Hot Pot Feast: Catering For A Crowd

Hosting a hot pot party for 10 guests? It's a fun and interactive dining experience, but how much will it cost?

The cost of hot pot depends on several factors, including the type of broth, ingredients, and whether you dine out or cook at home. At a restaurant, hot pot can range from $15 to $60 per person, with all-you-can-eat options starting at $25. For a group of 10, an all-you-can-eat restaurant might be the most cost-effective option, averaging $250 for the group.

If you opt for an à la carte hot pot restaurant, the price can go up to $60 per person, so for 10 people, you'd be looking at a bill of $600 or more. On the other hand, Chinese hot pot chains offer a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $15 to $25 per person, which would be $150 to $250 for a group of 10.

However, if you're cooking at home, hot pot becomes much more budget-friendly. The broth itself is inexpensive, costing only a few dollars for multiple servings. For 10 people, you can expect to pay around $10 per person for ingredients like broth, meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles. So, for a group of 10, the total cost would be around $100.

So, whether you're dining out or cooking at home, hot pot is a great option for a fun and interactive meal with friends. Just remember to plan and budget accordingly!

Hot pot equipment

Hot pot is a fun and interactive meal to make with friends and family. Here is a list of the essential equipment you will need to host a hot pot party for 10 guests:

The Hot Pot

The most important piece of equipment is, of course, the hot pot itself. You will need a large pot with a heating element underneath to keep the broth bubbling. An electric hot pot set is a good option, or you can use a large pot with a portable gas stove or electric burner. If you want to offer your guests a choice between two types of broth, a split pot is a great option. This allows you to serve a spicy broth on one side and a mild broth on the other.

Chopsticks

Each guest should have two sets of chopsticks. One set will be used for cooking the raw ingredients in the hot pot, and the other set will be used for eating the cooked food. This helps to prevent cross-contamination.

Bowls and Plates

Each guest will need a bowl for their cooked food and a small plate for their dipping sauce. It is also helpful to have a slotted ladle or small strainer for guests to fish their cooked food out of the hot pot.

Dipping Sauces

Providing a variety of dipping sauces is essential for a hot pot party. Some popular options include sesame paste-based sauce, Shacha sauce (perfect for seafood), and a combination of toasted sesame oil and grated garlic. You can also provide a DIY sauce station with individual elements like minced cilantro, oyster sauce, sesame oil, black vinegar, and garlic for your guests to mix and match.

Ingredients

While ingredients are not equipment per se, they are a crucial component of the hot pot experience. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Proteins: thinly sliced beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and fish
• Shellfish: mussels, clams, lobster, crab, and shrimp
• Vegetables: Napa cabbage, bok choy, mushrooms, potatoes, corn, and squash
• Tofu and soy bean products: firm tofu, fried tofu puffs, frozen tofu, and yuba sheets
• Noodles: udon, ramen, shirataki, and hand-pulled noodles
• Dumplings: potstickers, gyoza, and pork dumplings

Hot pot ingredients

Hot pot is a highly customisable meal, so you can choose whatever ingredients you like! However, here are some ideas for what to include.

Broth

The broth forms the base of your hot pot. You can buy pre-made hot pot broth or make your own. Here are some options for what to include:

• Chicken broth
• Beef broth
• Pork bone broth
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Daikon radish
• Green onions
• Ginger
• Goji berries
• Aromatics like fresh ginger, cilantro, Thai basil, garlic, green onions, red chillies, star anise, or cinnamon

Meat

Meat is a popular choice for hot pot. It's best to thinly slice the meat so that it cooks quickly. Here are some options:

• Beef short ribs
• Fatty beef (brisket or chuck)
• Leg of lamb
• Presliced pork belly
• Thinly sliced pork loin
• Ribeye steak
• Wagyu steak
• Chicken
• Meatballs
• Lamb shoulder
• Filet mignon
• Pork shoulder

Seafood

Seafood is another popular choice for hot pot. Here are some options:

• Shrimp
• Scallops
• Squid
• Clams
• Mussels
• Fish balls
• Manila clams
• Fish tofu
• Fish roe

Vegetables

You can include any vegetables you like in your hot pot. Here are some options:

• Napa cabbage
• Baby bok choy
• Daikon radish
• Enoki mushrooms
• Yu choy
• Mountain yam
• Taro
• Lotus root
• Celtuce
• Kabocha squash
• Potato
• Chrysanthemum greens
• Lettuce
• Watercress
• Bok choy
• Mushrooms
• Green onions
• Radish
• Wood ear mushroom
• Oyster mushroom

Noodles and starches

Noodles and other starches are a great addition to your hot pot. Here are some options:

• Vermicelli noodles
• Glass noodles
• Rice noodles
• Udon noodles
• Yam noodles
• Cellophane noodles
• Ramen
• Instant ramen
• Rice
• Dumplings

Hot pot prep

Hosting a hot pot party is a fun and interactive way to feed a crowd. Here is a step-by-step guide to preparing a hot pot feast for ten guests.

Choose your broth

The type of broth you use is one of the most important considerations when planning a hot pot party. It is essential to choose a flavour that will please all your guests. You can either make your own broth or buy a hot pot broth base from an Asian grocery store or online. If you make your own, a simple no-sodium chicken stock can be dressed up with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, toasted sesame oil, ginger, and scallions. For a Japanese dashi flavour, season with soy sauce, sake, mirin, and a touch of sugar.

