Welcome to the enticing world of Chinese hot pot! As we embark on this culinary journey, we'll explore the rich cultural tapestry and diverse choices that make hot pot a beloved tradition in China. From the bustling streets of Shanghai to the comfort of your own home, hot pot brings people together for a shared experience of warmth, spice and communal dining.

Hot pot basics:

Let's start with the foundation - the broth. Whether you opt for a classic hot pot soup, a clear and comforting broth, or a savoury mushroom-infused concoction, the choices are as varied as the regions of China. The double-flavour hot pot is a popular choice, allowing both spice enthusiasts and those with milder palates to savour the experience together.

火锅锅底(huǒ guō guō dǐ)：hot pot soup

清汤锅底(qīng tāng guō dǐ)：soup pot

菌汤锅底(jun tāng guō dǐ)：mushroom soup pot

九宫格火锅(jiǔ gōng gé huǒ guō)：trellis hot pot

鸳鸯锅(yuān yāng guō)：double-flavour hot pot

中辣(zhōng là)：moderately spicy

微辣(wēi là)：mildly spicy

特辣(tè là)：very spicy

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Savouring the small delights:

No hot pot adventure is complete without an array of delectable seasonings. From the nutty richness of sesame paste to the sweet and savoury notes of hoisin sauce, the flavour journey continues with chili sauce, fermented bean curd, soy sauce, and oyster sauce. These condiments, combined with garlic, chopped scallions, coriander, and various peppers, elevate the hot pot experience to a symphony of tastes.

芝麻酱(zhī má jiàng)：sesame paste

海鲜酱(hǎi xiān jiàng)：hoisin sauce

辣椒酱(là jiāo jiàng)：chili sauce

豆腐乳(dòu fǔ rǔ)：fermented bean curd

酱油(jiàng yóu)：soy sauce

蚝油(háo yóu)：oyster sauce

大蒜(dà suàn)：garlic

葱花(cōng huā)：chopped scallions

香菜(xiāng cài)：coriander

青椒(qīng jiāo)：green pepper

红辣椒(hóng là jiāo)：chilli

A feast of ingredients:

As we immerse ourselves in the hot pot feast, a plethora of ingredients await. Vegetables like Chinese cabbage, water spinach, and broccoli; meats including sliced mutton, beef, and duck blood curd; and a selection of seafood such as crab meat, prawns, and abalone, all contribute to the harmonious blend of flavours in the bubbling broth.

Vegetables

白菜(bái cài)：Chinese cabbage

空心菜(kōng xīn cài)：water spinach

油麦菜/生菜(yóu mài cài/shēng cài)：lettuce

茼蒿(tóng hāo)：crown daisy

菠菜(bō cài)：spinach

豆芽(dòu yá)：bean sprout

西兰花(xī lán huā)：broccoli

花菜(huā cài)：cauliflower

海带(hǎi dài)：seaweed

山药(shān yào)：Chinese yam

金针菇(jīn zhēn gū)：needle mushroom

Meats

羊肉卷(yáng ròu juǎn)：sliced mutton

肥牛(féi niú)：beef

牛百叶(niú bǎi yè)：omasum

牛蹄筋(niú tí jīn)：beef tendon

毛肚(máo dù)：tripe

鸭血(yā xuè)：duck blood curd

鹌鹑蛋(ān chún dàn)：quail eggs

Seafood

蟹肉(xiè ròu)：crab meat

大虾(dà xiā)：prawn

龙虾(lóng xiā)：lobster

小龙虾(xiǎo lóng xiā)：crawfish

扇贝(shàn bèi)：scallop

鲍鱼(bào yú)：abalone

Crafting the perfect bite:

Meatballs, a hot pot favourite, come in various forms - shrimp, beef, pork, and fish - each adding its unique texture to the mix. The art of crafting the perfect bite involves a delicate dance between dipping and cooking, creating a symphony of flavours with every mouthful.

虾丸(xiā wán)：shrimp balls

撒尿牛丸(sā niào niú wán)：juicy beef balls

牛肉丸(niú ròu wán)：beef meatballs

猪肉丸(zhū ròu wán)：pork meatballs

脆皮肠(cuì pí cháng)：crispy sausage

鱼丸(yú wán)：fish balls

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Essentials for hot pot enthusiasts:

For those eager to recreate this experience at home, a set of essential tools is required: A portable burner or an induction cooker provides the heat needed for the bubbling pot, while chopsticks, small strainers, and shallow bowls complete the ensemble for a truly authentic hot pot affair.

便携式炉灶(biàn xié shì lú zào)：portable burner

电磁炉(diàn cí lú)：induction cooker

筷子(kuài zǐ)：chopsticks

小漏勺(xiǎo lòu sháo)：small strainers

浅碗(qiǎn wǎn)：shallow bowl

Join us in embracing the rich tapestry of Chinese hot pot culture and elevate your dining experience with a touch of tradition and a burst of flavour. Whether you're a spice aficionado or a lover of milder tastes, hot pot invites you to gather, indulge, and savour the warmth of shared moments around a bubbling pot of delight. Get ready to embark on a cultural and gastronomic journey as you become a connoisseur of the art of hot pot!

 

Source: Chinadaily_Mobile WeChat account