Ella Walter
Hot pot BBQ sauce is a must-have condiment for hot pot, a Chinese dish where various ingredients are cooked in a pot of bubbling soup and enjoyed with a dipping sauce. While there are no rules when it comes to creating your own hot pot BBQ sauce, a typical combination includes crushed chilli, dark soy sauce, vinegar, and coriander. For a more unique twist, you could try adding lemon juice instead of vinegar for a hint of sweetness.
If you're looking for a ready-made option, Lee Kum Kee's Chilli Garlic Sauce is a great choice to mix with sesame oil and soy sauce. Or, for something different, try the Japanese-style shabu-shabu sesame sauce by Mizkan.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Garlic, Shacha sauce, coconut aminos, rice vinegar, scallion, toasted sesame oil, Thai chilli peppers, Chinese sesame paste, cashew butter, balsamic vinegar, chilli garlic sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, white miso paste, peanut butter, almond butter, hoisin sauce, chilli oil, sriracha, cilantro, light soy sauce, black vinegar, Chinese black vinegar, Shanghai rice vinegar, rice wine vinegar, fish sauce, red vinegar, green vinegar, white vinegar, XO sauce, fermented bean curd, white pepper, Sichuan peppercorn powder, sugar, MSG, chilli peppers, scallions, sesame seeds, lemon juice, Worcester sauce, crushed peanuts, BBQ sauce, coriander, dark soy sauce, garlic sauce, Laoganma spicy chilli oil, sesame sauces, soybean oil, Sichuan peppers, peanut, oyster sauce, leek flower sauce, chilli, garlic, shallots, brill fish, dried shrimp, salt, sesame paste, peanut butter, satay, pickled tofu, oyster sauce, sesame oil, water, broth, chilli oil, scallions, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, chilli flakes, tahini, chilli crisp, Lao gan ma chilli oil, black bean, fried soybeans, toasted sesame seeds |
What You'll Learn
Chinese sesame paste vs peanut butter
Chinese sesame paste and peanut butter are both common ingredients in hot pot sauces, but they have distinct characteristics that set them apart.
Chinese sesame paste is a thick, brown paste made from toasted sesame seeds, giving it a strong nutty aroma and flavour. It is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine and is used in various dishes, including noodles, salads, hot pot dipping sauces, and steamed buns. The paste is typically sold in glass jars with a layer of oil on top to preserve freshness. When using pure Chinese sesame paste, it is recommended to thin it with an equal amount of water before adding it to recipes.
On the other hand, peanut butter is a decent substitute for Chinese sesame paste, especially if you don't have any peanut allergies. It has a similar texture to the sesame paste but with a milder flavour.
When it comes to hot pot sauces, Chinese sesame paste is one of the most common bases, providing a hearty thickness and a satisfying coating for dipped ingredients. It is often thinned out with hot water to achieve a more pourable and dippable consistency. You can find jarred sesame paste or sesame sauce, which usually includes additional ingredients and is designed for hot pot or noodles. Some brands also offer sesame paste blended with peanuts for extra flavour.
In summary, while both Chinese sesame paste and peanut butter can be used in hot pot sauces, the former has a stronger nutty flavour and is typically thinned before use. Peanut butter, on the other hand, serves as a milder substitute, providing a similar texture without the need for thinning.
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ShaCha / Chinese BBQ sauce
ShaCha/Chinese BBQ sauce is a must-have for hot pot and is a ready-to-go explosion of flavour. It is a Chinese condiment made from oil, garlic, shallots, chillies, and seafood (usually brill fish and dried shrimp). The name, 沙茶酱, translates to "sand tea sauce". ShaCha sauce is primarily used in the cuisines of Fujian, Teochew (Chaozhou), and Taiwan. It is commonly used for stir-fries, hot pot dipping sauce, or marinating meats for grilling.
The most famous brand is the Bullhead brand, which is recognised by its silver can with a red lid and a smiling bull in an apron holding a fork and knife. The brand also makes a vegan version with a green lid. The sauce can be found in any Chinese grocery store, though it can also be purchased online. It can be stored in the refrigerator for months.
- Finely mince the garlic and shallot and grate the ginger. Separate them into 3 separate piles.
- In a heavy-bottom saucepan, start the pan cold with 4 tbsp avocado oil. Add the garlic and simmer over low heat to infuse the oil with garlic flavour. Stir with a wooden spoon until the garlic turns light golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- Add the shallot. Stir the sauce periodically for another 5 minutes. Make sure the aromatics aren't burnt. Keep the heat low.
- Add the ginger, 1 tsp salt, and the remaining 2 tbsp avocado oil and continue to gently bloom and infuse the oil over low heat for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sesame seeds, shrimp powder, and toasted sesame oil. Continue to stir the sauce and simmer for another 3 minutes.
- Add the shredded coconut, black pepper, coconut aminos, and Korean red pepper flakes (optional). Stir and bring it to a gentle simmer, about 3 minutes.
