Korean Hot Pot with Dumplings: Comfort recipe
Korean hot pot is a communal meal in which many ingredients, such as vegetables, mushrooms, tofu, and proteins are cooked. The most interesting part is that they are prepared and heated in a savoury broth right at the dining table. The hot pot experience is about creating a shared meal with loved ones, often enjoyed with sides of kimchi, dumplings, and dipping sauces.
What sets Korean hot pot apart from others, like Chinese or Japanese versions, are its unique flavours that are characterised by the use of gochujang or Korean red chilli paste, sesame oil, and garlic. Here is a detailed recipe on how you can enjoy the perfect bowl of Korean hotpot with dumplings.
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Korean Hot Pot
- Prepare the Broth
Start by heating your chosen broth in a large pot. Add garlic, ginger, and gochujang for flavour. Allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes, letting the ingredients meld together.
2. Add Vegetables
Once the broth is flavorful, add vegetables like napa cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms. These will cook down and soak up the broth, becoming tender in the process.
3. Cook the Dumplings and Protein
Add the mandu or dumplings and your protein of choice into the broth. If you are using frozen dumplings, they can go straight into the pot, if using fresh, you may want to steam or pan-fry them beforehand. The dumplings will cook through in about 7–10 minutes.
4. Toss in Tofu and Noodles
If using tofu or noodles, then try to add them toward the end of the cooking process. This is because the tofu absorbs the broth quickly and should be gently stirred into the mixture before serving.
5. Final Touches
Once everything is cooked through, drizzle some sesame oil over the top and sprinkle with chopped green onions for an added layer of flavor. Serve the hot pot directly at the table, either in individual bowls or by keeping the pot warm over a portable burner.
These are some easy steps that can help you enjoy an authentic Korean hot pot right at your table. Each person can pick their favourite ingredients, making it an interactive and communal meal. However, one ingredient that can make or break your meal is your choice of sauce or dip. If you want an authentic taste, then you can try the range of hot sauces and chilli oils by Moi Soi. They take many measures to ensure that you get the best dips and pairings made from organic and locally sourced ingredients. They also have a range of gluten and preservative-free sauces that are sure to delight your tastebuds. Visit Moi Soi today and get home an authentic Korean taste to spice up your daily meals.
