Learn how to make hotpot at home with simple ingredients and step-by-step beginner instructions.

What Is Hotpot and Why It’s Easier Than You Think

If you’ve ever thought hotpot looked fun but complicated, here’s the truth: hotpot is one of the easiest meals you can make at home, even if you’re a total beginner.

At its core, hotpot is a simmering pot of flavorful broth where you cook thinly sliced ingredients right at the table. There’s no complicated timing, no advanced techniques, and no pressure to “get it right.” You cook as you eat — which makes it forgiving, cozy, and perfect for beginners.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to make hotpot at home step by step, using simple ingredients, clear instructions, and helpful tips so you can confidently make it on your first try.

What You Need to Make Hotpot at Home

Before we start cooking, let’s set you up for success.

Basic Hotpot Equipment (Beginner Options)

You do not need special tools.

Choose one:

• A large pot or Dutch oven
• A deep saucepan

Optional but helpful:

• Portable burner (for table cooking)
• Ladle
• Small bowls for dipping sauces
• Chopsticks or forks

Beginner Tip: If table cooking feels stressful, you can keep the pot on the stove and cook as you go.

Hotpot Ingredients (Simple & Flexible)

This recipe makes 2–3 servings.

Broth Base (Choose One – both are beginner-safe)

Option 1: Simple Savory Broth (Mild & Comforting)

• 6 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 inch ginger, sliced
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

Option 2: Store-Bought Hotpot Base (Fastest Option)

• 1 hotpot soup base packet
• Water (as instructed on package)

Proteins (Pick 1–3)

Choose thin cuts so they cook fast:

• Thinly sliced beef or chicken
• Shrimp (peeled & deveined)
• Tofu cubes
• Fish balls or meatballs

Vegetables (Mix & Match)

• Napa cabbage or regular cabbage
• Mushrooms (button, enoki, or shiitake)
• Spinach or bok choy
• Carrots (thinly sliced)
• Green onions

Carbs (Optional but Filling)

• Rice noodles
• Udon noodles
• Glass noodles
• Cooked rice (to add at the end)

Step-by-Step: How to Make Hotpot at Home

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients First (This Is Important)

Before turning on the heat:

1. Wash and slice vegetables.
2. Arrange proteins on separate plates.
3. Portion noodles and sauces.

Why this matters: Hotpot cooks fast. Prepping first prevents stress later.

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Step 2: Make the Hotpot Broth

1. Add stock (or water + base) to your pot.
2. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and sesame oil (if using).
3. Bring to a gentle boil.
4. Lower heat to a steady simmer.

Beginner Tip: You want bubbles, not aggressive boiling.

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Step 3: Start Cooking Ingredients (In the Right Order)

Cook ingredients in batches, not all at once.

Best cooking order:

1. Hard vegetables (carrots, mushrooms) – 2–3 minutes
2. Leafy greens – 30–60 seconds
3. Proteins:
   • Beef/chicken: 30–60 seconds
   • Shrimp: 1–2 minutes
   • Tofu: 2–3 minutes
4. Noodles – follow package timing

Important: Never overcrowd the pot. Small batches cook better.

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Step 4: Eat As You Go

1. Remove cooked items with chopsticks or ladle.
2. Dip into sauce.
3. Eat immediately while hot.
4. Repeat until satisfied.

Hotpot is slow, cozy, and meant to be enjoyed — not rushed.

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Step 5: Finish the Broth (Bonus Comfort Step)

At the end:

• Add cooked rice or noodles to the remaining broth
• Simmer 2–3 minutes
• Taste and adjust salt

This final bowl is often the most comforting part.

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Simple Hotpot Dipping Sauce (Beginner Favorite)

Mix in a small bowl:

• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice
• Optional: chili oil, garlic, green onions

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Common Beginner Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

• Boiling too hard: lowers broth flavor
• Thick meat cuts: take longer to cook
• Adding everything at once: makes broth cloudy
• Skipping prep: causes panic mid-cooking

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Nutritionist-Style Guidance (Easy to Follow)

• Balance protein + vegetables for fullness
• Use broth instead of oil-heavy sauces
• Hotpot naturally supports mindful eating
• Portion control is easy since you eat slowly

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FAQs: Hotpot Questions People Actually Search For

1. Can I make hotpot at home without a hotpot pot?

Yes, a regular large pot or deep saucepan works perfectly for home hotpot.

2. What is the best broth for beginner hotpot?

A simple chicken or vegetable broth is best because it’s mild and forgiving.

3. How do I know when meat is fully cooked in hotpot?

Thin meat is done when it changes color completely and feels firm, usually within 1 minute.

4. Can I prepare hotpot ingredients ahead of time?

Yes, vegetables and proteins can be prepped and refrigerated up to 24 hours in advance.

5. Is hotpot healthy?

Hotpot can be very healthy since it’s broth-based, low in oil, and full of vegetables.

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