Chongqing hotpot, also known as Sichuan hotpot, is a popular and spicy Chinese dish that involves cooking a variety of ingredients in a pot of simmering, flavourful broth. Here’s a basic guide on how to cook Chongqing hotpot at home:
Ingredients:
For the Hotpot Broth:
- 8 cups (2 liters) beef or chicken broth
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup Sichuan peppercorns
- 4-6 dried red chilies (adjust to taste)
- 3 slices ginger
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (broad bean paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt to taste
For the Hotpot Ingredients (Choose a variety):
- Thinly sliced beef and lamb
- Shrimp and other seafood
- Various mushrooms (shiitake, enoki, oyster)
- Tofu and tofu products (tofu skin, tofu puffs)
- Noodles (glass noodles or udon)
- Leafy greens (bok choy, Chinese cabbage)
- Dumplings and wontons
For Dipping Sauce:
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Chopped green onions
- Minced garlic
- Chopped cilantro
- Sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chilies, ginger, and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- Add doubanjiang and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
- Pour in the broth, soy sauce, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil and then simmer for at least 20-30 minutes to infuse flavors.
2. Set Up the Hotpot:
- Place the hotpot on a portable stove in the center of the dining table.
- Arrange the prepared hotpot ingredients around the table, making it accessible to everyone.
3. Cooking:
- Once the broth is simmering, guests can use chopsticks to cook their desired ingredients in the hotpot. Cooking times vary (meat and seafood cook quickly, while vegetables may take longer).
- Retrieve cooked ingredients with chopsticks and dip them in the prepared dipping sauce.
4. Enjoy:
Experiment with different combinations of ingredients and adjust the spiciness of the broth according to your preference. Chongqing hotpot is not only a delicious meal but also a social and interactive dining experience.
Note: Be cautious with the Sichuan peppercorns, as they can be quite numbing. Adjust the quantity based on your tolerance for heat and numbness.
Feel free to customize the recipe based on your preferences and enjoy the vibrant flavors of Chongqing hotpot at home!