Sizzling Secrets: Essential Asian Condiments For The Perfect Hot Pot

Hot pot is a fun and social meal to share with family and friends. It's a great dining event and a welcome break from routine. It's a very personal meal, as each person can mix their own dipping sauce and choose exactly what they want to eat.

The basic idea is that you have a pot of broth simmering on the table, and everyone cooks their own food in it. You can use a variety of broths, from spicy to herbal, and you can add all kinds of ingredients, such as meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Everyone can customise their meal by dipping their cooked food in their own unique sauce.

There are many different types of hot pot, with regional variations across Asia. For example, in Japan, hot pots are known as nabemono, and there are many variations including sukiyaki, yosenabe, and shabu-shabu. In China, hot pot is especially popular during the colder months, and there are many regional variations, from fiery red and spicy in Sichuan and Chongqing, to milky and herbal.

Spicy garlic hot sauce

Ingredients

The key ingredients for a spicy garlic hot sauce are:

• Garlic – finely mince or grate the garlic to release its aromatic flavour.
• Chili peppers or chili flakes – these add heat to your sauce. You can use fresh chili peppers, dried chili peppers, or chili flakes. Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) is a great option for a hint of sweetness and smokiness without overwhelming the garlic.
• Oil – avocado oil, vegetable oil, or another neutral oil is ideal for infusing the garlic flavour. Sesame oil can also be added for extra sesame flavour.
• Vinegar – Chinese black vinegar or balsamic vinegar adds a tangy kick to your sauce.
• Salt – brings out the flavours and seasons the sauce.
• Sugar – a little sugar balances the spice and adds a touch of sweetness.

Optional Ingredients

You can experiment with additional ingredients to make your sauce even more unique:

• Ginger – grate some ginger to add a warm, spicy flavour.
• Soy sauce – light soy sauce can be used to thin out the sauce and add saltiness.
• Oyster sauce – for an extra savoury, umami flavour.
• Sichuan peppercorn powder – for a tingly, numbing sensation on your tongue.
• Toasted sesame seeds – for added nuttiness and texture.

Method

• Start with a cold saucepan and add avocado oil (or another neutral oil) and your minced garlic. Turn the heat to low and simmer until the garlic is lightly golden, infusing the oil with flavour.
• Add the ginger and salt, stirring gently for a couple of minutes.
• Toss in the chili flakes, sugar, sesame seeds, and sesame oil (if using). Continue to simmer and stir for a few minutes.
• Add the vinegar and Sichuan peppercorn powder (if using). Stir everything together and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer before turning off the heat.
• Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature, then transfer it to a glass jar and store it in the fridge.

Tips

• Use low and slow heat to infuse the oil and bloom the spices, taking care not to burn the aromatics, which can create a bitter taste.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed – you can add more salt or sugar to suit your preference.
• This sauce will last for about a month in the fridge, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it for weeks!

Now you're ready to dip, dunk, and savour your hot pot creations with a delicious spicy garlic hot sauce!

Taiwanese Shacha sauce

Shacha sauce is made from soybean oil, garlic, shallots, chillies, Chinese brill, and dried shrimp. It is a versatile condiment and can be used as a soup base, a barbeque meat rub, a dipping sauce, or a seasoning for stir-fries. It is a key ingredient in hot pot dipping sauces, adding a savoury umami flavour to the dish.

The most popular brand of Shacha sauce is Bullhead, which is available at any Chinese grocery store. It is made with dried halibut, shrimp, and no peanuts, giving it a distinct savoury taste. Shacha sauce is an adaptation of Southeast Asian satay sauce, which is typically made with peanuts and has a sweeter flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp Taiwanese Shacha sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp chopped red chilli (optional)
• 2-3 tbsp chopped green onion
• 1.5 tbsp black vinegar

Instructions:

Simply mix all the ingredients together in a small bowl, and use it as a dipping sauce for your hot pot! Adjust the quantities to your taste preference.

Shacha sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that can elevate your hot pot experience. It is a must-have for anyone looking to add an authentic Taiwanese flavour to their hot pot.

