Mini Hot Pot Bowls (Printable Version)

Individual bowls featuring savory broth, noodles, proteins, and fresh vegetables for an interactive dining experience.

# Ingredient List:

→ Broth

01 - 6 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
02 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
03 - 1 tablespoon miso paste
04 - 2 garlic cloves, sliced
05 - 1 inch piece fresh ginger, sliced
06 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ Proteins

07 - 5.3 ounces thinly sliced beef sirloin
08 - 5.3 ounces boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
09 - 5.3 ounces firm tofu, cubed
10 - 8 large shrimp, peeled and deveined

→ Noodles

11 - 7 ounces udon or rice noodles, cooked and drained

→ Vegetables and Add-ins

12 - 1 cup baby bok choy, halved
13 - 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
14 - 1 cup napa cabbage, chopped
15 - 0.5 cup sliced carrots
16 - 0.5 cup corn kernels
17 - 2 scallions, sliced

→ Dipping Sauces and Garnishes

18 - Soy sauce
19 - Chili oil
20 - Fresh cilantro leaves
21 - Lime wedges
22 - Toasted sesame seeds

# Step-by-Step Instructions:

01 - In a large pot, combine broth, soy sauce, miso paste, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let simmer for 10 minutes to infuse flavors, then strain out solids if desired.
02 - Divide cooked noodles evenly among four individual heatproof bowls or mini hot pots.
03 - Arrange prepared proteins and vegetables on separate platters for easy guest access and selection.
04 - Pour hot broth over the noodles in each bowl, filling approximately two-thirds full. Place each bowl on a portable burner at the table.
05 - Allow guests to add their choice of proteins and vegetables to their bowls, cooking them in the simmering broth to desired doneness. Beef and shrimp cook in 1 to 2 minutes, chicken in 2 to 4 minutes, tofu and vegetables as preferred.
06 - Serve with dipping sauces and garnishes on the side for individual customization.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Everyone gets to play chef: Guests customize their bowls, so picky eaters and adventurous ones are equally happy.
  • It feels fancy but tastes homey: The interactive setup impresses people, yet the whole meal comes together in under an hour.
  • Minimal cleanup: Everything stays in individual bowls, and those portable burners do the work while you chat and enjoy the moment.
02 -
  • Thinly sliced proteins are non-negotiable: I once tried using thicker slices, and they took forever to cook while the broth cooled down—thin slices are the entire reason this meal works at the table.
  • Cook the noodles ahead and drain them completely: If they're warm and wet when the broth hits them, they'll absorb too much liquid and turn to mush before anyone even starts cooking their additions.
03 -
  • Keep extra hot broth warming on the stove: As the meal goes on, broth evaporates and cools, so having a backup means you can top off bowls and keep that simmering heat alive throughout dinner.
  • Slice proteins the day before: You'll be less stressed during the meal, and cold sliced proteins actually stay fresher in the fridge than you'd expect.
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