Spicy Sesame Paste Silken Tofu Hotpot

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare the broth by simmering the kombu-bonito dashi package in 1000 ml of water. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 5–6 minutes to release flavours. Optionally add a small piece of kombu seaweed for extra depth.
   ▶ ≈0:28
2. 2
   Rinse the enoki mushrooms under running water at the base. Prepare the baby bok choy, Chinese broccoli stems, and scallions. Split and slice the white scallion parts thinly. Split the broccoli stems lengthwise for even cooking.
   ▶ ≈0:49
3. 3
   Mix 1 tablespoon of spicy broad bean paste with white miso. Prepare minced garlic. If not making chilli oil, substitute with 2 tablespoons of Korean red chilli powder.
   ▶ ≈1:44
4. 4
   Remove the kombu and dashi package from the broth. Add sake and the cleaned clams. Simmer until the clams open, then cook a little longer to release their umami flavours.
   ▶ ≈2:15
5. 5
   Turn off the heat and cover. Strain and reserve about 500 ml of broth, setting aside the remainder for topping up later.
   ▶ ≈2:46
6. 6
   Heat a pot or pan over medium heat. Add the ground pork directly and spread it flat, allowing it to brown and crisp without constant stirring.
   ▶ ≈3:21
7. 7
   Once the meat is browned and crispy, add the minced garlic and white scallion parts and stir-fry until fragrant. Add the miso, spicy broad bean paste, and 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce.
   ▶ ≈4:04
8. 8
   When the pan is dry, splash in salted water and stir-fry to build flavour. Once the meat is coloured, add the chilli powder, reduce heat to low, and cook gently, adding a splash of water if needed. Continue until the meat is evenly red and well-coated. Set aside.
   ▶ ≈4:24
9. 9
   Pour the reserved broth into a clay pot or hotpot vessel. Layer baby bok choy at the bottom, then arrange firm tofu, assorted mushrooms, and baby corn, filling the pot generously.
   ▶ ≈5:09
10. 10
    Thaw the soy milk and slowly pour it into the broth. Heat over medium-low heat. Once the vegetables at the bottom are tender, add the cooked spiced meat and simmer together. Keep the heat moderate to prevent excessive foaming.
    ▶ ≈5:43