Spicy and Numbing Mala Tang (Chinese Hot Pot) at Home (feat. Sesame Dipping Sauce)
Spicy and Numbing Mala Tang (Chinese Hot Pot) at Home (feat. Sesame Dipping Sauce)
Easy Homemade Mala Tang Recipe: Achieve Authentic Flavor at Home with Ready-Made Sauce
Hello everyone, this is Jinah, your cooking enthusiast! Today, I’m sharing a secret recipe to make authentic Mala Tang at home that rivals restaurant quality. Originating from Sichuan Leshan in China, Mala Tang is a spicy and numbing soup dish. The ‘Ma’ flavor comes from Sichuan peppercorns, creating a unique, tingling sensation that’s incredibly addictive. With a store-bought Mala sauce, anyone can easily whip up this delicious meal. I’ll even include a recipe for the classic sesame dipping sauce (Zhima Jiang)! Let’s get cooking and enjoy a hearty, flavorful Mala Tang right in your kitchen!
Mala Tang Ingredients- 200g Beef (for Shabu-Shabu)
- 1 pack Store-bought Beef Bone Broth (or similar clear broth)
- 1 pack Enoki Mushrooms
- 1 handful King Oyster Mushrooms (or other mushrooms like Shiitake)
- 2 Shiitake Mushrooms
- 5 Frozen Dumplings
- A few heads of Baby Bok Choy
- A small amount of Napa Cabbage
- 1 handful Fish Cakes
- 5 Frozen Shrimp
- A portion of Glutinous Rice Noodles (or instant noodles)
- 5 Vienna Sausages
Seasoning Ingredients (Measurements are per adult tablespoon)- 1/3 cup Mala Sauce (approx. 50-70ml, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
- 500ml Water
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Sauce (for Shabu-Shabu, or smooth peanut butter)
- 1 Tbsp Wasabi
- A small amount of Korean Cheongyang Pepper (optional)
- 1/3 cup Mala Sauce (approx. 50-70ml, adjust to taste)
- 1 Tbsp Peanut Butter
- 500ml Water
- 1 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Sauce (for Shabu-Shabu, or smooth peanut butter)
- 1 Tbsp Wasabi
- A small amount of Korean Cheongyang Pepper (optional)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare a wide pot. Add the thinly sliced beef for Shabu-Shabu and cook until lightly browned. Searing the beef first renders its fat, which adds a richer, more savory depth to the broth.
Step 2
Pour in the store-bought beef bone broth pack into the same pot. This forms the foundational flavor base for your Mala Tang.
Step 3
Add 500ml of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat, allowing the flavors to meld. Your basic Mala Tang broth is almost ready!
Step 4
Whisk the Mala sauce into the simmering broth until it’s well dissolved. Ensure there are no lumps for a smooth consistency.
Step 5
It’s crucial not to add all the Mala sauce at once! Start with about one-third of the total amount. Taste the broth and gradually add more to suit your spice preference. If you love intense heat, feel free to add more, but be cautious as it can become overwhelming quickly. Adjusting as you go is key!
Step 6
Stir in 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. While this is optional, I highly recommend it! It balances the spicy kick with a creamy richness, making the broth incredibly luscious. Don’t skip this step for a truly decadent flavor!
Step 7
Now, let’s add your prepared ingredients. Begin with a handful of king oyster mushrooms, adding them to the pot.
Step 8
Slice the shiitake mushrooms and add them in. Their earthy aroma will infuse beautifully into the broth.
Step 9
Add the enoki mushrooms, ensuring they are clean and well-separated. Their delightful chewy texture is a must-have in Mala Tang. They cook quickly, so you can add them towards the end too.
Step 10
Before adding the glutinous rice noodles, separate them by hand. If added as a large clump, they tend to stick together and won’t cook evenly.
Step 11
Let’s make the Zhima Jiang (sesame dipping sauce), a perfect accompaniment to Mala Tang. Start with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce.
Step 12
Add 1 tablespoon of sesame sauce (often found for Shabu-Shabu). If unavailable, smooth peanut butter can be used as a substitute.
Step 13
Incorporate 1 tablespoon of wasabi for a pungent kick.
Step 14
Optionally, finely chop some Cheongyang peppers and add them. Mix all the sauce ingredients thoroughly. You’ve now created a delicious, nutty, and zesty Zhima Jiang sauce that pairs wonderfully with your Mala Tang!
Step 15
With store-bought sauce and these simple ingredients, you can now recreate the authentic, hearty Mala Tang experience at home without any special recipes. Enjoy your delicious creation!
