5 Hot Pot Dipping Sauces
Hot pot is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings people together around a bubbling pot of flavorful broth. The magic happens when you dip those perfectly cooked meats, fresh veggies, and delicate seafood into a bowl of homemade dipping sauce. Whether you love a spicy kick, crave something tangy, or prefer a creamy umami flavor, the right hot pot sauce can transform each bite into a burst of deliciousness.
In this post, I’m sharing 5 must-try hot pot dipping sauces that will take your next hot pot night to the next level. From a savory sesame sauce to a fiery chili garlic blend, these easy-to-make recipes are packed with bold flavors that everyone at the table will love. Plus, I’ll share tips for customizing each sauce to match your taste.
A Great Hot Pot Starts with the Perfect Sauce!
Hot pot isn’t just a meal—it’s a tradition over 1,000 years in the making!
Originating in the Mongolian steppes during the Jin Dynasty, it started as a simple way to cook meat over an open fire. As it spread across Asia, it evolved into diverse regional flavors. Sichuan hot pot is famous for its spicy, numbing broth, while Cantonese hot pot highlights fresh seafood with light, delicate broths. Japan’s shabu-shabu features thinly sliced meats swirled in clear broth, Korea’s jeongol packs in hearty, pre-seasoned ingredients, and Thailand’s suki offers a tangy twist with its sweet and savory sukiyaki sauce.
The broth is only half the story! The real magic happens in the dipping sauce. Creamy, spicy, tangy, or savory—the options are endless, and you can make it exactly how you like it. A great sauce brings every bite to life, from tender meats to crisp veggies and chewy noodles.
Ready to make your next hot pot night unforgettable? Let’s create the perfect dipping sauces together!
Recreating the Ultimate Hot Pot Sauce Bar at Home
Hot pot is all about the experience, and the right dipping sauce is what transforms it from good to unforgettable. Why settle for basic when you can create a custom hot pot dipping sauce bar right in your kitchen? From creamy bases to fiery spices, every ingredient adds a layer of flavor that’s uniquely yours. Let’s break it down into simple, customizable steps so you can craft the ultimate sauce for your next hot pot feast.
1. Build the Base: Creamy or Bold?
Start with a rich foundation that suits your taste.
- Chinese Sesame Paste or Peanut Butter: Sesame paste brings a nutty depth, while peanut butter offers a sweet, creamy alternative. Find sesame paste at your local Asian grocery store for authentic flavor.
- Sacha Sauce (Chinese BBQ Sauce): This umami-packed classic made from shrimp, garlic, and soybeans is a hot pot staple. Look for it in the condiment aisle of Asian markets.
2. Enhance the Seasoning
Layer in savory and sweet elements for complexity.
- Soy Sauce: A must-have for its salty, umami richness. Use light soy sauce for a balanced base or dark soy sauce for a deeper flavor.
- Oyster Sauce: Adds a thick, slightly sweet richness with a hint of the sea. Use sparingly for a subtle boost.
3. Infuse with Flavor
Take your sauce to the next level with these aromatic additions.
- Sesame Oil: Adds a luxurious, toasty aroma.
- Chinese Black Vinegar or Rice Wine Vinegar: Black vinegar provides a smoky tang, while rice vinegar brings a milder, bright acidity.
- Fish Sauce: Just a dash intensifies the savory umami profile.
- Hoisin Sauce: Sweet and salty, this pantry staple creates indulgent depth.
- Fermented Bean Curd: Salty, creamy, and slightly funky, this ingredient adds bold umami notes.
4. Make it Spicy (Optional)
Bring the heat with these bold choices.
- Chili Crisp or Chili Oil: Add crunch, heat, and aroma. Chili crisp offers texture, while chili oil delivers smooth heat.
- Chili Garlic Sauce or Sriracha: Perfect for garlicky spice—sriracha adds tang, while chili garlic sauce brings a chunkier texture.
- Sichuan Peppercorn Powder: Delivers a numbing, citrusy heat. Use sparingly for an authentic touch.
- Korean Red Chili Flakes: Mildly smoky and vibrant, they’re great if you love Korean flavors.
5. Fresh Aromatics
Add brightness and texture with fresh ingredients.
- Minced Garlic: A sharp, pungent kick that complements any sauce.
- Chopped Scallions: Crisp and oniony, they’re perfect for soy-based blends.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh and citrusy, cilantro balances bold and spicy flavors.
- Chopped Red or Green Thai Chiles: These tiny chiles pack serious heat—add based on your spice tolerance.
6. Finish with Crunch
Top it off with satisfying textures.
- Chopped Roasted Peanuts: For a nutty, crunchy finish. Crush them coarsely or finely, depending on your preference.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: A sprinkle of nuttiness and elegance—toast them yourself or buy them pre-toasted.
Customize Your Perfect Hot Pot Dip
With these tips, you’re ready to build the dipping sauce of your dreams. Mix and match ingredients to suit your cravings, whether it’s a creamy sesame blend, a spicy Sichuan-inspired sauce, or something entirely your own. Hot pot is all about sharing, so set up a sauce bar and let everyone create their masterpiece.
5 Must-Try Hot Pot Dipping Sauces:
Not sure where to start with your hot pot dipping sauces? Here are 5 tried-and-true combinations that deliver incredible flavors. These recipes are easy to prepare, and each one brings a unique profile to the table. Whether you love something creamy, spicy, or tangy, there’s a sauce here for everyone.
1. Spicy Garlic Chili Sauce
Spicy Chili Garlic Sauce combines the bold heat of chili oil, savory umami from oyster and soy sauce, tangy black vinegar, and fresh aromatics like garlic, green onions, and sesame seeds for a perfectly balanced hot pot dip.
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon black vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili oil
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
2. Spicy Peanut Sauce
This Spicy Peanut Sauce is a rich, creamy blend bursting with nutty flavors and a fiery kick, making it a must-have for hot pot. Smooth peanut butter forms the luscious base, elevated by the savory depth of oyster sauce and a splash of tangy rice vinegar. A drizzle of chili crisp oil adds heat and crunch, while chopped peanuts bring a satisfying texture. Fresh scallions and cilantro add brightness, and for spice lovers, optional Thai chili peppers take the heat to bold new heights.
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon chili crisp oil
- 1 teaspoon chopped peanuts
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- Thai chili peppers (optional)
3. Taiwanese Sacha Sauce
This Taiwanese Sacha Sauce is a savory, umami-packed blend featuring the smoky richness of Sacha sauce, enhanced by soy sauce, fragrant sesame oil, and fresh aromatics like garlic, scallions, and cilantro. Add sliced Thai chili peppers for an optional spicy kick.
- 2 tablespoons Sacha sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- sliced Thai chili peppers (optional)
4. Shabu Shabu Sauce
This Shabu Shabu Sauce is a creamy, nutty blend of Chinese sesame paste, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, balanced with tangy black vinegar, a hint of sweetness, and fresh aromatics like garlic, scallions, and cilantro. For some spice, add sliced Thai chili peppers.
- 2 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1/2 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 teaspoon black vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro
- sliced Thai chili peppers (optional)
5. Creamy Sesame Sauce
This Creamy Sesame Sauce is a rich, velvety blend that combines the nutty depth of Chinese sesame paste with the creamy tang of Kewpie mayonnaise. Enhanced by soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and fresh scallions, and finished with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, it’s the perfect dip for adding indulgent flavor to your hot pot feast.
- 1 tablespoon Chinese sesame paste
- 2 tablespoon kewpie mayonnaise
- 1/2 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1/2 tablespoon chopped scallions
- 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds