Skip to main content

Hot Pot at Home Easy Recipe

How to Make Hot Pot at Home the Easy Way (Step-by-Step Recipe)

How to Make Hot Pot at Home the Easy Way (Step-by-Step Recipe)

When I first tried making hot pot at home, I thought it would be complicated—like something that only belonged in a bustling Chinese restaurant. But the truth is, with the right ingredients, tools, and a little preparation, anyone can enjoy a comforting homemade dinner that’s interactive, aesthetic, and incredibly delicious. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through everything I’ve learned about making hot pot at home easy recipe style, from the broth to the set-up, plus tips for hosting your own hot pot party.

This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cost to you. Please read our full disclosure here to find out more.

What is Hot Pot?

Hot pot is a traditional Chinese dish that brings people together around a simmering pot of flavorful broth. Each guest cooks their own bite-sized portions of vegetables, meats, and noodles at the table. Think of it as a cozy, interactive dining experience. While China is famous for its spicy Sichuan broth, Japan has its lighter cousin called shabu shabu, where thinly sliced meats are “swished” in the pot. Both variations highlight the beauty of Asian cooking—simple, flavorful, and communal.

Hot Pot Essentials: What You Need to Get Started

Before diving into recipes, let’s talk about the essential set up. You’ll need:

  • A large pot or a divided hot pot (for two different broths).
  • A portable burner or an Instant Pot set to “sauté” or “keep warm.”
  • Long chopsticks, ladles, and small dipping bowls for sauces.
  • Plates or trays for arranging ingredients in an aesthetic way.

I love setting up the table with neatly arranged vegetables, paper-thin slices of beef, and colorful dipping sauces. Not only does it make the meal easier, but it also turns dinner into a visual feast.

Building the Perfect Broth

A good hot pot begins with a flavorful broth. You can keep it mild and herbal, or go bold with spicy Sichuan-style soup. Here are two base recipes I often use at home:

Traditional Mild Broth

  • 8 cups chicken stock
  • 4 slices fresh ginger
  • 3 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 dried shiitake mushrooms

Spicy Sichuan Broth

  • 8 cups chicken or beef stock
  • 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
  • 3–4 dried chili peppers
  • 3 tbsp chili bean paste
  • 4 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1-inch piece ginger

Both broths can be simmered for 20–30 minutes. If I’m short on time, I’ll cheat with a store-bought soup base, but I always add garlic and ginger for freshness.

Must-Have Ingredients for Hot Pot at Home

Once your broth is simmering, it’s time to prepare your ingredients. Here’s my go-to shopping list:

Proteins

  • 1/2 lb thinly sliced beef
  • 1/2 lb shrimp or fish fillets

Vegetables

  • 2 cups napa cabbage leaves
  • 2 cups baby bok choy
  • 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, or button)
  • 1 lotus root, peeled and thinly sliced

Carbs & Extras

  • 2 cups udon noodles or rice noodles
  • 1 pack tofu (firm, cubed)
  • 1 cup dumplings or wontons

Dipping Sauces

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp chili oil
  • 2 tbsp peanut sauce (optional)

Having a mix of protein, vegetables, and carbs makes the hot pot feel like a complete meal.

Step-by-Step Guide: Hot Pot at Home Easy Recipe

  1. Prepare the broth: Choose mild or spicy and let it simmer until fragrant.
  2. Arrange ingredients: Place everything on platters for an aesthetic presentation.
  3. Set up: Position your burner or Instant Pot at the center of the table.
  4. Cook: Add proteins like beef first, then vegetables, noodles, and dumplings.
  5. Dine: Dip, cook, and enjoy together. Sip the broth as it becomes richer.

The first time I tried this method, I was surprised at how smooth it went. Guests were laughing, sharing, and experimenting with sauces—it felt more like a cozy dinner party than cooking at home.

