Clay Pot Seafood Hot Pot

Materials

Clay Pot:

Earthenware clay pot specifically designed for cooking

Lid with good fit to retain heat and moisture

Soup Base:

Chicken or pork bones

Dried scallops

Dried shrimp

Dried shiitake mushrooms

Ginger

Green onions

Garlic

Shaoxing wine (optional)

Light soy sauce

Salt

Water

Seafood:

Shrimp

Scallops

Clams or mussels

Fish fillets (optional)

Squid (optional)

Other Ingredients:

Tofu

Napa cabbage

Enoki mushrooms

Shiitake mushrooms

Bean sprouts

Other vegetables (e.g., water spinach, lotus root)

Rice noodles or other desired noodles

Dipping sauces (e.g., soy sauce, chili oil, vinegar, garlic, green onions)

Production Steps

Preparing the Soup Base:

1. Clean and prepare bones:Rinse chicken or pork bones thoroughly. Blanch them in boiling water for a few minutes to remove impurities.

2. Soak dried ingredients:Soak dried scallops, shrimp, and shiitake mushrooms in warm water for about 30 minutes to rehydrate.

3. Sauté aromatics:In a separate pot, sauté ginger, green onions, and garlic until fragrant.

4. Combine ingredients:Transfer the blanched bones, soaked ingredients, and sautéed aromatics to the clay pot. Add Shaoxing wine (optional), light soy sauce, and salt to taste.

5. Simmer:Cover the clay pot and simmer the soup base for at least 2 hours, or longer for richer flavor. Skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

Preparing Seafood and Other Ingredients:

Clean and prepare seafood: Remove shells from clams and mussels, devein shrimp, and cut fish fillets into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare vegetables: Wash and cut vegetables into desired shapes.

Prepare tofu: Cut tofu into cubes.

Assembling and Cooking:

1. Preheat clay pot:If using a cold clay pot, preheat it over medium heat for a few minutes to prevent cracking.

2. Arrange ingredients:Add the prepared seafood, tofu, and vegetables to the simmering soup base.

3. Cover and cook:Cover the clay pot and cook for a few minutes, or until seafood is cooked through and vegetables are tender.

4. Serve:Transfer the hot pot to a dining table and serve with dipping sauces. Allow diners to add additional ingredients and cook to their preference.

Tips for Clay Pot Hot Pot:

Clay pot selection:Choose a clay pot with a good thickness to ensure even heat distribution and slow cooking.

Gradual heating:Avoid sudden temperature changes to prevent the clay pot from cracking.

Soaking clay pot:Soak the clay pot in water for about 30 minutes before use to prevent cracking.

Lid fit:Ensure a tight-fitting lid to retain heat and moisture.

Fresh ingredients:Use the freshest seafood and vegetables for optimal flavor.

Adjustments:Taste the soup base and adjust seasonings as needed.

Dipping sauces:Encourage creativity with a variety of dipping sauce options.

By following these steps and incorporating your preferred ingredients, you can create a delicious and satisfying clay pot seafood hot pot.