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 chinese-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 Chinese cuisine 50 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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.

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?

Chinese 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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