Vietnamese-style Hot Pot

Ingredients

While the Chinese hot pot typically uses a spicy and savory broth, the Vietnamese-style hot pot incorporates aromatic herbs and milder flavors. Additionally, the Vietnamese version often includes a wider variety of fresh vegetables and herbs, such as Thai basil, mint, and bean sprouts, to enhance the freshness and vibrancy of the dish. We alse have the original recipe for Hot Pot, so you can check it out.

• 1.5 liters (6 cups) chicken or vegetable broth 1.5 liters (6 cups) chicken or vegetable broth
• 500g (1.1 lb) thinly sliced beef or chicken 500g (1.1 lb) thinly sliced beef or chicken
• 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined 200g (7 oz) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 200g (7 oz) firm tofu, cubed 200g (7 oz) firm tofu, cubed
• 200g (7 oz) rice noodles 200g (7 oz) rice noodles
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon fish sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon lime juice 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sugar 1 tablespoon sugar
• Fresh herbs (Thai basil, mint, cilantro) Fresh herbs (Thai basil, mint, cilantro)
• Bean sprouts Bean sprouts
• Sliced chili peppers (optional) Sliced chili peppers (optional)
• Lime wedges for serving Lime wedges for serving

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 350 kcal / 1465 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 10g, 2g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 4g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sliced onion, and sauté until fragrant and lightly browned.
2. 2.
   Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a simmer.
3. 3.
   Add the fish sauce, soy sauce, hoisin sauce, lime juice, and sugar to the broth. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. 4.
   Arrange the thinly sliced beef or chicken, shrimp, tofu, and rice noodles on separate plates for easy serving.
5. 5.
   Place the hot pot in the center of the dining table and set up a portable stove or electric hot pot to keep the broth simmering.
6. 6.
   Each person can then add their desired ingredients to the hot pot and cook them in the simmering broth until cooked through.
7. 7.
   Serve the cooked ingredients with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, sliced chili peppers (if desired), and lime wedges for squeezing over the hot pot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rice noodles — Soak the rice noodles in warm water for about 15 minutes before adding them to the hot pot. This will ensure they cook evenly and have a tender texture.
• Shrimp — To prevent overcooking, add the shrimp to the hot pot just before serving. They only need a few minutes to cook until pink and opaque.
• Tofu — If you prefer a firmer texture, you can press the tofu before cubing it. Simply place the tofu between paper towels and place a heavy object on top for 15-20 minutes to remove excess moisture.

Tips & Tricks

• Customize the hot pot by adding your favorite vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, or sliced carrots.
• For a spicier version, serve the hot pot with chili oil or Sriracha sauce on the side.
• Don't forget to dip the cooked ingredients in a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce, lime juice, and chili peppers for an extra burst of flavor.
• Leftover broth can be strained and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It makes a delicious base for soups or noodle dishes.
• To make the hot pot more filling, serve it with steamed jasmine rice on the side.

Serving advice

To serve the Vietnamese-style hot pot, place a variety of cooked ingredients in individual bowls and ladle the flavorful broth over them. Garnish with fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and a squeeze of lime juice. Encourage everyone to customize their bowls with their preferred combination of ingredients and sauces.

Presentation advice

Present the hot pot in a large, decorative pot with a portable stove or electric hot pot in the center of the dining table. Arrange the fresh herbs, bean sprouts, and lime wedges in separate bowls for easy access. The vibrant colors and aromatic herbs will make the hot pot visually appealing and inviting.