Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot is one of the most famous Chinese hot pot dishes, known for its bold mala flavor, chili oil broth, and numbing Sichuan peppercorns. This authentic hot pot recipe brings restaurant-style Chinese hot pot right into your kitchen with tender meats, tofu, vegetables, and noodles cooked in a rich, spicy broth.
Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot is one of the most famous Chinese hot pot dishes, known for its bold mala flavor and spicy chili oil broth. Originating from China’s Sichuan province, this dish is loved for its numbing peppercorns and aromatic spices.
First, prepare the broth by sautéing garlic, ginger, and chili bean paste. Then add the broth and let it simmer gently so the spices can fully infuse the liquid. Meanwhile, arrange the meat, tofu, vegetables, and noodles on serving plates.
Next, place the hot pot in the center of the table so everyone can cook their ingredients. As a result, each bite becomes rich and flavorful. Finally, dip the cooked ingredients into a sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and green onions.
Because it is interactive and full of bold flavors, this Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot recipe is perfect for sharing with friends or family.
Ingredients for Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot
This recipe (1X) yields 4 servings
- Spicy Broth
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
- 8 dried red chilies
- 3 tbsp chili oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, sliced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp fermented bean paste (doubanjiang)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Hot Pot Ingredients
- 8 oz thinly sliced beef
- 8 oz shrimp
- 14 oz firm tofu, cubed
- 1 cup mushrooms (shiitake or enoki)
- 1 cup bok choy
- 1 cup napa cabbage
- 6 oz glass noodles or rice noodles
- Optional Dipping Sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame paste
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp chili oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions for Make Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot
Step 1 – Prepare the Broth
First, add the garlic and ginger to the pot and sauté briefly.
Next, pour the broth into the pot and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Meanwhile, prepare your vegetables, meats, and noodles for the hot pot.
Step 2 – Prepare the Ingredients
While the broth simmers, arrange your meat, vegetables, tofu, noodles, and dumplings on serving plates.
Thin slices of beef or lamb cook the fastest, while vegetables like cabbage and mushrooms add delicious texture to the soup.
Step 3 – Start the Hot Pot
Transfer the simmering broth to a portable burner or hot pot cooker placed in the center of the table.
Each person can now add their favorite ingredients to the broth. Meat slices usually cook in 10–20 seconds, while vegetables and dumplings take 2–4 minutes.
Step 4 – Make the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, chili oil, garlic, and green onions. Dip cooked ingredients into this sauce for extra flavor.
Step 5 – Enjoy the Meal
Continue cooking ingredients in batches while enjoying the hot pot together. As the meal goes on, the broth becomes richer and more flavorful from all the ingredients.
Tips for the Best Sichuan Hot Pot
- Use very thin slices of meat so they cook quickly in the broth.
- Add glass noodles near the end so they don’t become too soft.
- If the broth becomes too spicy, add more broth to balance the heat.
- You can divide the pot into spicy and mild broths for guests who prefer less heat.
Nutrition Details
Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot
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Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot: Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know to make an authentic and flavorful Sichuan hot pot at home.
What makes Sichuan hot pot spicy? +
Can I make Sichuan hot pot less spicy? +
What ingredients are best for hot pot? +
Do I need a special hot pot pot? +
What dipping sauces go well with Sichuan hot pot? +
Why You’ll Love This Spicy Sichuan Hot Pot
✔ Authentic Sichuan flavors
✔ Perfect for gatherings and family dinners
✔ Customizable ingredients
✔ Restaurant-style meal at home
If you love bold Asian flavors, explore more comforting dishes like our Thai Coconut Curry Hot Pot or the traditional Japanese Shabu Shabu.