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The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Crispy Shrimp Balls at Home
Hotpot is one of the most fun, social, and delicious ways to enjoy a meal at home. Whether you’re gathering with family or hosting a dinner party, preparing the right ingredients is key to creating a flavorful and satisfying hotpot experience.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to prepare hotpot ingredients at home, from selecting the perfect broth to choosing fresh meats, seafood, and vegetables. Plus, we’ll show you how our premium frozen products can make your hotpot night even easier!
Step 1: Choose Your Hotpot Broth
The broth is the foundation of your hotpot and sets the tone for the meal. Here are some popular options:
Popular Hotpot Broth Types:
- Spicy Sichuan Mala Broth – Made with chili peppers and peppercorns for a numbing kick.
- Miso Broth – A Japanese-style base with umami-rich miso paste.
- Tom Yum Broth – A tangy, Thai-style broth with lemongrass and lime.
- Mushroom Broth – A rich and creamy broth made from a variety of mushrooms.
- Simple Chicken Broth – A light, clear soup perfect for delicate flavors.
Pro Tip: You can divide your pot and try two broths at once for variety!
Step 2: Select Your Proteins
The best part of a hotpot is the wide variety of proteins you can cook in the simmering broth. Here’s what you need:
1. Thinly Sliced Meats
- Beef – Ribeye, sirloin, or wagyu for tenderness.
- Lamb – Perfect for rich, aromatic broths.
2. Seafood Selection
- Shrimp – Peel-on or peeled for easy cooking.
- Fish Fillets – Alaska pollock, sea bass, or salmon.
- Squid & Cuttlefish – Tender and chewy texture.
- Mussels & Clams – Adds natural umami to the broth.
3. Fish Balls
- Fish Roe Lucky Bag – Juicy and flavorful additions.
- Fish Bean Curd – Hot Pot favorites.
- Shrimp Paste Balls – Exploding with flavorful fillings.
- Lobster Ball – Flavorful and delicious addition
🔹 Shortcut: No time to make your own? Try our fish bean curd and shrimp paste balls for convenience.
Step 3: Pick Your Vegetables & Tofu
Vegetables add balance and freshness to your hotpot meal. Here are some must-haves:
Leafy Greens
✔ Napa Cabbage
✔ Spinach
✔ Bok Choy
✔ Watercress
Root Vegetables & Mushrooms
✔ Daikon Radish
✔ Lotus Root
✔ Shiitake Mushrooms
✔ Enoki Mushrooms
✔ Wood Ear Mushrooms
Tofu & Soy Products
✔ Ring Roll – Absorbs the broth beautifully.
✔ Flower Cheese Tofu – All time favourites.
✔ Fried Tofu Puffs – Light and airy texture.
✔ Tofu Skin – A chewy and delicious addition.
Step 4: Add Hotpot Noodles
Popular Hotpot Noodles
- Glass Noodles – Light and absorbent.
- Ramen Noodles – Adds a chewy bite.
- Udon Noodles – Thick and hearty.
Step 5: Dipping Sauces for the Perfect Flavor
Dipping sauces enhance the hotpot experience. Here are some delicious combinations:
Classic Sauces
✔ Soy Sauce + Sesame Oil + Garlic – A simple, umami-packed dip.
✔ Satay Sauce + Chili Oil – A nutty and spicy kick.
✔ Ponzu Sauce + Grated Daikon – A refreshing citrus-based sauce.
✔ Fermented Bean Curd + Sesame Paste – A rich and creamy mix.
Pro Tip: Mix and match to create your own signature sauce!
Final Preparation Tips for the Best Hotpot Night
- Organize Ingredients on Platters – Arrange proteins, vegetables, and noodles neatly.
- Use a Hotpot Divider – Cook multiple broths at once.
- Keep a Steady Boil – Maintain a gentle simmer for even cooking.
- Start with Lighter Ingredients – Cook seafood and veggies first, then meats for deeper flavor.
- End with Noodles – Let them soak up all the flavorful broth at the end!
Make Hotpot Night Even Easier with Our Hotpot Frozen Food!
Preparing hotpot at home is fun, but it can take a lot of prep work. Save time and effort with our high-quality frozen hotpot food, from sliced meats and seafood to dumplings and fish balls.
Just thaw, cook, and enjoy!