Shop for ingredients

When shopping for ingredients, head to an Asian grocery store if possible, as they will have the widest selection. If not, a regular grocery store will have some suitable options. For ten people, buy around 5 pounds of protein, 5 pounds of vegetables, and 5 packs of fish balls. For protein, include a variety of thinly sliced meat such as beef, lamb, pork, and chicken. For seafood, options such as shrimp, squid, scallops, mussels, and fish balls are popular. For vegetables, choose a variety of leafy greens and root vegetables such as Napa cabbage, bok choy, spinach, mushrooms, daikon, potatoes, and corn. Don't forget the tofu! Firm or extra firm tofu, sliced into bite-sized pieces, is a great option.

Prep the ingredients

Wash, trim, and cut all the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Peel and cut the potatoes. Remove tofu from its package and slice into bite-sized pieces. Cut fish fillets into small chunks and marinate them with a light seasoning of salt, sugar, cornstarch, and neutral oil. If using frozen meat, place it in the freezer 20-30 minutes before slicing to achieve the thinnest cuts.

Set the table

In the centre of the table, place a portable burner with a pot of broth on top. Ensure the broth is heated and bubbling. Arrange all the ingredients on platters or trays around the pot, keeping similar items together (e.g., meats, seafood, vegetables, tofu, dumplings). Provide each guest with two sets of chopsticks (one for handling raw food and one for cooked food), a bowl, a small dipping sauce bowl, and a napkin.

Cook and enjoy!

Now it's time to cook and enjoy your hot pot! Add items to the pot little by little, cooking and eating as you go. Start with ingredients that take longer to cook, such as cabbage and fish tofu. For meat, dip each piece into the broth until it is cooked to your liking, being careful not to overcook. As items are finished cooking, dip them in your chosen sauce and enjoy. Keep replenishing the platters throughout the meal. Once most of the meat and vegetables are eaten, finish off with a noodle soup, cooking noodles directly in the broth.

Hot pot cooking times

Hot pot is a fun and interactive meal, but it can be a little intimidating if you're new to it. The good news is that it's a low-stress way to have a fun and interactive meal with friends and family.

Here's a guide to hot pot cooking times to ensure your hot pot party is a success.

Meat

Meat is usually sliced thinly for hot pot. As a general rule, meat should be cooked per bite as it cooks quickly. Beef will only need about 10 seconds in the hot pot, while pork, chicken, and lamb can take up to 2 minutes.

Seafood

Seafood cooks quickly. Shrimp balls, for example, only need about a minute, while octopus is a little trickier and will be chewy and tough if over or undercooked. Aim for a sweet spot of 1-2 minutes.

Vegetables

Leafy greens like Napa cabbage and bok choy only need a quick dip in the hot pot—just long enough to become tender and soak up some flavour. Root vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and sweet potatoes will take longer—around 4-8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook root vegetables, as they may disintegrate into the broth.

Noodles

Noodles should be cooked according to the package instructions. Udon noodles, for example, take about 1-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook noodles, as they will disintegrate.

Tofu

Tofu can go in the hot pot for as long or as little as you like. Fresh tofu will only need a minute or two, while frozen tofu will need a little longer—around 2 minutes.

Dumplings and meatballs

Cook dumplings according to the package instructions. Meatballs will need about 2 minutes in the hot pot.

Remember, different foods have different cooking times, so it's best to add ingredients to the hot pot gradually and try to pace it to your eating speed. Enjoy the social aspect of hot pot and take your time!

Hot pot dipping sauces

Hot pot is a highly customizable meal, and the same goes for the dipping sauces. The sauces can be made from scratch or bought at the store, and there are endless combinations of ingredients to include. Here are some ideas for hot pot dipping sauces for 10 guests:

Light Sesame Soy

This simple recipe combines sesame oil, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, minced garlic, and chopped spring onion. To add a crunchy texture, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

Chilli Oil Vinegar Dip

Chilli oil is the star of this recipe, adding a wonderful flavour and 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

This creamy sauce includes peanut butter, minced garlic, and chopped coriander.

Honey Miso Dip

This easy dip sauce recipe balances sweet, salty, and savoury flavours. It includes chopped spring onion, chopped coriander, and honey.

Spicy Peanut Dip

This dip is perfect for meat and includes peanut butter, spicy bean paste, and chopped spring onion.

Classic Spicy and Sweet Chilli

This classic sauce is perfect for dipping meat and vegetable dishes. Combine equal parts chilli paste and sweet chilli sauce, then add some garlic and onion powder. For extra heat, add chilli flakes or dried chilli.

Hot and Sour Garlic Sauce

This sauce includes a packet of McDonald's garlic chilli sauce, black or rice vinegar, and light soy sauce.

Creamy Garlic Sesame Paste

A popular choice, this sauce includes sesame paste, dashi powder, black vinegar, and minced garlic.

Spicy Garlic Hot Sauce

This sauce includes minced garlic, red chilli, green onion, Korean red chilli flakes, ground Sichuan pepper, sesame seeds, black vinegar, and oyster sauce.

Taiwanese Shacha Dipping Sauce

This sauce includes minced garlic, chopped red chilli, chopped green onion, Taiwanese Shacha sauce, and black vinegar.

DIY Hot Pot Dipping Sauce Station

For a fun and interactive option, set up a DIY hot pot dipping sauce station for your guests. Prepare some common ingredients such as garlic, cilantro, green onion, and red chilli, and let your guests create their own unique sauces.

Frequently asked questions