Name: Sichuan Spicy Hot Pot
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 75 min
Total time: 105 min
Yield: Serves 6-8
Ingredients: 8 cups chicken stock or water; 1/4 cup Sichuan peppercorns; 1/3 cup dried red chili peppers, halved and seeds removed; 8 cloves garlic, smashed; 2-inch piece ginger, sliced; 3 tablespoons doubanjiang (Sichuan spicy bean paste); 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, rinsed; 1/4 cup Sichuan hot pot base (or 1/3 cup chili oil); 3 scallions, cut into 2-inch pieces; 2 star anise pods; 1 cinnamon stick; 1 pound thinly sliced beef (ribeye or sirloin); 1 pound assorted seafood (shrimp, fish balls, squid); 1 pound assorted vegetables (napa cabbage, mushrooms, tofu, spinach); 8 ounces rice or glass noodles

Instructions

Prepare the hot pot base

In a large pot, add chicken stock, Sichuan peppercorns, dried chili peppers, garlic, ginger, doubanjiang, fermented black beans, and hot pot base or chili oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Add aromatics

Once simmering, add scallions, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 20-30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. The broth should be deeply fragrant and reddish-brown in color.
Prepare dipping ingredients

While the broth simmers, arrange all your raw ingredients on platters. Slice meat paper-thin (freezing it slightly beforehand makes this easier). Cut vegetables into bite-sized pieces that will cook quickly. Prepare a simple dipping sauce by combining minced garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chopped cilantro.
Set up the hot pot

Transfer the hot broth to a large hot pot or electric hot pot set in the center of the dining table. The broth should be kept at a gentle simmer. Arrange all the prepared raw ingredients around the hot pot so everyone can access them easily.
Cook and eat

Each diner uses their chopsticks or a small strainer to add ingredients to the simmering broth. Thinly sliced meat cooks in 10-30 seconds, while vegetables may take 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, dip the items in your sauce and enjoy. Continue cooking and eating at a leisurely pace.
Finish with noodles

Toward the end of the meal, add noodles to the broth, which will have become even more flavorful from all the ingredients cooked in it. The noodles will absorb the rich flavors and make a satisfying end to the meal.

Sichuan Spicy Hot Pot

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutritional Information