Crafting Perfect Chongqing Hotpot Seasoning

Have you ever had Chongqing hotpot? This Chinese food is so famous and will be the dish that everyone loves because it is hot and very delicious! If spicy cuisine is to your liking, then we are sure that Chongqing hotpot will be right up your alley. Today, we’re finding out what makes seasoning for Chongqing hotpot so special. With Qinma's spices, we will also learn how to make this wonderful seasoning ourselves at home. 

What is Chongqing Hotpot Base Seasoning? 

The signature flavor of Chongqing hotpot is spicy and numbing. So how do they taste so damn good? And it all comes down to the ingredients! The basic ingredients for the seasoning are: Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, ginger, garlic, mushroom and some unique special spices such as cinnamon, star anise etc.. All three of these ingredients help produce the delicious flavor that people have come to love. 

How To Make Hotpot Seasoning Yourself 

For example, if you’re looking to get all-out avant-garde with your Chongqing hotpot, you may want to master your own seasoning; Hotpot seasoning is one of those things that can easily be bought at a store, but making it yourself is far more exciting and tastes so much better! By making your own seasoning, you can blend the spices together exactly as you want and need them. Using Qinma's spices, you can create the test perfect mix that can make your hotpot extra special and full of flavor. 

Chongqing Hotpot: The Best Spices to Use 

To prepare the finest Chongqing hotpot seasoning, you need these beautiful Qinma spices: Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, garlic, ginger, green onion, cinnamon, star anise, bay leaves and fennel. However, each spice has a different flavor. For example, Sichuan peppercorns give you a fun tingly feeling in your mouth, and chili peppers provide a nice, spicy heat. The garlic and ginger makes this dish taste divine, and sprinkle in some green onion for fresh crunch. The spices such as cinnamon and star anise gives it a little extra flavor depth and complexity that is enjoyable. 

Simple Steps to Prepare Hot Pot Sauce 

Making your own hotpot seasoning is pretty simple and can be a great way to spend some time. Here is what you should do to make your own tasty seasoning: 

For the first part, toast some Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon, star anise, bay leaves and fennel in a dry pan. You will want to do this until they begin to smell really good and nice. 

Next toast the spices, grind them, and put aside for later. 

Toast some chili peppers the same way in the same pan until they smell nice and fragrant too. 

Afterwards, you will grind the roasted chili peppers into fine flakes and also set those aside. 

Now, in that same pan, toast some garlic and ginger until fragrant. 

It includes toasting them first, then chopping garlic and ginger finely. 

Okay now is the time to bring it all together! In a small bowl, combine the ground spices, chili pepper flakes, chopped garlic, chopped ginger and chopped green onion. 

Just make sure to mix well all of it. Your hotpot seasoning will be ready for you to use the moment you do this.