Thai Seafood Hot Pot: A Culinary Delight for Family Gatherings

Ingredients

For the hot pot broth

• 1.5l chicken bone broth
• 2-3 kaffir lime leaves
• 2 lemongrass stalks, bruised and cut into pieces
• 3-4 red chilies, minced
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 shallots, minced
• 1 knob ginger, bruised
• 3-4 tomatoes, cut into wedges
• 200 ml lime juice
• 3-4 tablespoons Hoàng Gia fish sauce
• 2 tablespoons palm sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili sauce

For the seafood

• 300g shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 300g squid, cleaned and sliced into rings
• 200g clams, cleaned
• 200g crab or mud crab, cleaned and cut into pieces

Vegetables

• Water spinach, trimmed and washed
• Napa cabbage, cut into wedges
• Enoki mushrooms, washed
• Red cabbage, thinly sliced

Accompaniments

• Fresh rice noodles or vermicelli
• Assortment of fresh herbs (Thai basil, holy basil)

Instructions

Preparing the hot pot broth

• Pour the chicken bone broth into a pot and bring to a boil.

• Add the kaffir lime leaves, lemongrass, chilies, garlic, shallots, and ginger to the pot. Simmer for about 10 minutes to infuse the flavors into the broth.

• Incorporate the tomatoes, lime juice, Hoàng Gia fish sauce, palm sugar, and chili sauce. Stir well and continue simmering for 5-10 minutes until the broth reaches a balanced sour and spicy flavor.

Preparing the seafood and vegetables:

• Set aside the cleaned and prepared shrimp, squid, clams, and crab.

• Wash and prepare the vegetables and mushrooms, keeping them separate.

Cooking the hot pot:

• Place the hot pot on a gas or electric burner at the center of the dining table.

• Once the broth is boiling, gradually add the seafood and vegetables to the pot. Wait for the seafood to cook through, then immerse the vegetables.

• Enjoy the hot pot with fresh rice noodles or vermicelli, accompanied by Hoàng Gia fish sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Thai Seafood Hot Pot not only tantalizes the taste buds but also captivates the eyes with its vibrant array of vegetables and seafood. The harmonious blend of sour and spicy flavors, combined with the freshness of the ingredients, will make your family gathering truly memorable. With the rich umami notes imparted by Hoang Gia fish sauce, this dish is sure to win over the palates of every family member. Gather around, savor the flavors, and create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.