Guide to Make the Ultimate Hot Pot Dipping Sauce

*Photo Credit: Matt Armendariz (Food Network)

‘Tis the season for hot chocolate, Christmas vibes, finals, and… HOT POT. It’s the time of the year when nothing feels better than having hot pot with a group of friends while it’s freezing outside. While the soup broth offers a lot of flavors, if you’re an avid hot pot lover like me, you should spice it up and level up your hot pot game by making your own dipping sauce. Here’s the ultimate guide to three different sauces that can transform your hot pot experience, whether you’re staying in or going out to a hot pot restaurant. 

1. Spice it up: The Spicy Garlic Hot Sauce (my personal go-to)

• Minced Garlic 

• Chopped Red Chili or Red Chili Flakes 

• Chopped Scallion

• White Sesame Seeds 

• Sesame Oil 

• Chili/Hot Oil 

• Soy Sauce 

• Black Vinegar

• Cilantro 

Remark: This sauce is perfect for anyone who enjoys spicy food. If you do not have a high tolerance of spices like me, don’t worry. This sauce offers the flexibility to adjust the spiciness by lessening the amount of red chili and hot oil added. 

2. For sesame lovers: Creamy Garlic Sesame Sauce

• Chinese Sesame Paste 

• Black Vinegar 

• Minced Garlic 

• White Sesame Seeds

• Crushed Roasted Peanuts/Peanut Paste 

• Cilantro 

• Water

Remark: This sauce is for someone who likes their ingredients dipped in a thick and creamy sauce. I would recommend this sauce to go with a soup broth that is more mild and less in flavor. 

3. For miso lovers: The Japanese Miso Sauce 

• White Miso Paste

• Sesame Oil 

• Chinese Sesame Paste 

• White Sesame Seeds 

• Water

• Rice Vinegar

Remark: Enjoy Japanese food? This sauce is for you! The miso paste is a safe go-to dip that goes with everything.  

Here’s a List of Hot Pot Restaurants around Philly:

• Closest to campus: Latao Hot Pot

• Newly opened: Kung Fu Hot Pot 

• Variety + Good quality: Chubby Cattle Hot Pot 

• Personal hot pots + Korean BBQ: Nine Ting

• Best for groups: Happy Lamb

On that note, it’s the perfect time to plan a potluck or get together with friends to enjoy hot pot and celebrate the end of the year! We made it!