Which dipping sauce goes with which hotpot broth?

A good dipping sauce can completely transform your hotpot. The same ingredients suddenly taste very different with a creamy sesame dip, refreshing ponzu, or spicy chili sauce.

Which dipping sauce is best therefore depends not only on your personal taste, but also on the broth.

Here are four simple dipping sauces you can make yourself.

1. Spicy Szechuan Broth → Refreshing Garlic Dip

With a rich and spicy Szechuan broth, a fresh dipping sauce is a nice counterbalance.

For 2 people:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp black rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove minced garlic
• 1 spring onion, finely sliced
• Optional: a tiny bit of sugar

How to make it:

Mix all ingredients in a small bowl and let the sauce sit for a few minutes. The vinegar provides freshness and beautifully balances the spiciness of the broth.

2. Tomato Broth → Spicy Sesame Dip

Tomato broth has a slightly sweet and savory flavor. A creamy sesame dip with some chili creates a nice contrast.

For 2 people:

• 1½ tbsp Chinese sesame paste or tahini
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp chili oil
• 1–2 tbsp warm water
• ½ tsp sugar

How to make it:

Whisk the sesame paste with the soy sauce and gradually add warm water until you get a creamy sauce. Then mix in the sesame oil, chili oil, and sugar.

Tip: Add some extra warm water if you want to make the sauce thinner.

3. Mild Chicken Broth → Savory Peanut Dip

A mild broth allows for a more pronounced dipping sauce. This creamy peanut dip adds extra flavor and is especially delicious with chicken, tofu, and vegetables.

For 2 people:

• 2 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp honey or sugar
• 1–2 tbsp warm water
• Optional: a little chili

How to make it:

Mix the peanut butter with the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and honey. Gradually add warm water until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

4. Miso Broth → Fresh Ponzu Dip

Miso has a strong umami flavor. A fresh, ponzu-like dipping sauce creates a nice contrast.

For 2 people:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp lemon or lime juice
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• ½ tsp sesame oil
• 1 spring onion, finely sliced
• Optional: grated ginger

How to make it:

Mix everything together and taste. Add a little extra lemon juice if you want to make the sauce fresher.

Which combination should you try?

Broth	Dipping Sauce	Flavor
Sichuan	Garlic & black rice vinegar	Fresh & savory
Tomato	Spicy sesame	Creamy & aromatic
Chicken	Peanut Dip	Creamy & nutty
Miso	Ponzu	Fresh & umami

Of course, these are not fixed rules. Especially with hotpot, it's fun to experiment and discover your own favorite combination.

Making your perfect dipping sauce yourself

You can also create your own sauce with a simple base.

Savory: soy sauce
Creamy: sesame paste or peanut butter
Fresh: rice vinegar, lime, or lemon
Spicy: chili oil or fresh chili
Aromatic: garlic, ginger, or spring onion
Sweet: a little sugar or honey

Start with a small amount and taste as you go. This way, you can adjust the sauce exactly to your liking.

Prefer not to make your own dipping sauce?

Don't feel like weighing out different ingredients and making your own dipping sauce? With a ready-made hotpot sauce, you can quickly have a flavorful dip on the table.