Vegetarian Hot Pot

Steps

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1. 1
   Prepare the soup base ingredients. Slice the ginger, cut the onion into chunks, and slice the carrot. Cut the daikon radish in half lengthwise, then cut into thick slices about 3/4 to 1 inch thick.
   ▶ ≈0:24
2. 2
   Prepare the remaining vegetables. Cut napa cabbage stems into thin strips and slice the leafy parts lengthwise. Slice lotus root thinly (about 1/8 inch) and soak in water to remove excess starch. Remove outer leaves of bok choy, cut in half, and then quarter lengthwise. Trim the ends of seafood mushrooms and leave whole. Trim the stems off fresh shiitake mushrooms and cut each cap into 3 pieces at an angle.
   ▶ ≈1:35
3. 3
   Prepare tofu and vermicelli. Drain the medium firm tofu, rinse quickly, then cut into thirds lengthwise and rotate 90 degrees to cut into seven equal parts, resulting in 21 rectangular pieces. Soak dried vermicelli in warm water to soften, about 10 to 15 minutes.
   ▶ ≈4:33
4. 4
   Make the dipping sauce by combining 3 tablespoons vegetarian oyster sauce, 3 tablespoons light soy sauce, 1 tablespoon vinegar, and 2 tablespoons sugar. Stir to balance the flavors. Add 1 teaspoon chili sauce to taste, then add 2 tablespoons boiled water.
   ▶ ≈6:48
5. 5
   Heat oil in a large wok on high heat. Add ginger and stir-fry until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add onion and stir-fry for about 1 minute, then add carrot and mushroom stems and stir-fry for 30–40 seconds. Add daikon radish and stir-fry for about 1 minute. Pour in 1 tablespoon cooking wine and toss to combine.
   ▶ ≈7:46
6. 6
   Add about 10 cups of boiling water. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
   ▶ ≈9:24
7. 7
   Transfer the soup base to the hot pot. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon sugar to each side, cover, and let cook for another 5 minutes.
   ▶ ≈9:39
8. 8
   After 5 minutes, uncover and add 1 teaspoon chili sauce to the spicy side. Add ingredients in this order: lotus root, tofu, fresh shiitake mushrooms, fried tofu puffs, and napa cabbage stems to both sides. Maintain a simmer throughout, adjusting heat as needed. Eat as you cook, and finish by adding bok choy for a splash of color.
   ▶ ≈11:06