Korean hot pot, known as jeongol, is the essence of a shared meal. Unlike classic soups, this dish is prepared and celebrated directly at the table. Whether you prefer an intense, spicy base reminiscent of Korean Jjamppongor a mild, aromatic broth, preparing this feast at home is extremely simple and effective.
On our YouTube channel, you can watch a video showing you step-by-step how to prepare authentic Korean hot pot so you can easily recreate this unique atmosphere in your home.
What is HOT POT?
Hot pot is a traditional Asian dinner dish in which raw ingredients are cooked together in a boiling broth right at the table. Although dedicated pots exist, a simple pot and a portable stove are perfectly sufficient to prepare this feast at home, as the most important thing is the celebration of time together and a joyful atmosphere. In the 18th century, during the Mongolian Yuan Dynasty, this method reached China, where it was enriched with aromatic spices and various types of toppings. The key to success lies in the careful selection of fresh ingredients, which must be sliced very thinly to quickly absorb the flavors in the hot broth. This interactive culinary experience allows each diner to compose their own perfect bite, and Asian dishes of this type have spread throughout the region in versions such as Shabu Shabu in Japan, Jeongol in Korea, and variants from Thailand and Vietnam.
Ready-made HOT POT bases at your fingertips
Our selection includes three unique broths for Korean hot pots, and choosing the right base is crucial to the overall flavor of the dish. The first product is HOT POT BASE SPICY CUBE 180 g a proposition for the brave – fiery and warming, based on chili and anise, divided into two convenient cubes; hot pot is often based on two contrasting broths. The second proposition is HOT POT BASE CUBE 90 g, offers a classic, multi-layered flavor with a unique note of Sichuan pepper, fermented soybeans, and a touch of soy sauce, balancing spiciness with the spicy sweetness of cinnamon. The third option, on the other hand, MILD BEEF AND LAMB HOT POT BASE 220 g This is the most versatile, noble and mild option, which, thanks to the addition of galangal and cloves, was created specifically to emphasize the flavor of lamb and beef, and its aroma can also be enriched with ginger and garlic.
How to prepare HOT POT at home?
All of these bases are incredibly simple and convenient to prepare, allowing you to bring the flavors of Korea to your own kitchen in just a few moments without the need for hours of simmering. At home, preparing hot pot mainly involves chopping and arranging the ingredients in individual bowls. Each product is designed for maximum versatility, offering you complete freedom to choose between two serving methods if you want to tailor your meal to the occasion. You can prepare them as a classic, interactive hot pot, celebrating communal cooking by dropping ingredients into the broth and removing them as you go, or as a quick, filling one-pot soup, perfect for an everyday dinner. This professional solution combines authentic depth of flavor with unparalleled convenience. Just like in a restaurant, it's great fun and conducive to spending time with friends.
Ingredients for a HOT POT style dish
The key to a perfect hot pot dish is fresh ingredients. Popular ingredients include thinly sliced meat, seafood, vegetables, tofu, and noodles, so it's a good idea to cut your chosen ingredients into small pieces for quick cooking. The following are ideal for this Korean version of the dish:
- Meats and seafood: thinly sliced beef (e.g. Bulgogi style), shrimp, squid or mussels.
- Vegetables and mushrooms: Chinese cabbage, pak choy leaves, mushrooms, House of Asia Bamboo Shoots and obligatory House of Asia Enoki Mushrooms, Shiitake House of Asia, House of Asia Edamame Beans; lemongrass will also be an aromatic addition to the Asian broth.
- Filling additions: Fresh Ramen House of Asia noodles, House of Asia Instant Noodles, rice dumplings for Tteokbokki, rice, tofu or egg.
How to use ready-made HOT POT bases?
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Traditional Hot Pot, or feasting at the table
This is the most authentic way to serve it. Pour the appropriate amount of water into a pot, add the base, and bring to a boil over high heat. Once the essence has completely dissolved, place the pot of broth in the center of the table—on a portable stovetop or burner over low heat, allowing it to maintain a gentle simmer throughout the meal. It's important that each guest has easy access to the pot.
Our hot pot bases are very spicy, and some varieties can be intensely spicy, so it's worth adjusting the amount of water to suit your taste preferences and the level of spiciness acceptable to your family or guests. Adding more water will create a milder and more delicate broth, while using less will bring out the full depth of the deep, distinctive flavor.
It's also worth adding a sauce, as it's a key element of hot pot. The most common choices are sesame, spicy Sichuan, or soy sauce-based. Besides sesame paste, a few tablespoons of peanut butter, rice vinegar, garlic, cilantro, and scallions are also good additions.
How long to cook ingredients?
Immerse your chosen ingredient in the simmering broth using chopsticks or a small strainer. Thinly sliced meats usually require a few seconds to a minute, while other ingredients, such as firmer vegetables, require a few minutes. The ritual involves slowly simmering successive batches, allowing the broth to deepen with each addition. This is a great idea for evenings spent together and meals with loved ones.
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Korean aromatic broth
If you prefer to serve your finished dish straight into bowls, choose the soup method—it's a good option when you want to prepare everything in one place and serve the prepared portions immediately. Bring a measured amount of liquid and base to a boil in a large pot on the stove. Once the broth begins to boil, begin adding ingredients, starting with those that require a longer cooking time, like firm vegetables or mushrooms.
Finally, add the ingredients that are quick to prepare: thin slices of beef, seafood, and ramen noodles. Cook briefly until the meat changes color and the noodles reach their perfect texture. Ladle the steaming soup into deep plates and serve immediately, so everyone can enjoy this hearty, warming dish.
A shared table and unforgettable flavors. Create your own HOT POT ritual!
This hot pot recipe is twice as convenient! You don't need any additional spices or even salt to prepare a flavorful soup or a delicious hot pot in just minutes. One product, two delicious ways to enjoy Asian flavor!
Regardless of which option you choose, Korean hot pot will surely transform your home-cooked meal into an unforgettable culinary journey. It's the perfect excuse to slow down, sit down with your family, and share the joy of discovering new flavors. Discover our line of ready-made bases, invite friends, and create your own aromatic feasting tradition. See for yourself how little it takes to experience the true magic of Asian cuisine in just a few moments!