How to Make Authentic Malatang Hot Pot at Home

Malatang (麻辣烫) is one of China's most beloved street foods — a customizable hot pot bowl where you pick your ingredients and they're cooked in a rich, spicy broth right in front of you. The good news: you can make it at home, anywhere in the world.

What is Malatang?

Malatang literally means "numbing, spicy, and hot." It's a popular Chinese street food originating from Sichuan province. Unlike traditional hot pot, malatang is a solo meal — you pick your skewered ingredients, they're cooked to order, and served in a bowl with the broth poured over.

Key Ingredients You Need

• Broth base: Chicken or beef stock with Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, doubanjiang (spicy bean paste), and star anise
• Proteins: Tofu puffs, fish balls, beef slices, quail eggs
• Vegetables: Lotus root, potato slices, mushrooms, leafy greens
• Noodles: Glass noodles, rice noodles, or wheat noodles

Making the Malatang Broth

The broth is the heart of malatang. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of doubanjiang and stir-fry until fragrant (about 2 minutes). Add Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, ginger, and garlic. Pour in chicken stock, add star anise and a cinnamon stick. Simmer for 20 minutes.

Ingredient Substitutions for Overseas Kitchens

Can't find doubanjiang? Use Korean gochujang mixed with a little sesame oil as a substitute. No Sichuan peppercorns? Try a small amount of white pepper plus a squeeze of lemon for the numbing effect.

Serving Your Malatang

Cook your chosen ingredients in the broth, then serve in a bowl. Add sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, and spring onions as toppings. The sauce ratio makes all the difference.

Want the exact sauce ratios and a complete ingredient guide? Check out our Malatang Hot Pot Bowl & Sauce Starter Guide — a printable PDF with everything you need.

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