What is Sichuan Hotpot?

Sichuan Hotpot originates from the Chinese city of Chongqing and the province of Sichuan. Originally, it was a meal for laborers who cooked inexpensive ingredients in a heavily spiced broth. It has since become one of China's most popular dishes.

The flavor is determined by:

• Sichuan pepper
• Dried chili peppers
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Star anise
• Cinnamon
• Bean paste (Doubanjiang)

This combination creates a deep, spicy flavor that is both hot and surprisingly fresh.

Ingredients (2-4 people)

For the broth

• 1 packet Sichuan Hotpot Soup Base
• 1.5 liters water or beef broth
• 2 cm fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 spring onion

Meat

• 300 grams thinly sliced beef
• 150 grams lamb (optional)

Vegetables

• Napa cabbage
• Bok choy
• Lotus root
• Enoki mushrooms
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Broccoli

Other

• Tofu
• Glass noodles
• Dumplings (optional)

Dipping sauce

A creamy sesame or peanut sauce pairs perfectly with the spicy broth.

How to make it

Step 1

Bring the soup base to a boil with the water.

Then add the ginger, garlic, and spring onion and let the broth simmer gently for about ten minutes.

Step 2

Meanwhile, cut all ingredients into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on different plates.

This allows everyone to easily choose what they want to cook in the hotpot during the meal.

Step 3

Start with firmer ingredients such as tofu, broccoli, and mushrooms.

These need a little more time to cook through.

Step 4

Then add the beef.

Because the meat is sliced very thinly, it usually only needs 15 to 30 seconds.

Step 5

Finally, add the glass noodles.

These perfectly absorb the flavor of the broth.

Step 6

Remove the ingredients from the pot and dip them in a delicious sesame, original, or spicy dipping sauce.

Which ingredients pair well with Sichuan Hotpot?

Almost anything can go into a hotpot, but these ingredients are real favorites:

• Thinly sliced beef
• Shrimp
• Bok choy
• Napa cabbage
• Enoki mushrooms
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Lotus root
• Tofu
• Glass noodles
• Dumplings

It's precisely the combination of different textures that makes a hotpot so special.

Tips for the perfect hotpot

• Always use thinly sliced meat.
• Set out all ingredients on the table beforehand.
• Add ingredients little by little.
• Use different dipping sauces.
• Drink plenty of water or tea during the meal; this soothes the spiciness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sichuan Hotpot very spicy?

Yes. The traditional version is quite spicy. You can easily adjust the intensity by adding more water or choosing a milder soup base.

What kind of pot do I need?

An electric hotpot with temperature control is ideal. This keeps the broth at the perfect temperature throughout the entire dinner.

What dipping sauce goes with it?

A creamy sesame or peanut dipping sauce provides a delicious counterpoint to the spicy broth.

Discover the taste of China

With a good hotpot, an authentic Sichuan soup base, and fresh ingredients, you can bring the atmosphere of a traditional Chinese hotpot restaurant right to your own dining table.

Whether you're eating with family, friends, or colleagues: hotpot is all about coziness, cooking together, and most importantly, enjoying together.

Enjoy your meal!