Hotpot is the ultimate communal dining experience, making it perfect for gatherings with friends and family. The interactive nature of the meal—where guests cook their food right at the table—creates a fun and relaxed atmosphere. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to cater to different tastes and dietary preferences. If you’ve ever thought about hosting a hotpot party but weren’t sure where to start, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

From preparing the essentials to choosing the right ingredients and making sure your guests have a great time, here’s how to host a hotpot party that everyone will remember.

The first thing you’ll need is the right equipment. You can’t have a hotpot party without the pot and a way to keep the broth simmering throughout the meal.

Hotpot Pot: Ideally, you’ll want a divided pot that allows you to cook two different broths simultaneously (one mild and one spicy, for example). However, any large pot will do if you’re only serving one broth.

Portable Burner: A portable gas burner or electric cooker is essential to keep the pot bubbling at the table. You can find reasonably priced hotpot burners online or in most Asian supermarkets.

Table Setup: Make sure your table has enough space for all the ingredients, sauces, and utensils. A lazy Susan in the middle can help guests reach everything without hassle. Have chopsticks, tongs, slotted spoons, and ladles for each guest, and provide small bowls for dipping sauces and broth.

The broth is the heart of your hotpot meal, and choosing the right one sets the tone for the entire experience. You can either buy pre-made broth bases or make your own.

Classic Chicken or Beef Broth: This is a good base for beginners. It’s mild, letting the flavours of the ingredients shine without overpowering them.

Spicy Mala Broth: For guests who love a little heat, Sichuan-style mala broth is perfect. It’s made with a combination of Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies for a numbing, spicy kick.

Vegetarian Broth: If you’re catering to vegetarians, opt for a light, clear broth made with mushrooms, tofu, and kombu (dried kelp). It’s hearty but still fresh and flavourful.

You can have one or multiple broths, depending on your guests’ preferences. If you go for more than one, a dual hotpot will let everyone try different flavour profiles.

The best part about hotpot is the wide variety of ingredients you can offer. Here’s a bsic guide to what you should include for a well-rounded meal.

Meats:

Beef: Thinly sliced cuts of beef, like ribeye or sirloin, are staples for hotpot. They cook quickly and are tender when dipped in the broth.

Pork: Pork belly or thin slices of shoulder work beautifully. They have a bit more fat, which melts into the broth and adds depth to the flavour.

Lamb: For a more robust flavour, thinly sliced lamb is another classic choice.

Chicken: Sliced chicken breast or thigh is great for those who prefer a leaner meat option.

Seafood:

Prawns: Fresh prawns are a hotpot favourite. They cook quickly and add a natural sweetness to the broth.

Fish: Choose firm, white fish like cod or sea bass, which won’t fall apart in the broth.

Squid or Scallops: These seafood options add variety in texture and flavour.

Vegetables:

Leafy Greens: Spinach, bok choy, napa cabbage, and watercress are essential for balancing out the richness of the meats.

Mushrooms: Shiitake, enoki, and oyster mushrooms are packed with umami and soak up the broth beautifully.

Root Vegetables: Thinly slice taro, potatoes, or carrots. They take a bit longer to cook but add a heartier element to the meal.

Tofu & Dumplings:

Tofu: Silken or firm tofu absorbs the broth’s flavour and provides a soft, creamy texture.

Dumplings: Frozen or fresh dumplings are a crowd-pleaser. They add an extra layer of indulgence to the meal.

Noodles:

Glass Noodles or Udon: Add noodles toward the end of the meal. They soak up the broth, creating a filling finish to the meal.

Dipping sauces are an essential part of the hotpot experience, allowing guests to customize each bite. Set up a DIY sauce station with a variety of options:

Soy Sauce: A staple that pairs with almost everything.

Sesame Oil: Adds richness to the dipping experience.

Chili Sauce or Paste: For guests who like their food spicy.

Garlic and Ginger: Fresh garlic and ginger give a pungent kick to any sauce.

Peanut Sauce: A creamy, nutty sauce that complements meats beautifully.

Fermented Bean Paste: This adds a deeper, salty, umami flavour to meats and vegetables.

Guests can mix and match these ingredients to create their perfect dipping sauce. Provide small bowls so everyone can create their own blend.

Hosting a hotpot party is a fun and interactive experience, but a little preparation can make things run much more smoothly. Here are some hosting hacks to keep your party stress-free:

Prep Everything Beforehand: Slice your meats and vegetables ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When your guests arrive, everything will be ready to go, and you can spend more time enjoying the meal with them.

Label Everything: If you’re offering different types of meats, broths, or sauces, label them so your guests know what they’re trying. This is especially helpful for dietary preferences or restrictions.

Use Small Bowls: Provide each guest with a small bowl for their cooked ingredients and another for their dipping sauce. This helps portion control and keeps the table from getting too cluttered.

Stock Plenty of Napkins: Hotpot can get a little messy, so make sure there are plenty of napkins or wet wipes available for your guests.

Offer Drinks That Pair Well: Light beverages like tea, sparkling water, or even a cold beer pair well with hotpot, helping to cleanse the palate between bites.

One of the best things about hotpot is that it’s an interactive dining experience. Encourage your guests to participate in cooking and trying different ingredients. The communal aspect makes hotpot more than just a meal—it becomes an event.

You can even make it themed by introducing a “build your own broth” section where guests can add their own spices or aromatics like ginger, garlic, or lemongrass. This adds a fun, personalized touch to the meal.

Hosting a hotpot party is an easy yet impressive way to bring people together. With the right preparation, fresh ingredients, and a few hosting hacks, you’ll have everything you need to create a delicious and memorable experience for your guests. The best part? Hotpot is highly customizable, so no matter your guests’ preferences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion, hotpot is sure to be a hit.

So, gather your friends, set up your pot, and get ready for an unforgettable hotpot feast!

King of Hotpot is designed to offer the convenience of enjoying hotpot at home without the effort of preparation. Simply place your order, and have all the prepped ingredients delivered straight to your door. Each ingredient is carefully portioned into smaller sizes, allowing you to enjoy a variety of your favourite items without the worry of leftovers or uncertainty about when your next hotpot session will be.

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