Dive into the comforting warmth of a perfectly clear, flavorful broth hot pot – a culinary experience that's both elegant and surprisingly simple to create. This isn't your average, murky hot pot; we're crafting a delicate, sweet, and savory masterpiece, brimming with the subtle nuances of carefully selected ingredients. Imagine a vibrant broth, crystal clear and infused with the aromatic essence of ginger, garlic, and scallions, forming the perfect base for an array of your favorite meats, vegetables, and noodles. The beauty lies in the balance of flavors, each component playing a vital role in building a symphony of taste.
This recipe focuses on achieving that coveted clarity and depth of flavor, guiding you through each step with precision and ease. From selecting the freshest ingredients to mastering the simmering technique, we’ll unlock the secrets to a truly exceptional hot pot experience. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's move on to the detailed, step-by-step process outlined below.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Stove
Ingredients
- Rib bones: 6 kg
- Pork: 500g
- Pig heart
- Shallots
- White radish
- Onion
- Carrot
- Dried squid: 50g
- Dried shrimp: 30g
- Salt: 1 tablespoon
- Cornstarch or flour
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cilantro
- Green onions
- Cabbage noodles
- Rock sugar: 3 tablespoons
- Seasoning: 3 tablespoons
- Fried garlic
- Pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Broth Base
- Blanch the bones in boiling water with salt to remove impurities and make the broth clearer.
- In a large pot, combine 8 liters of water, shallots, onion, dried squid, and dried shrimp.
- Add the blanched bones to the pot, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting. Simmer uncovered for 40 minutes to 1 hour, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
Step 2. Simmer and Season
- Add the white radish to the broth and continue simmering on low heat.
- After simmering, season the broth with salt, seasoning, and rock sugar to taste. Add carrots and cook for 10 more minutes.
Step 3. Prepare Ingredients
- While the broth simmers, prepare your desired meats (pork, pig heart, liver) and vegetables (spinach, broccoli, cabbage, cilantro, green onions, carrots, cabbage noodles).
- To prevent a fishy smell, mix the intestines with cornstarch or flour, let it sit for 2-3 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with water. Cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Cut the pork, pig heart, and liver into thin, bite-sized pieces. Marinate with seasoning and store in the refrigerator.
Step 4. Finish and Serve
- Add fried garlic, cilantro, and pepper to the broth. Serve the hot pot with your prepared meats, vegetables, and dipping sauces.
Read more: Saigon's Famous Fish Hot Pot: A Step-by-Step Guide
Tips
- To achieve a clear broth, blanch the bones thoroughly and skim off any foam during simmering.
- Simmer the broth uncovered on low heat to extract the maximum sweetness from the bones.
- Cut the meats thinly for quicker cooking and better flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 2500-3000
- Fat: 150-200g
- Carbs: 50-70g
- Protein: 200-250g
FAQs
1. Can I use pre-made broth instead of making my own?
While you can, homemade broth yields a superior, clearer, and more flavorful result. Pre-made broths often contain added sodium and less nuanced flavors.
2. What kind of meat and vegetables work best in this hot pot?
Almost anything goes! Popular choices include thinly sliced beef, chicken, shrimp, bok choy, napa cabbage, mushrooms, and tofu. Choose what you enjoy!
3. How do I keep the broth clear?
The key is to simmer gently, skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface, and avoid over-boiling. Using high-quality ingredients also helps.
This delicious and surprisingly simple clear broth hot pot recipe is a perfect dish for a cozy night in or an impressive dinner party. The delicate balance of sweet and savory flavors will leave you wanting more, and the beautiful, clear broth is a testament to the quality of ingredients and careful technique. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction of this unforgettable culinary experience!