Teresa's Recipes
Lau (Vietnamese Hot Pot)
Lau is a delightful Vietnamese hot pot dish that brings friends and family together around the table. This communal dish features a rich, aromatic broth simmered with lemongrass, ginger, and garlic, creating an inviting aroma that fills the air. Diners can customize their experience by selecting from an array of fresh ingredients such as tender meats, vibrant vegetables, and chewy rice noodles, all cooked to perfection in the bubbling broth. Traditionally enjoyed during the colder months, Lau embodies the spirit of sharing and togetherness, making it a beloved staple in Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients
- 8 cups Beef broth
- 2 stalks, smashed and chopped Lemongrass
- 2 inches, sliced Ginger
- 1, quartered Onion
- 4 cloves, minced Garlic
- 4 tablespoons Fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 pound, peeled and deveined Shrimp
- 1 pound, thinly sliced (flank or sirloin) Beef
- 1 pound, thinly sliced (breast or thigh) Chicken
- 1 block, firm, cubed Tofu
- 8 ounces, sliced (shiitake or button) Mushrooms
- 1/2 head, chopped Napa cabbage
- 1 bunch, halved Bok choy
- 8 ounces Rice noodles
- 2 cups, rinsed Bean sprouts
- 1 bunch, for garnish Thai basil
- 1 bunch, for garnish Cilantro
- 2, cut into wedges Lime
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 12g
- Carbs: 35g
- Protein: 40g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Sugar: 4g
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring the beef broth to a boil over medium heat.
- Add the smashed lemongrass, sliced ginger, quartered onion, minced garlic, fish sauce, and sugar to the pot. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the broth is simmering, prepare the dipping sauces. In separate bowls, mix together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chili sauce for a spicy kick. Squeeze fresh lime juice into each sauce to brighten the flavors.
- Arrange the shrimp, beef, chicken, tofu, mushrooms, Napa cabbage, and bok choy on separate plates for easy access.
- Set a portable hot pot or electric hot pot in the center of the dining table. Fill it with the simmering broth and keep it on a heat source.
- Invite everyone to add their chosen ingredients to the hot pot, cooking them to their preferred doneness. Enjoy the process of cooking together.
- Once cooked, dip the ingredients into the prepared sauces and enjoy with cooked rice noodles, bean sprouts, Thai basil, cilantro, and lime wedges for garnish.
- Share stories, laughter, and the warmth of this communal dining experience.
Tips
- For a spicier broth, consider adding sliced chili peppers or a dash of chili oil.
- Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your preferences; other proteins like fish or seafood can work well.
- Leftover broth can be stored and used as a base for soups or stews.