Amazon Recommendations for Hot Pot Essentials

1. Aroma Housewares Electric Hot Pot

This electric hot pot is compact, affordable, and perfect for small families. With adjustable heat settings, you can easily keep your broth simmering without worrying about it boiling over.
👉 Get the Aroma Electric Hot Pot here

2. HAIDILAO Authentic Beef Tallow Hot Pot Sauce Premium Spicy Hot Pot Soup Base

Want an authentic spicy flavor without the extra prep? This ready-made soup base gives you the bold, numbing taste of spicy Asian cooking in minutes. Just add it to your stock and you’re set.
👉 Try this Sichuan soup base for a spicy kick

Hosting a Hot Pot Dinner Party

Hot pot is one of the best homemade dinner ideas for groups. I recommend setting up buffet-style so everyone can grab their favorite ingredients. You can even create a DIY sauce bar with soy sauce, sesame oil, chili paste, and fresh herbs. Trust me, it makes the party lively and interactive.

Shabu Shabu vs. Chinese Hot Pot

If you’re curious about the difference between shabu shabu and Chinese hot pot:

  • Shabu shabu: Lighter broth, focus on thin meats, swished quickly.
  • Chinese hot pot: Bolder flavors, spicy broths, wider ingredient variety.

Aesthetic Hot Pot Set Up & Dining Experience

Presentation matters. I love arranging colorful vegetables in patterns, stacking mushrooms neatly, and serving sauces in small dipping bowls. Add some candles and you’ve created an aesthetic dining experience that’s both beautiful and memorable.

Conclusion

Making hot pot at home easy recipe style is less about perfection and more about sharing. Whether you choose a mild broth or go all-in on spicy Sichuan, it’s a traditional dish that celebrates togetherness. For me, hot pot isn’t just food—it’s laughter, warmth, and the joy of homemade dining. Try it for your next dinner party and discover why this Asian cooking tradition has been loved for centuries.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mexican Flank Steak Marinade

How to Make the Best Mexican Flank Steak Marinade (With a Chef’s Tip!) There’s something truly magical about a well-marinated steak sizzling on the grill, filling the air with rich, smoky aromas. I still remember my first experience with authentic Mexican Flank Steak Marinade. It was on a trip to Mexico, where I stumbled upon a tiny street food stand in Mexico City. The chef behind the grill had been marinating the steak since the morning, and when I finally took a bite of the juicy, flavorful carne asada taco, I knew I had to learn how to recreate it at home. Since then, I’ve tested countless recipes, fine-tuned the flavors, and even picked up a chef’s trick that makes the steak extra tender. In this post, I’ll share my best homemade Mexican Flank Steak Marinade with exact measurements, quick and easy tips, and product recommendations to elevate your cooking. Whether you're making taco meat, carne asada, or just wondering what to have for dinner, this marinade will become y...
Post a Comment
Read more

Shrimp Boil Recipe Stovetop

This One-Pot Stovetop Shrimp Boil Will Be Your New Go-To Recipe! There’s nothing quite like a classic shrimp boil—the bold flavors of juicy shrimp, tender potatoes, sweet corn, and smoky sausage all cooked together in a spicy, buttery broth. Traditionally, shrimp boils are cooked outdoors in huge pots, making them a summer staple. But what if I told you that you can achieve the same delicious taste at home with a one-pot stovetop shrimp boil? Yes, it’s totally doable, and I’m here to show you how! I first made this stovetop shrimp boil on a chilly evening when I was craving seafood but had no interest in standing outside over a giant boiling pot. After some trial and error, I found the perfect balance of Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, and a rich butter sauce to make this dish just as flavorful as the traditional version. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and budget-friendly—perfect for a cozy family dinner or a fun gathering with friends. This post may contain affiliate links at no extra cos...
Post a Comment
Read more

Grilled Fish Tacos with Tangy Cabbage Slaw

How to Make the Best Grilled Fish Tacos with Tangy Cabbage Slaw (So Easy!) There’s something truly magical about biting into a perfectly grilled fish taco. The smoky, charred edges of the fish, the fresh crunch of cabbage slaw, and the zing of a creamy cilantro lime sauce—it’s a flavor explosion in every bite! As someone who adores fresh, vibrant meals that come together effortlessly, I can tell you these grilled fish tacos with cabbage slaw are a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. I still remember my first attempt at making fish tacos at home. I was skeptical about getting the seasoning just right, worried that my fish would stick to the grill, and unsure if I could replicate the flavors I had enjoyed at my favorite coastal taco joint. But after a few tries and some simple tweaks, I found the ultimate recipe that delivers the best balance of smoky, tangy, crunchy, and spicy flavors. And now, I’m sharing it with you! This post may contain affiliate...
Post a Comment
Read more