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Sichuan Malatang

A delightful and customizable hotpot dish from Sichuan cuisine, perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights in.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Sichuan
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Broth
  • ¾ tablespoon sesame paste Adds a creamy texture.
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil Enhances the nutty aroma.
  • 2 cups hot water Adjust for desired consistency.
  • ½ cup hotpot base Ensures a flavorful foundation.
  • 1 splash light soy sauce Optional for depth of flavor.
  • 1 small waxy potato Peeled and sliced for starch base.
  • 2 handfuls greens (cabbage, baby bok choy, or spinach) Add freshness and color.
For the Add-ins
  • 8-10 whole wide sweet potato noodles Soaked for 60-90 minutes.
  • 6-8 pieces wood ear fungus Soaked for 45-90 minutes and boiled.
  • 1 handful tofu skin Preferably thin strips.
  • 1 handful mushrooms Of your choice, larger caps scored.
  • 2 cloves garlic Mashed into a paste for garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts For garnish.
  • 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro For garnish.
  • 1 tablespoon laozai (optional) Adds sweetness to balance spice.
  • any amount favorite hotpot add-ins (e.g. fish balls, crab sticks, sliced meats) Enhances personal experience.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the wide sweet potato noodles in water for 1 hour.
  2. Follow package instructions to soak the tofu skin.
  3. Soak wood ear fungus for 45-90 minutes, then boil for 2-4 minutes.
  4. In a bowl, combine sesame paste and sesame oil, then add hot stock or water to create a pourable sauce.
Cooking
  1. Heat a small pot over medium heat, add hotpot base and a splash of soy sauce.
  2. Pour in 2 cups of water, bring to a boil and let simmer uncovered for 10 minutes.
  3. Add longer-cooking ingredients to the broth and boil for 1 minute.
  4. Add sliced tofu skin and potato; simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Introduce enoki mushrooms, Spam, wood ear fungus, and greens. Cook until all ingredients are heated through.
  6. Serve in bowls, drizzled with sesame sauce, and garnish with cilantro and peanuts.

Notes

Prep all ingredients in advance for a quicker cooking time. Feel free to substitute any components as per personal taste.