Hot pot, also known as shabu shabu, is a popular Asian dish that involves cooking meats, vegetables, and other ingredients in a pot of simmering broth at the center of a dining table.
The beauty of hot pot is that it’s a communal experience where everyone can customize their own meal to their liking. With an Instant Pot, you can easily make hot pot at home and enjoy this delicious dish with your family and friends. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps of making hot pot in an Instant Pot and share some tips to help you create a flavorful and satisfying meal.
The key to a good hot pot is a flavorful broth. You can either make your own broth or use store-bought broth.
If you decide to make your own broth, you can use chicken, pork, beef, or vegetable as a base. You can also add aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and scallions to enhance the flavor.
If you prefer to use store-bought broth, look for brands that are high quality and free of preservatives. Some popular broth brands for hot pot include Swanson, Kikkoman, and Pacific.
Once you have your broth, it’s time to prepare your ingredients. Hot pot typically consists of thinly sliced meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles. You can use any ingredients you like, but some popular choices include:
To prepare your ingredients, slice the meats and seafood thinly and chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Arrange the ingredients on a platter or plate for easy access.
Now that your broth and ingredients are ready, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s how to make hot pot in an Instant Pot:
Step 1: Turn on the sauté function on your Instant Pot and heat up a tablespoon of oil.
Step 2: Add aromatics such as garlic, ginger, and scallions and sauté until fragrant.
Step 3: Add your broth and bring it to a boil.
Step 4: Once the broth is boiling, turn off the sauté function and switch to the pressure cook setting. Set the timer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: After 5 minutes, release the pressure manually and open the lid.
Step 6: Add your ingredients to the hot pot and turn on the sauté function again.
Step 7: Let the hot pot simmer until the ingredients are cooked through.
Step 8: Serve hot with dipping sauces such as soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili oil.
Hot pot is typically served family-style, with the pot in the center of the table and everyone helping themselves to the ingredients. You can use a slotted spoon or a small strainer to remove the cooked ingredients from the pot. Don’t forget to serve the dipping sauces on the side!
Q: Can I make hot pot in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can make hot pot in a slow cooker. However, the cooking time will be longer, and you won’t be able to sauté the ingredients before cooking.
Q: Can I use vegetable broth for hot pot?
A: Yes, you can use vegetable broth as a base for hot pot. However, it may not be as flavorful as meat-based broths.
Q: How many people can I serve with one Instant Pot hot pot?
A: The serving size will depend on the size of your Instant Pot and the amount of ingredients you use. A 6-quart Instant Pot can typically serve 4-6 people.
Q: Can I use a hot pot as a fondue pot?
A: Yes, you can use a hot pot as a fondue pot by melting cheese or chocolate in the broth and dipping bread, fruit, or other foods in the mixture.
Q: Can I freeze leftover hot pot broth?
A: Yes, you can freeze leftover hot pot broth for future use. Just make sure to let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.
In conclusion, making hot pot in an Instant Pot is a convenient and fun way to enjoy this delicious Asian dish at home. By choosing a flavorful broth, preparing your ingredients, and following the steps outlined above, you can create a hot pot that’s sure to impress your family and friends. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be well on your way to making the best hot pot in town!
