Sichuan Hotpot Broth Base

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A concentrated spice blend that transforms simple broth into authentic Sichuan hotpot, featuring numbing peppercorns and chili heat. This asian-inspired one pot ready in about 15 minutes pairs Sichuan peppercorns, dried red chilies, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 50 calories and feeds 8, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Serves 8 Asian cuisine 50 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Combine 2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp dried red chilies, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tbsp minced ginger in a small bowl.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 tsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp sugar, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 2 tbsp Sichuan chili oil. Mix until a smooth paste forms.
  3. Step 3: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 months. For hotpot, mix 1/4 cup paste with 4 cups simmering broth and cook 10 minutes before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sichuan Hotpot Broth Base take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (15 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sichuan Hotpot Broth Base?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sichuan peppercorns from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sichuan Hotpot Broth Base?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sichuan Hotpot Broth Base for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 8 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 8). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Sichuan Hotpot Broth Base?

Asian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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