Sichuan Hot Pot

Ingredients

• Chicken or beef broth (8 cups)
• Sichuan peppercorns (2 tablespoons)
• Dried red chili peppers (6-8 whole, adjust to taste)
• Fresh ginger (2 inches, sliced)
• Garlic (6 cloves, minced)
• Soy sauce (1/4 cup)
• Chinese rice wine (2 tablespoons)
• Sugar (1 tablespoon)
• Sesame oil (2 tablespoons)
• Firm tofu (1 block, sliced)
• Beef sirloin (1 pound, thinly sliced)
• Lamb shoulder (1 pound, thinly sliced)
• Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined)
• Fish balls (1 cup)
• Enoki mushrooms (1 cup, trimmed)
• Napa cabbage (1 small head, chopped)
• Bean sprouts (2 cups)
• Cilantro (1/2 cup, chopped)
• Green onions (1/2 cup, chopped)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, bring the chicken or beef broth to a rolling boil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chili peppers, sliced ginger, and minced garlic to the broth. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
3. Carefully strain the broth to remove the solids and return the fragrant liquid to the pot.
4. Stir in the soy sauce, Chinese rice wine, sugar, and sesame oil. Bring the broth back to a gentle simmer.
5. Prepare a variety of ingredients for cooking, including sliced tofu, beef, lamb, shrimp, fish balls, mushrooms, cabbage, bean sprouts, green onions, and cilantro. Arrange them on large platters for easy access.
6. Set the hot pot in the center of the dining table and place a portable burner or induction cooktop underneath it.
7. Each diner can choose their desired ingredients and cook them in the simmering broth for a few minutes until done. Cooking times will vary by ingredient.
8. For a delicious dipping sauce, combine equal parts soy sauce and sesame oil with a drizzle of chili oil to taste. Serve alongside the hot pot for added flavor.
9. Gather around the hot pot, enjoy the cooking process, and savor the spicy, flavorful dishes you create together!