Chinese Hot Pot

Instructions

1. Prepare the broth
   In a large hot pot or divided pot, combine chicken and beef broths. Add Sichuan peppercorns, minced garlic, sliced ginger, and doubanjiang. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes before serving.
2. Arrange ingredients
   While the broth is simmering, arrange all the raw ingredients on serving platters. Slice the meat as thinly as possible (partially freezing it first helps with this). Arrange beef and lamb on one platter, tofu and mushrooms on another, and vegetables on a third.
3. Prepare dipping sauces
   Set out small individual bowls for each person. Provide sesame oil, soy sauce, chili oil, minced garlic, chopped cilantro, and chopped green onions so everyone can create their own custom dipping sauce.
4. Begin the hot pot experience
   Place the simmering broth in the center of the table on a portable burner to keep it hot throughout the meal. Provide each person with a small wire basket or ladle for cooking their selections in the broth.
5. Cook and eat
   Invite diners to cook their chosen ingredients in the simmering broth. Thinly sliced meats will cook in 20-30 seconds, while vegetables and tofu might take 2-3 minutes. Everyone should fish out their cooked items, dip them in their sauce, and enjoy immediately.
6. Finish with noodles
   Toward the end of the meal, add the soaked rice noodles to the broth, which has now become incredibly flavorful from all the ingredients. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tender, then serve the broth and noodles as a final course.