When it comes to hot pot, there’s nothing quite like a flavorful sauce to bring all the ingredients together. Whether you’re in the mood for something classic and comforting or bold and adventurous, these 18 spicy hot pot sauce recipes have got you covered.
From the numbing heat of Sichuan mala to the creamy richness of coconut curry, each sauce is carefully crafted to enhance your hot pot experience. In this article, we’ll explore a diverse range of sauces from around the world, perfect for everything from everyday meals to special occasions.
Classic Sichuan Mala Hot Pot Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Sichuan province with this iconic hot pot sauce, a staple of Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1 tablespoon fermented soybeans (doubanjiang)
– 1 tablespoon chili bean paste (Lai Gan Mao Jia)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 1/4 cup water
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– Salt and white pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, mix together ground Sichuan peppercorns, soybeans, and chili bean paste.
2. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds).
3. Add the sliced onion and cook until caramelized (5 minutes).
4. Add the peppercorn mixture, water, and cornstarch. Stir well to combine.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
6. Season with salt and white pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Herbal Taiwanese Hot Pot Sauce
Experience the authentic flavors of Taiwan with this aromatic hot pot sauce recipe, infused with a blend of herbs and spices. This savory condiment is perfect for dipping noodles, vegetables, or meat, adding depth to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions
– 2 tablespoons dried cilantro
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, and ginger; cook until onion is translucent (3-4 minutes).
3. Add soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes or until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in scallions and cilantro.
6. Remove from heat and let cool.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
This Herbal Taiwanese Hot Pot Sauce is ready to elevate your meals! Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Cantonese Clear Broth Hot Pot Sauce
This classic Cantonese sauce is a staple in many Chinese hot pots and steamboat restaurants. This recipe yields a crystal-clear broth that’s perfect for dipping noodles, dumplings, or your favorite hot pot ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 4 cups chicken or pork stock (or a combination of both)
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup dried mushrooms (such as shiitake or button), rehydrated and chopped
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat.
2. Add the sliced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the rehydrated mushrooms, ginger, soy sauce, and oyster sauce (if using). Stir to combine.
5. Pour in the stock and bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes or until the broth is clear and flavorful.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Japanese Shabu-Shabu Sesame Sauce
Experience the rich flavors of Japan with this simple and flavorful sesame sauce, perfect for dipping your favorite shabu-shabu ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup tahini
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 tablespoons sesame oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine tahini, soy sauce, sake, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
2. Blend until smooth, adding water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Cooking Time: None! This sauce is ready in minutes.
Use this delicious sesame sauce with your favorite shabu-shabu ingredients, such as thinly sliced beef or pork, vegetables, and tofu. Enjoy!
Thai Tom Yum Hot Pot Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Thailand with this classic Tom Yum soup sauce recipe, perfect for serving with steaming hot rice or noodles.
Ingredients:
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 tablespoons fish sauce (nam pla)
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon grated ginger
• 1 tablespoon Thai chili paste (Tom Yum paste)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine vegetable broth, coconut milk, fish sauce, lime juice, ginger, Tom Yum paste, and cumin.
2. Whisk until smooth, then bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let cook for 5-7 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro leaves.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Creamy Coconut Curry Hot Pot Sauce
Transform your meals with this rich and creamy curry sauce infused with the warmth of coconut milk.
Ingredients:
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons curry powder
– 1 tablespoon tomato paste
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine coconut milk, curry powder, tomato paste, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using).
2. Whisk until smooth.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer over medium heat for 10-15 minutes or until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in garlic and cilantro (if using).
6. Serve hot over rice, noodles, or as a dip.
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Sichuan Spicy Beef Fat Hot Pot Sauce
This recipe is a classic representation of Sichuan cuisine’s bold flavors and spices, perfect for those who crave a spicy kick. This hot pot sauce is a staple in many Chinese restaurants and homes, served with a variety of ingredients such as beef, pork, chicken, or tofu.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
– 1/4 cup chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon cornstarch
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 pound beef fat or oil, cut into small pieces
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the beef fat and stir-fry until melted, about 5 minutes.
5. Mix in the ground Sichuan peppercorns, chili bean paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cornstarch mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce thickens.
6. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: About 15-20 minutes
Umami Mushroom and Soy Hot Pot Sauce
Elevate your hot pot game with this rich and savory sauce featuring the deep umami flavors of mushrooms, soy sauce, and a hint of spice. Perfect for dipping noodles, dumplings, or vegetables.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 cup mixed mushrooms (such as shiitake, cremini, and oyster), sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons sake (or dry white wine)
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic, soy sauce, sake, brown sugar, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to combine.
4. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Korean Gochujang Hot Pot Sauce
Experience the bold flavors of Korea with this simple and spicy hot pot sauce recipe, perfect for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 teaspoon Gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup water
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Gochugaru until smooth.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
4. Pour in the gochujang mixture and stir to combine.
5. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Vietnamese Lemongrass and Chili Hot Pot Sauce
This spicy and aromatic sauce is a staple condiment in Vietnamese cuisine, perfect for adding depth and heat to your favorite dishes. This recipe makes about 2 cups of sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1/4 cup lemongrass stalks, bruised
– 2-3 Thai bird’s eye chilies, seeded and chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1/2 cup fish sauce (nuoc nam)
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup water
– Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine lemongrass, chilies, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
2. Heat the fish sauce, lime juice, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the blended mixture to the saucepan and stir well.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Mock Satay Peanut Hot Pot Sauce
Satisfy your cravings with this rich and creamy hot pot sauce, reminiscent of traditional Thai satay flavors without the need for meat or grilling. Perfect for dipping noodles, vegetables, or even crackers.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup peanut butter
– 1/4 cup coconut cream
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons water
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine peanut butter, coconut cream, soy sauce, honey, ginger, and garlic powder.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides as needed.
3. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Gradually add water while blending until desired consistency is reached.
5. Simmer the mixture over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
White Pepper and Chicken Broth Hot Pot Sauce
This creamy sauce is a perfect accompaniment to steamed vegetables, noodles, or as a dip for your favorite appetizers. With its subtle white pepper flavor and rich chicken broth, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon white pepper
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
3. Stir in the white pepper and cook for an additional minute.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spicy Miso and Tofu Hot Pot Sauce
This bold and aromatic sauce combines the savory flavors of miso with the spicy kick of gochugaru, perfect for a hearty hot pot experience.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup white miso paste
– 1/4 cup gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 block firm tofu, cut into small cubes
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine miso paste, gochugaru, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Blend until smooth.
2. Heat the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the blended mixture and stir constantly for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
3. Add the tofu cubes to the saucepan and stir gently to coat with the spicy miso sauce. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the tofu is heated through.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Tomato and Basil Hot Pot Sauce
A classic combination of fresh tomatoes and fragrant basil creates a deliciously simple hot pot sauce perfect for pasta, pizza, or as a dip.
Ingredients:
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for 5-7 minutes or until they release their juices and start to break down.
4. Stir in the chopped basil leaves and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes
Serves: 4-6
Rich Bone Marrow Hot Pot Sauce
Elevate your hot pot game with this decadent and savory bone marrow sauce, perfect for dipping a variety of ingredients.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup bone marrow, roasted and mashed
– 1/2 cup soy sauce
– 1/4 cup Chinese cooking wine (or dry sherry)
– 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
– 2 tablespoons cornstarch
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon grated ginger
– 1 teaspoon sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, cooking wine, hoisin sauce, and cornstarch until smooth.
2. Add the mashed bone marrow, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil to the bowl. Whisk until well combined.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, whisking constantly.
4. Reduce heat to low and cook for 5-7 minutes or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
This rich and savory bone marrow hot pot sauce is perfect for dipping boiled eggs, seafood, noodles, or any other ingredients you enjoy in your hot pot.
Garlic Butter and Herb Hot Pot Sauce
This rich and savory sauce is perfect for serving with crusty bread, as a dip for vegetables, or as a topping for your favorite hot pot dishes. With its buttery flavor and aromatic herbs, it’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
3. Stir in the chopped parsley and chives. Cook for an additional minute.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve warm, or let cool and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Smoky Chipotle and Lime Hot Pot Sauce
This smoky and tangy hot pot sauce is perfect for adding a kick to your favorite dishes, from tacos to grilled meats. With its rich chipotle flavor and zesty lime twist, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
– 1/2 cup chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine chipotle peppers, lime juice, apple cider vinegar, and garlic.
2. Blend until smooth, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat.
4. Add the blended mixture and stir constantly for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
5. Remove from heat and season with cumin, salt, and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Ponzu Citrus and Daikon Hot Pot Sauce
A tangy and savory hot pot sauce infused with the brightness of ponzu citrus and the crunch of daikon radish.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup daikon radish, peeled and thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup ponzu citrus juice (Japanese-style citrus- soy sauce mixture)
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sugar
– 1 teaspoon grated ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, combine daikon radish, ponzu citrus juice, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and grated ginger.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy, stopping to scrape down the sides of the blender as needed.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired. If too thick, add a little water. If not spicy enough, add more red pepper flakes.
4. Transfer the sauce to a serving bowl or airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled or at room temperature. This sauce is perfect for dipping noodles, rice, or vegetables in hot pot.
Cooking Time: None, as this is a cold sauce preparation.
Summary
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 spicy hot pot sauce recipes! From classic Sichuan Mala to Thai Tom Yum and Japanese Shabu-Shabu Sesame, this collection of mouth-watering sauces will take your hot pot game to the next level. Whether you’re a fan of bold and spicy or rich and savory, there’s something for everyone in this delicious lineup. Try out these flavorful feasts and elevate your hot pot experience!