🇨🇳 Chinese Cuisine · Soups & Stews

Mongolian Hot Pot

Prep

30 mins

Cook

20 mins

Serves

6

Difficulty

Medium

A divided simmering broth of clear chicken and spicy Sichuan at the table for dipping paper-thin lamb and vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 700g large prawns
  • 1 cup wonton wrappers
  • 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
  • 1/2 tsp five-spice powder
  • 1/4 cup neutral vegetable oil
  • 2 shiitake mushrooms, chopped
  • a handful of fresh chives, chopped
  • a drizzle of oyster sauce
  • 500ml chicken stock
  • a pinch of star anise

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat toasted sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the crushed Sichuan peppercorns and grated fresh ginger gently until soft and fragrant.

  2. 2

    Stir in the five-spice powder and star anise, toasting briefly until the kitchen fills with their aroma.

  3. 3

    Add the large prawns and bamboo shoots, stirring well to coat everything in the spiced base.

  4. 4

    Pour in the water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot, and bring to a boil.

  5. 5

    Reduce the heat, cover, and let everything simmer gently until the large prawns is tender, about 20 mins.

  6. 6

    Stir in the wonton wrappers and continue simmering for a few minutes more, until heated through.

  7. 7

    Finish with the soy sauce and adjust the seasoning to taste.

Tips

Taste and adjust the seasoning right at the end — the water reduces as it simmers, concentrating the flavor.

Skim off any foam that rises during the first few minutes of simmering for a clearer, cleaner broth.

This freezes well; portion into containers and reheat gently on the stovetop for a quick meal later.