- Season with the remaining 1 tsp salt and turn off the heat.
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Soy sauce
Ingredients and Variations
- Soy sauce is a versatile ingredient that can be combined with various other components to create a unique hot pot sauce. Some popular pairings include soy sauce with sesame oil, garlic, green onions, and cilantro. You can also add an egg, peanut sauce, or Thai basil to your sauce.
- For a spicier sauce, incorporate Chinese BBQ sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, cilantro, green onion, white onion, minced garlic, and sliced serrano peppers.
- If you're feeling adventurous, try mixing soy sauce with black vinegar, cumin, green onions, and cilantro. For an extra kick, add a raw egg to the mix.
- For a more subtle flavour, combine soy sauce with garlic, Thai chilis, green onions, cilantro, Chinese black vinegar, and light soy sauce.
- If you're a fan of peanut butter, try mixing soy sauce with peanut butter, sesame sauce, garlic, Chinese black vinegar, and light soy sauce.
- To enhance the savoury flavour of your sauce, add a couple of scoops of sacha sauce, a Taiwanese specialty made with dried seafood, garlic, ginger, shallots, chilli, and oil.
Pro Tips
- When creating your own hot pot sauce, remember that there are no rules. Experiment with different ingredients and find the combinations that you enjoy the most.
- If you're looking for a quick and easy option, simply mix soy sauce with a bit of sesame oil and some chilli oil or chilli flakes.
- You can adjust the consistency of your sauce by adding water or broth. A thinner sauce is better for dipping, while a thicker sauce can be used as a glaze for grilled meats.
- If you want to tone down the saltiness of your sauce, balance it out with other strong flavours like fresh garlic, herbs, or vinegar.
- For a well-rounded sauce, aim for a combination of salty, spicy, sweet, and tangy flavours.
- Don't be afraid to get creative and make your own unique sauce combinations. You can tailor the ingredients to suit your personal taste and dietary preferences.
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Oyster sauce
Chinese Spicy Chili Garlic Hotpot Sauce
- 2 tbsp chili garlic sauce, or your preferred store-bought version
- 1 tbsp aged balsamic vinegar, or Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 0.5 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 bulb scallion, chopped
- 1 tsp toasted white sesame seeds
- 0.25 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce, or store-bought (optional)
Basic Hot Pot Dipping Sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese sesame paste
- 1 tbsp sha cha sauce
- 2 tsp light soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili oil (optional)
- 0.5 tsp oyster sauce
- 0.25 tsp sesame oil (optional)
- 0.25 tsp rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
- 1-3 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- 1 tbsp chopped scallion
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Fresh ingredients: garlic, scallions, cilantro, and chillies
Fresh ingredients are essential to a good hot pot BBQ sauce. Here are some tips on how to prepare and use garlic, scallions, cilantro, and chillies to make your sauce delicious and flavourful:
Garlic
Finely mince or crush the garlic cloves to release their strong aroma and flavour. You can also grate the garlic to create a paste-like consistency. Garlic is a key ingredient in hot pot sauces, adding a pungent and savoury taste to the overall profile.
Scallions
Also known as spring onions, scallions offer a mild onion flavour with a hint of sweetness. Chop the scallions into small pieces to release their flavour. You can use both the white and green parts of the scallion in your hot pot BBQ sauce.
Cilantro
Cilantro, also known as coriander leaves, adds a fresh and slightly citrusy flavour to your sauce. Finely chop the cilantro, including the stems, as they also pack a lot of flavour. Cilantro is an optional ingredient, so if you're not a fan, you can simply omit it or replace it with another herb, such as parsley.
Chillies
Chillies are a great way to add heat and flavour to your hot pot BBQ sauce. You can use fresh red or green chillies and chop them finely. Be cautious with the amount you add, as too much can overpower the other ingredients. If you want an extra kick, you can include the seeds, but be mindful that they are the spiciest part of the chilli. Alternatively, you can use dried chilli flakes or chilli powder for a more subtle heat.
These fresh ingredients form the foundation of your hot pot BBQ sauce, and you can adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different combinations and ratios to find your perfect sauce!
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Frequently asked questions
The basic ingredients are Chinese BBQ sauce (also known as Shacha sauce), light soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. You can also add other ingredients like oyster sauce, hoisin sauce, chili oil, and scallions to adjust the flavor to your taste.
Shacha sauce is a Chinese BBQ sauce made from dried seafood, garlic, ginger, shallots, chili, and oil. It adds a subtle but distinct savory flavor to dishes. You can find it in most Asian supermarkets or online, with the most famous brand being Bullhead Barbecue Sauce.
Hot pot BBQ sauce is very simple to make and requires zero cooking. Simply gather your desired ingredients and mix them together in a bowl. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
The consistency of the sauce is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can use less liquid ingredients or add a thickening agent like peanut butter or sesame paste. For a thinner sauce, simply add more liquid ingredients or water.
Homemade hot pot BBQ sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of water to thin it out.
