Hotpot, also known as "steamboat" or "shabu-shabu," is a social dining experience that's becoming increasingly popular. Hotpot is all about gathering together and enjoying a meal where everyone cooks their own ingredients, from meat and vibrant vegetables to delicious noodles, in a pot of hot broth.
 

This concept originated over 2,000 years ago in China. Over the years, it has spread to countries like Japan and Korea, where it has developed its own regional flavours.
 

Hotpot plays an important role in Asian culture, which is what makes it so special. It’s not just about the food, but about the experience of cooking and enjoying it together. This interactive way of dining has also gained popularity in Western countries in recent years and is now a popular choice for an enjoyable evening with friends or a special occasion with family.
 

But, how does a hotpot actually work? And how do you organise a successful hotpot dinner?

click on the image below to see "how to throw a hotpot dinner party" - video
 

Hotpot essentials

A successful hotpot dinner starts with the right essentials! The hotpot itself is, of course, key; choose a pot with a divider for two types of broth, or use a large, heat-resistant pot. For heating, you’ll need an electric burner, gas stove, or induction cooktop to keep the broth at the perfect temperature.
 

Don't forget small bowls for the ingredients and chopsticks for an authentic experience. A hotpot sieve or tongs are also convenient for retrieving your bites from the broth without burning your hands.
 

With these essentials, you're already one step closer to an amazing hotpot experience.
 

Hotpot broth

The broth is what truly defines the hotpot! It serves as the base of the meal, where all the ingredients are submerged, absorbing rich flavours and delightful aromas. Traditionally, hotpot broths range from mild and umami to intensely spicy, such as Sichuan broth or pork broth.
 

Would you like to make your own hotpot broth? On our blog, you'll find recipes for a delicious tomato broth and pork broth. However, if you’re not in the mood to spend a long time in the kitchen, no worries! You can purchase ready-made hotpot broths from the website of Asianfoodlovers or your nearest Asian grocery store, such as satay broth or spicy Sichuan-style broth. This way, you can start right away and enjoy a delightful hotpot!
 

Delicious hotpot ingredients: meat, fish, and vegetarian favourites

A hotpot is truly complete with a delightful selection of meat, fish, and vegetarian options! What makes hotpot special is that your ingredients cook quickly while absorbing all the flavours of the broth!
 

Thinly sliced beef and pork are absolute favourites: they cook rapidly and remain wonderfully tender. You can also add beef balls, Japanese pork sausages, or dumplings for extra variety.
 

Prefer something from the sea? Shrimp, fish balls, and surimi sticks are perfect additions that give your hotpot a refreshing twist. For vegetarians, tofu, rice cakes, and vegan gyozas are delicious choices. With this versatile combination of meat, fish, and vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone in your hotpot!
 

Vegetables in hotpot: surprisingly delicious!

Vegetables are often overlooked, but in hotpot, they truly get the chance to shine! The flavourful broth brings out the best in even the simplest vegetables. Crisp greens like bok choy and Chinese cabbage, or leafy greens such as choy sum, spinach, and tong ho, absorb perfectly the flavours.

Mushrooms, for instance, enoki, shiitake, and shimeji add a delightful umami depth. For a rich crunch, starchy vegetables like lotus root, potato slices, and broccoli are also ideal choices. They are tender, flavourful and delicious.
 

Noodles: the perfect addition to your hotpot

No hotpot is complete without noodles! They soak up the flavourful broth and add a pleasant texture to your meal. Popular choices include rice noodles, udon noodles, and egg noodles, each with its own unique taste. Udon and egg noodles are excellent options because their firm texture holds up well in the broth; they absorb the flavours beautifully without becoming too soft.
 

Dip sauces: the perfect finishing touch to your hotpot

Dip sauces are essential for the ultimate hotpot experience! They add an extra burst of flavour to your meal and make every bite even more delicious. While you cook the various ingredients in the broth, these sauces provide the perfect finishing touch to enhance every bite.
 

On our blog, you’ll find recipes for delightful and easy dips, such as light sesame-soy sauce, sesame dip, and refreshing cilantro-lime sauce. Serve them in small bowls or set up a creative ‘do it yourself’ dip station where everyone can mix their favourite sauces. The recipes for these dips will be included at the dip station, making it easy to get started. With these dips, your hotpot experience will truly be unforgettable!