5 Hot Pot Sauce Recipes You’ll Love

Hot pot is all about personalization—from the choice of ingredients to the flavorful broths and, most importantly, the dipping sauces. A great sauce can elevate every bite, creating a symphony of flavors to match your preferences. In this guide, we share five easy and delicious hot pot sauce recipes that range from classic to bold, ensuring there’s something for everyone at the table.

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1. Hot pot sesame sauce

Rich and creamy with a deep nutty aroma, hot pot sesame sauce is the perfect addition to any hot pot experience. Its smooth texture balances the bold, spicy flavors of the broth while enhancing the tenderness of meats and vegetables. Whether used as a dipping sauce or drizzled over freshly cooked ingredients, it adds a subtle sweetness and umami depth that takes your hot pot to the next level.

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Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp sesame paste (or tahini)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Water (to adjust consistency)
• Optional: chili oil, sugar, or chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. Mix sesame paste with soy sauce and garlic in a small bowl.
2. Add rice vinegar and stir well, gradually adding water until it reaches your desired texture.
3. Customize with chili oil or a pinch of sugar for added depth.

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2. Spicy Sichuan Chili Sauce

Bold and fiery, Spicy Sichuan Chili Sauce brings an intense kick to any hot pot meal. Infused with the signature numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns and the deep smokiness of dried chilies, this sauce is perfect for those who love a bit of spice. The balance of heat, umami, and aromatic spices makes it an irresistible dip for meats, tofu, and vegetables. Whether you enjoy a subtle warmth or a full-on spicy explosion, this sauce delivers a rich and complex flavor that keeps every bite exciting.

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Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp Sichuan chili oil
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp black vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Combine chili oil and soy sauce in a mixing bowl.
2. Stir in garlic, black vinegar, sugar, and sesame seeds.
3. Adjust spiciness by adding more chili oil to taste.

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3. One of our favorite Hot pot sauces - Savory Garlic Soy Sauce

Savory and packed with umami, garlic soy sauce is a must-try for any hot pot lover. Made with fresh garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of sesame oil, it adds depth and richness to meats, seafood, and vegetables. The bold garlic flavor blends beautifully with the salty-sweet notes of soy sauce, creating a well-rounded taste that complements both spicy and mild broths. Among the many hot pot sauces, this one stands out for its versatility, enhancing every bite with its irresistible balance of flavor.

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Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp light soy sauce
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• Optional: green onions or a splash of lime juice

Instructions:

1. Mix soy sauce and oyster sauce in a small bowl.
2. Add garlic and sesame oil, stirring until well blended.
3. Garnish with green onions or a squeeze of lime for extra freshness.

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4. Tangy Citrus Ponzu Sauce

Light and refreshing, tangy citrus ponzu sauce is the perfect way to add a bright, zesty twist to your hot pot experience. Made with a blend of soy sauce, citrus juice (like yuzu or lemon), and a hint of sweetness, this sauce brings a delicate balance of salty, tangy, and umami flavors. It pairs beautifully with seafood, thinly sliced meats, and vegetables, enhancing their natural taste without overpowering them. Whether used as a dipping sauce or drizzled over freshly cooked ingredients, ponzu adds a refreshing contrast that keeps every bite exciting.

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Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp ponzu sauce
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp green onions, chopped
• Optional: red pepper flakes for a hint of heat

Instructions:

1. Pour ponzu sauce into a bowl and add grated ginger.
2. Stir in sesame oil and green onions.
3. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.

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5. Our last Hotpot sauce - Creamy Peanut Sauce

Our last hotpot sauce, the creamy peanut sauce, is a rich and indulgent addition to any hot pot meal. Made with smooth peanut butter, soy sauce, and a touch of garlic, this sauce delivers a perfect balance of nuttiness, saltiness, and subtle sweetness. Its thick, velvety texture coats meats and vegetables beautifully, making every bite more flavorful and satisfying. Among the many dipping options, this hotpot sauce stands out for its ability to enhance both spicy and mild broths, adding depth and a creamy finish to your hot pot feast.

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Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp peanut butter
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp hoisin sauce
• 1 tsp rice vinegar
• Warm water (to thin the sauce)
• Optional: crushed peanuts for garnish

Instructions:

1. Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, and hoisin sauce in a small bowl.
2. Add rice vinegar and gradually stir in warm water to achieve a smooth consistency.
3. Top with crushed peanuts for extra crunch.

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Conclusion

Hot pot is all about the sauce, and these five recipes offer a variety of flavors to complement your meal. Whether you’re a fan of creamy sesame, tangy ponzu, or spicy Sichuan chili, these sauces are sure to impress your guests and bring your hot pot experience to the next level. Which one will you try first? Let us know in the comments!

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