Top Picks for Best Hot Pot Soup Base: 3 Store Brands and Homemade - Home Cooks Assemble (2024)

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Hot pot is a beloved communal meal in many parts of the world, especially in China and other Asian countries. This flavorful and satisfying meal is a perfect choice for gatherings with family and friends.

Hot pot is typically served with a variety of meats, vegetables, noodles, and seafood cooked in a flavorful broth. However, the key to making the best hot pot is the soup base. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about the best hot pot soup base.

1. What is Hot Pot?

Hot pot is a type of Chinese cuisine that involves cooking all the ingredients (like fish balls, thinly sliced meat, noodles, rice cakes, mushroom, etc.) in a simmering pot of soup or broth. The hot pot is placed in the center of the table and shared by everyone at the table. Typically, the hot pot is heated by a flame, and the hot pot ingredients are cooked directly in the broth.

If you need the perfect equipment for hot pot, this smokeless electric Hot Pot Grill with dual temperature control is the best choice.

2. What is Hot Pot Soup Base?

The hot pot soup base is the foundation of the hot pot. It is the liquid that the raw ingredients are cooked in, and it is responsible for providing the flavor of the dish. One package of these soup base will give you a big post of hot pot broth. All you need to add is boiling water. There are many different types of hot pot soup bases, and each one has its unique flavor profile.

3. Types of Hot Pot Soup Base

There are two main types of hot pot soup base: spicy and non-spicy. Spicy hot pot soup base is made with chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, while non-spicy hot pot soup base is typically made with chicken or pork broth.

Spicy Hot Pot Soup Base

Spicy hot pot soup base is a favorite among those who love the heat. It is made with a combination of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and other spices. This soup base is known for its bold and spicy flavor.

Non-Spicy Hot Pot Soup Base

Non-spicy hot pot soup base is a milder option that is perfect for those who prefer a more subtle flavor. This soup base is typically made with chicken or pork broth, and it is often seasoned with ginger, garlic, and other herbs and spices.

4. Top Hot Pot Soup Base Brands

There are many different brands of hot pot soup base available in Asian supermarket. Here are some of the most popular brands:

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot Soup Base

Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot Soup Base is a popular brand that is known for its authentic Chinese flavors. It is the OG of hot pot. This company originated from Baotou, Inner Mongolia, China and specializes in operatinghot potrestaurants, condiments, and meat processing. It has over 300 hot pot restaurants internationally.

This brand offers a variety of different soup base flavors, including spicy, non-spicy, and vegetarian options. The original 2 flavors they started offering are still people’s favorite hot pot base. Honorable mention would be their tomato flavor.

Haidilao Hot Pot Soup Base

Haidilao Hot Pot Soup Base is another popular brand that is known for its high-quality ingredients and delicious flavors. Haidilao is the largest hot pot restaurant chain in China and have expanded internationally, including many locations in the United States.

This brand offers a variety of different soup base flavors, including spicy, non-spicy, and seafood options. The top pick from this brand includes the tomato, spicy, and mushroom flavor soup base. Try out the tomato soup base which has a depth of flavor with umami taste, you will not regret it.

Lee Kum Kee Hot Pot Soup Base

Lee Kum Kee Hot Pot Soup Base is a traditional Chinese brand that is known for its authentic flavors and natural ingredients. This brand offers a variety of different soup base flavors, including spicy, non-spicy, and vegetarian options. It is so popular that you could find it in most of the Asian grocery stores.

Some of the top pick from this brand includes the Sichuan Hot & Spicy, Satay, and Seafood flavor soup base.

5. How to Make Hot Pot Soup Base from Scratch

If you prefer to make your own hot pot soup base from scratch, it is surprisingly easy to do. Here is a basic recipe to get you started:

Ingredients:

4 cups chicken or pork broth

2 oz of sliced meat like beef or chicken (for more tips on preparing the meat, please see these blogs on beef and chicken)

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

1 onion, chopped

4 cloves chopped garlic, minced

1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and sliced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional)

2-3 dried chili peppers (optional)

Instructions:

In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic, and ginger, and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Add the chicken or pork broth to the pot and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low and add the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, salt, Sichuan peppercorns (if using), and dried chili peppers (if using).

Simmer the soup base for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Strain the soup base through a fine-mesh strainer and discard the solids.

Use the hot pot soup base immediately or store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

6. Tips for Making the Best Hot Pot Soup Base

Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use will affect the overall flavor of the soup base. Use fresh herbs, high-quality broth, and flavorful seasonings for the best results.

Adjust the spice level to your liking: If you prefer a milder flavor, use fewer chili peppers or skip them altogether. If you love the heat, add more chili peppers or Sichuan peppercorns.

Simmer the soup base for at least 30 minutes: This will allow the flavors to meld together and create a rich, flavorful soup base.

Strain the soup base before serving: This will remove any solids and create a smooth, silky texture.

Experiment with different flavors: Don’t be afraid to try different combinations of herbs, spices, and seasonings to create your own unique soup base.

7. How to Store Hot Pot Soup Base

If you have leftover hot pot soup base, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Simply transfer the soup base to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

8. Conclusion

A delicious hot pot meal starts with a flavorful and aromatic soup base. Whether you prefer a spicy or non-spicy option, there are many different brands and recipes to choose from. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own unique soup base that will impress your family and friends.

Frequently Asked Questions