Japanese sesame miso

Ingredients and Preparation:

The key ingredients for Japanese sesame miso are white miso paste, made from fermented soybeans and rice, and toasted sesame oil, which adds a rich, nutty flavour. Other ingredients include rice vinegar, maple syrup, ground ginger, and toasted sesame seeds. To make the condiment, simply whisk together the miso paste, rice vinegar, maple syrup, and sesame oil until smooth. Then, stir in the ground ginger and toasted sesame seeds. That's it! You'll have a delicious, creamy, and tangy condiment ready in minutes.

Storage and Shelf Life:

Serving Suggestions:

This condiment is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Salad dressing: Drizzle it over green salads, pasta salads, or Buddha bowls.
• Veggie dip: Use it as a dip for raw or grilled vegetables, such as sweet potato fries or eggplant.
• Tofu topper: Spoon it over pan-fried tofu or tempeh for a flavour boost.
• Stir-fry sauce: Add it to a stir-fry just before serving for a tangy twist.
• Noodle bowls: Drizzle it over chilled noodle bowls, like soba noodles or zoodles.
• Pizza crust: For a unique twist, spread some sesame miso on your pizza crust before baking.

Customisation and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of chilli flakes or chopped chillies for a spicy kick.
• Go soy-free: Use chickpea miso instead of white miso for a soy-free version.
• Sweetness variations: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your taste, or substitute it with another liquid sweetener like agave syrup or rice malt syrup.

Hot Pot Condiment:

• Dipping sauce: Use it as a dipping sauce for your hot pot ingredients. It will add a tangy, nutty flavour to your cooked meats, seafood, and vegetables.
• Broth base: You can also add a small amount of Japanese sesame miso to your hot pot broth to give it a unique flavour profile. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences.

Chinese sesame paste

Creamy Garlic Sesame Sauce

• 1.5 tbsp of sesame paste
• 1 tsp of dashi powder
• 2.5 tbsp of black vinegar
• 1 tbsp of minced garlic

Sarah's Hot Pot Dipping Sauce

• 2.5 tbsp sesame paste
• 1 tbsp Sha Cha sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp chopped scallions
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (optional)

Basic Hot Pot Dipping Sauce

• 1 tbsp Chinese sesame paste
• 1 tbsp sha cha sauce
• 2 tsp light soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp oyster sauce
• 1/4 tsp sesame oil (optional)
• 1/4 tsp rice vinegar or Chinese black vinegar
• 1-3 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tbsp chopped scallion

Sichuan hot pot

To make the Sichuan hot pot soup base, simply follow these steps:

• In a wok over medium heat, add oil and ginger. Cook the ginger for about a minute until it caramelizes without burning.
• Add bay leaves, whole garlic cloves, cinnamon stick, star anise, and cloves. Cook for another 2 minutes, infusing the oil with their fragrance.
• Toss in the Sichuan peppercorns, whole dried red chillies, and spicy hot pot soup base. Cook for an additional 2 minutes.
• Pour in the chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Transfer the soup to a wide and deep pot that's ideal for hot pot.

Now, for the fun part – assembling the hot pot! Here are some suggestions for ingredients to cook in the broth and condiments to create your personalized dipping sauce:

Protein and Vegetables:

• Thinly shaved beef or lamb
• Assorted fish balls (available pre-made at Asian grocery stores)
• Thinly sliced white fish fillets (such as tilapia or sea bass)
• Soy puffs (fried tofu puffs)
• Glass noodles (mung bean vermicelli)
• Frozen dumplings or wontons
• Chinese rice cakes
• Choy sum or bok choy
• Fresh shrimp
• Mushrooms (shiitake, wood ear, or others)
• Other veggies (leafy greens, corn, pumpkin, etc.)

Dipping Sauce Condiments:

• Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar
• Sesame paste or peanut butter
• ShaCha / Chinese BBQ Sauce
• Light soy sauce
• Oyster sauce
• Sesame oil
• Fish sauce
• Hoisin sauce
• Chili oil or paste
• Chopped garlic, scallions, and cilantro
• Roasted chopped peanuts
• Toasted sesame seeds

Simply plug in your electric hot plate, place the prepared pot of broth on top, and bring it to a low boil. Provide a variety of raw ingredients and condiments for dipping sauce around it. Let everyone mix their own unique dipping sauces, cook their chosen ingredients in the hot pot, and enjoy their customized feast!

Frequently asked questions