Are you still in the mood for hot pot? Chilly days full of high winds call for something warm and soupy.
Are you still in the mood for hot pot? Chilly days full of high winds call for something warm and soupy. It’s the perfect remedy for feeling too cold or under the weather! Here is a closer look at some of the most indispensable components of hot pot: the food!
The Broth
Without the right broth, you can’t have a deeply-satisfying hot pot experience! In a restaurant setting, you will typically have a choice between a spicy soup and a mild one. The spicy broth will have Sichuan peppers, chili oil, and chilies to give it way more kick, while the milder broth will be a clear soup. You can also ask for a yin-yang pot, which will allow you to have your meal both ways.
The Meat
Now let’s have a glimpse at the types of meat you can toss into the pot. The meat is usually served sliced thin and raw or rare; you are supposed to use the boiling broth for cooking what you want to eat. Lamb, chicken, beef, mutton, and pork are the most common offerings. If you are eating at home, you can feel free to stick to chicken, pork, or beef.
The Seafood
If you are not keen on red meat, then you can have seafood instead! Shrimp, scallops, prawns, squid, and fish balls are all examples of some of the treats you can source from the sea!
The Veggies
Sometimes you will be in the mood for lighter fare. Veggies can still fill you up without making you feel like you overate. Bok choy, cabbages, taro, and mushrooms can all go into the hot pot. So can potatoes, radishes, and even tofu!
The Carbs
Here’s another reason to enjoy hot pot: all those lovely carbohydrates! Adding some starch provides some much-needed balance to your dinner. Udon noodles, rice noodles, wontons, and dumplings are all available when you go out to eat. If you want to stay in, then mixing and matching is also up to you!
Dipping Sauces
The dipping sauces you use also give you another layer of flavor and texture. Experiment with garlic sauce, soy sauce, scallions, vinegar, and sesame oil! If you are short on anything, then visit your closest Lotte Plaza Market and stock up on all the Asian groceries that you need!
Get All Your Asian Groceries at Lotte Plaza Market
Lotte Plaza Market is your one-stop-shop for all of your Korean and Asian grocery needs. With more than 10 locations in Maryland and Virginia, this growing market is always expanding and opening new markets to serve our customers better. Since we opened in 1976, our goal has always been to provide the best customer service and groceries to our customers. For answers to all of your questions, please email us at LottePlaza.com.