garlic clove, shiitake mushroom seasoning, and water.

Chinese Spicy Garlic Chilli Sauce

A spicy, savoury, and slightly tangy sauce. Combine garlic chilli sauce, balsamic vinegar, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, scallion, sesame seeds, and oyster sauce.

Japanese Sesame Miso

A creamy, nutty, umami-rich sauce. Combine white miso paste, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, Chinese sesame paste, coconut aminos, toasted white sesame seeds, and water.

Spicy Peanut Sauce

A sweet and spicy sauce inspired by Taiwanese dan dan noodles. Combine unsalted peanut butter, coconut aminos, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, water, and garlic chilli sauce (optional).

Creamy Garlic Sesame Sauce

Combine sesame paste, crushed roasted peanuts, and garlic for a thick and creamy sauce.

Spicy Garlic Hot Sauce

This sauce is perfect for those who enjoy spicy food. It includes chopped red chilli or red chilli flakes. If you don't have a high tolerance for spice, you can adjust the amount of chilli and hot oil to your preference.

Taiwanese Shacha Sauce

A classic Taiwanese sauce with a savoury, garlicky flavour and a hint of seafood.

Japanese Miso Sauce

A simple sauce for Japanese food lovers. Miso paste is a safe, versatile dip that goes with everything.

Other Ideas

Other popular ingredients for hot pot dipping sauces include hoisin sauce, fish sauce, XO sauce, fermented bean curd, white pepper, Sichuan peppercorn powder, and sugar.

Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite hot pot dipping sauce!

How to set the table for hot pot

Setting the table for a hot pot meal is an essential part of the experience. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to set the table for a delightful hot pot dinner:

• Choose a suitable table: Select a table that is large enough to accommodate all the guests and the hot pot equipment comfortably. The table should be sturdy and able to withstand heat and moisture.
• Prepare the heat source: At the centre of the table, set up a portable heat source such as an electric burner, a tabletop gas burner, or a specialised electric hot pot burner. Ensure it is stable and safe to use.
• Place the pot: Place the hot pot on top of the heat source. A wide, relatively shallow pot is ideal. Chinese stainless steel hot pots are a popular choice due to their round shape and depth.
• Set up individual places:

• Place a plate or bowl at each setting for guests to put their cooked food.
• Provide each guest with a set of chopsticks, preferably bamboo or wooden ones as they are heat-resistant. Avoid plastic or metal chopsticks.
• Include a soup spoon and a fork or knife on each side of the plate.
• Set small bowls (such as Chinese rice bowls) for guests to mix their individual dipping sauces.
• Optionally, provide metal hot pot baskets or wire ladles for guests to cook and retrieve food from the pot.

• Add decorations: To enhance the dining experience, add some easy decorations to the table. For example, use newspapers from a Japanese or Chinese store as placemats, and sushi-making mats to add texture or colour. A single flower on each plate can also be a nice touch.
• Prepare the ingredients: Arrange the raw ingredients on plates or platters around the table. Include a variety of vegetables, meats, seafood, tofu, and starches, cut into thin slices or small pieces for quick cooking.
• Offer dipping sauces: Provide a selection of dipping sauces and condiments for guests to customise their own sauce. Common options include sesame sauce, peanut sauce, soy sauce, Chinese BBQ sauce, chilli garlic sauce, and Chinese black vinegar.
• Final touches: Ensure napkins, soy sauce dishes, and any other desired tableware are placed at each setting. For an extra touch, purchase Chinese or Japanese candy packages as chopstick holders or party favours.

Now you are all set for a fun and interactive hot pot dinner! Enjoy the delicious food and the company of your guests.

Frequently asked questions