How to Make Chinese Hot Pot Dipping Sauces

Chinese hot pot, or huo guo, is a delicious and social way to enjoy a meal with friends and family. Part of the fun is creating your own dipping sauces to accompany the cooked meats, vegetables, and tofu. There are endless possibilities when it comes to sauce combinations, but here are a few of our favorites to get you started:

Sesame dipping sauce

Ingredients:

- 1/3 cup soy sauce

- 1/3 cup rice vinegar

- 1/3 cup toasted sesame oil

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced

- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced

- 1/4 teaspoon chili oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk together all ingredients in a bowl.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.

3. Drizzle over cooked hot pot ingredients or use as a dipping sauce.

Peanut dipping sauce

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1/4 cup rice vinegar

- 1/4 cup water

- 1 teaspoon sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced

- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced

- 1/4 teaspoon chili oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

2. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.

3. Pour into a serving bowl and enjoy with hot pot ingredients.

Sichuan dipping sauce

Ingredients:

- 1/2 cup chili oil

- 1/4 cup soy sauce

- 1/4 cup rice vinegar

- 1 teaspoon sesame oil

- 1/2 teaspoon garlic, minced

- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced

- 1/4 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, finely ground

Instructions:

1. Heat the chili oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.

2. Add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns.

3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Taste and adjust seasoning to your preference.

5. Serve hot with hot pot ingredients.

Tips for making Chinese hot pot dipping sauces:

- Start with a base of soy sauce and rice vinegar, then add other ingredients to taste.

- Be sure to taste your sauces as you make them so you can adjust the seasoning to your preference.

- Don't be afraid to experiment with different ingredients! There are many options out there, so feel free to mix and match until you find the perfect sauce for you.

- Have fun! Chinese hot pot is all about socializing and enjoying a meal together.