Delicious Homemade Hot Pot Dipping Sauces That Are Simple To Make

Hot pot is a beloved communal dining experience where ingredients are cooked tableside in a simmering pot of broth. While the broth provides flavor, the dipping sauce is a key part of the meal – it adds another layer of flavor and brings the dish together.

In this short article, we’ll show you how to easily make your own hot pot dipping sauces.

Choosing the ingredients for your Hot Pot Dipping Sauces

Making your hot pot dipping sauce at home is easy and allows you to customize it to your tastes. You can whip up restaurant-worthy dipping sauces with simple ingredients and steps. Read everything you need to know about making homemade hot pot dipping sauces, including ingredient ideas, essential equipment, step-by-step instructions, serving suggestions, and storage tips.

The great thing about DIY hot pot dipping sauce is that you can create any flavor profile. Consider the broth flavors and the ingredients you’ll be cooking, and choose ingredients accordingly. Here are some common dipping sauce ingredients to get you started:

• Aromatics
  • Garlic – Minced garlic is essential for adding a spicy aroma. Use 1-3 cloves per batch of sauce.
  • Ginger – Grated ginger adds warmth. Use a 1″ knob per batch.
  • Scallions – Chopped scallions lend a fresh, oniony flavor. Use 1-2 scallions per batch.
  • Cilantro – Fresh cilantro leaves or stems provide herbal notes. Use a small handful per batch.
• Sauces
  • Soy sauce – Use 1-3 tbsp per batch. Go for regular or low-sodium.
  • Sesame oil – 1⁄2 to 1 tbsp per batch provides nuttiness. Use toasted sesame oil.
  • Rice vinegar – 1-2 tbsp adds tangy acidity. Seasoned rice vinegar works, too.
  • Oyster sauce – 1-2 tbsp lends sweet umami. Opt for vegan oyster sauce if needed.
  • Hoisin – 1-2 tbsp brings sticky sweetness.
  • Chili sauce – Like sriracha or chili garlic sauce, add 1-2 tsp for heat.
• Extras
  • Sesame seeds – 1-2 tsp of toasted seeds make it nuttier.
  • Chili flakes – Red pepper flakes add a little extra heat.
  • Peanut butter – 1-2 tbsp provides nutty thickness.
  • Miso – 1-2 tsp of white or chickpea miso adds umami.

Equipment You’ll Need

Making hot pot dipping sauce requires some basic equipment you likely already have:

• Mixing bowl – Choose a small, medium, or large bowl, depending on batch size.
• Spoon – A spoon for mixing and tasting the sauce as you make it.
• Knife and cutting board – For prepping aromatics and herbs.
• Ginger grater – Makes quick work of grating fresh ginger.
• Garlic press – Efficiently minces garlic cloves.
• Measuring spoons – For accurately measuring sauces and seasonings.
• Small dipping sauce dishes – To serve the finished sauce for easy dipping.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Once you’ve chosen your ingredients, the actual process of making hot pot dipping sauce is simple:

1. Prep the aromatics and herbs. Mince the garlic, grate the ginger, slice the scallions, and chop the cilantro.
2. Add the aromatics and herbs to your mixing bowl. Use the amounts specified in your chosen recipe, erring on the lesser side until you taste.
3. Pour in the sauces and seasonings. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, vinegar, and other sauces. Start with less and add more to taste.
4. Include any extras. If using, now is the time to add sesame seeds, chili flakes, peanut butter, miso, etc.
5. Mix everything. Stir the ingredients with a spoon so they’re fully incorporated.
6. Taste and adjust. Try a bit of the sauce and tweak any flavors as needed. Add more garlic, heat, acid, sweetness, etc., to achieve your desired profile.
7. Transfer to dipping dishes. Divide the finished sauce between small individual dipping bowls or plates.
8. Serve alongside hot pot. Dip cooked ingredients into the sauce and enjoy!

Serving and Storage Tips

• Set out the dipping sauce in dishes around the hot pot so everyone can easily access it.
• For 5-7 days, store the leftover sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Heat it briefly in the microwave or a small saucepan to meld the flavors before serving again.
• Add a bit of water or broth to loosen up the sauce if it thickens.
• Freeze extra sauce for longer-term storage. Thaw in the fridge before using again.
• Make a double batch to prepare the extra sauce for your next hot pot night.

Recommended Hot Pot Dipping Sauce Recipes

To get you started, here are a few tasty dipping sauce recipes to try:

Classic Scallion Ginger Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 1⁄2 tbsp minced ginger
• Two scallions, finely chopped
• 1-2 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all of the ingredients thoroughly.

Spicy Peanut Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• One clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1⁄4 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

Instructions:

1. Whisk together all of the ingredients in a bowl until smooth.

Umami Miso Sauce

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp mirin
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
• 1 tsp chili garlic sauce
• 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Mix all ingredients in a bowl.

Endless Possibilities for Customization

One of the best things about DIY hot pot dipping sauce is that you can tweak these recipes and create combinations. Play around with different aromatics, herbs, sauces, extras, and spice levels until you find your perfect signature sauce.

Making your hot pot dipping sauce elevates this fun, interactive dining experience. You can create customized, crave-worthy sauces with simple ingredients and easy steps that bring even more flavor. Give it a try! Hot pot night will always be different.

Frequently Asked Questions