Spicy hot pot, also known as "mala xiang guo" in Chinese, is a popular Sichuan cuisine that has gained popularity around the world. It is a dish that combines various ingredients such as meats, seafood, vegetables, and noodles into a flavorful broth cooked at the table. In this article, we will explore the process of making spicy hot pot from scratch.

First, you will need to gather all of the necessary ingredients. The main ingredients for spicy hot pot include:

Meats: beef, lamb, pork, chicken, or any other preferred meat

Seafood: shrimp, crab, squid, fish, or any other seafood

Vegetables: mushrooms, bean sprouts, leafy greens, or any other preferred vegetables

Noodles: rice noodles or udon

Spices: Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, and other herbs and spices

Soy sauce and vinegar for seasoning

Next, prepare the broth. To make the broth, you will need to simmer a mixture of spices and seasonings in water for several hours until the flavors have melded together. Some commonly used spices and seasonings include Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and vinegar. You can adjust the amount of each ingredient to your personal taste preference.

Once the broth is ready, bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the meats and seafood to the boiling broth and let them cook for a few minutes until they are tender. Then add the vegetables and noodles to the pot and let them cook for an additional few minutes until they are fully cooked.

Finally, serve the hot pot hot and enjoy! You can customize your hot pot by adding different ingredients to suit your preferences. Additionally, you can also dip the cooked food in a variety of sauces or dressings to enhance the flavor.

In conclusion, making spicy hot pot from scratch is a fun and rewarding experience that allows you to control every aspect of the dish. By using fresh and high-quality ingredients and following these simple steps, you can create a delicious and authentic spicy hot pot that will impress your friends and family.