Step 1

Add the hot pot base into the hot pot, one flavor on each side. Add water according to the package instructions. For a more stunning presentation, you can add some dried chili peppers on the spicy side and chopped green onions on the non-spicy side (those are optional).

Step 2

Make the dipping sauce if using my homemade recipe. If using store bought, add them into medium-sized bowls, one flavor per bowl.

Step 3

Serve the chopped green onions and chopped cilantro in separate bowls alongside the dipping sauce. You can also add small bowls of sesame oil and / or chili oil on the side. It’s especially useful if you’re using store-bought dipping sauce, since it will make the sauce more fragrant.

Step 4

For the mushrooms, wash and drain as needed. Remove the tough ends, then tear into bite-size pieces or clumps. Serve on a plate.

Step 5

Add the frozen tofu, yuba knots and sliced fried tofu to a big plate.

Step 6

For the leafy green vegetables, wash thoroughly and drain. Cut into large bite-size pieces and serve on a plate.

Step 7

For the crunchy vegetables, cut into bite-size pieces if needed. Serve on a large plate.

Step 8

Wash and peel the starchy vegetables. Slice to thin pieces so it’s easy to cook through. Serve on a plate.

Step 9

Serve the noodles on a plate. If using frozen dumplings, pull them out of the freezer right before cooking (these are typically cooked at the end of the meal, so do not pull them out at the beginning of your party).

Step 10

When your guests have arrived, heat up the hot pot over medium-high heat. When the hot pot is boiling, it’s ready to cook and eat. (*Footnote 2)

Step 11

For the dipping sauce, each guest will take their portion from the shared sauce bowl, then garnish it with cilantro, green onion and sesame oil, as desired.

Step 12

Cook whichever ingredients you’d like to eat. The cooking time depends on the ingredient. For example, yuba sheets take 30 seconds to 1 minute to cook through. Yuba knots take 1 to 2 minutes. Leafy greens and crunchy vegetables take anywhere from 1 minute to a few minutes. Starchy vegetables and frozen tofu take longer to cook and you should check on them from time to time until tender throughout.

Step 13

Once an item is cooked, immediately transfer it to an individual serving plate. It will overcook if you leave it in the pot. To eat, dip the cooked item in the dipping sauce and enjoy!