This is Nazia, from Food And Meal. As some of you know, I love exploring cuisine from around the world and putting my own spin on classic dishes. Lately I’ve been infatuated with Japanese hot pot recipes and came up with this Japanese Chicken Tofu Hot Pot that I can’t get enough of!
Hot pot is such a fun, interactive meal that brings people together through good food and conversation. The variety of ingredients cooking in the simmering broth keeps everyone engaged and waiting for their next favorite morsel.
In my Japanese-inspired hot pot, I use a savory dashi and soy sauce broth seasoned with mirin, ginger and garlic. It’s packed with umami flavor that seeps into the chicken, tofu, mushrooms, veggies and noodles as they cook. I love the sweet and salty notes the broth takes on.
The tofu soaks up the broth beautifully and the chicken cooks up tender and moist. I also can’t resist dipping the ingredients in ponzu, sesame sauce, and chili oil as I eat. Every bite is so satisfying!
I hope my Japanese Chicken Tofu Hot Pot inspires you to gather friends around the table for some cooking and bonding. Let me know if you have a favorite hot pot recipe to share!
Japanese Chicken Tofu Hot Pot Recipe
Japanese Chicken Tofu Hot Pot
Ingredients
- 4 oz. piece kombu (kelp)
- 20 1/4 oz. water, filtered
- 12 1/3 oz. cubed chicken meat, thigh
- 1 bunch Bok choy
- 2 carrots, large
- 12 mushrooms, shiitake
- 10 – 10 1⁄2 oz. chunk-cut tofu, firm
- Ponzu sauce, bottled
Instructions
- Create dashi stock. Place water and kombu in hot pot. Bring to simmering and remove kombu.
- Add the vegetables to stock and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Then add tofu. Simmer for two more minutes.
- Place hot pot over fondue or portable burner on dining table. Provide your guests with bowls and skewers. Allow them to cook the chicken meat in soup and dip in the ponzu dipping sauce.
Video
Notes
- Seasoning Matters: While the Chicken Tofu Hot Pot is forgiving, it’s the seasoning that makes all the difference. Remember, always season in stages to taste. Enjoyed this insight? Spread the love and share this recipe with fellow culinary enthusiasts!
- Tofu Tips: Soft tofu is ideal for that melt-in-the-mouth experience. Drain it well to ensure it soaks up the pot's flavors. Loving these tidbits? Don’t keep it to yourself! Share the recipe and join our community for more such gems.
- Choosing the Chicken: Opt for bone-in pieces for richer flavor. However, if you're short on time, boneless works wonders too! If this was helpful, why not share the recipe and subscribe for more delightful culinary secrets?
Nutrition
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This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the Spoonacular Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Alternative Method: Preparing Chicken Tofu Hot Pot using a Pressure Cooker
Prepare your Pressure Cooker Chicken and Tofu with ease. Slice chicken, cube tofu, and prep veggies. Sear chicken, layer veggies, pour broth, add soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Pressure cook for 15 mins. Stir in tofu, reseal for 5 mins. Adjust seasoning, sprinkle scallions, and a dash of sesame oil. Serve hot over rice or udon noodles for a delightful meal.
Cooking Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
When prepping the chicken, I like to use bone-in thighs for maximum flavor. The bones add body to the broth as it simmers. I cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces so everything cooks in harmony. For extra juicy meat, try marinating it first!
With tofu, choose a firm variety so it holds its shape through cooking. I love how it soaks up all the flavors of the dashi broth. Gently pat dry the tofu before adding it to the hot pot so it’ll really absorb that tasty broth.
Use mushrooms stems and all – adding the stems to the broth boosts umami flavor. Just slice them a bit thinner since they take longer to become tender.
I always have dipping sauces like ponzu, chili oil and sesame on hand so guests can customize as they cook and eat. Everyone loves personalizing their hot pot experience!
Part of the fun is gathering with friends, cooking and dipping to your heart’s content. Hot pot makes me feel so warm, happy and grateful to share the experience.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Tofu Hot Pot
Begin by slicing tender chicken into bite-sized pieces, draining the tofu, and preparing an array of vibrant vegetables and aromatic seasonings. The adventure unfolds as you sear the chicken in a dash of oil within the sauté setting of your pressure cooker, allowing it to acquire a tantalizing light brown hue that intensifies its flavor.
Layering becomes an art as sliced vegetables such as carrots, onions, and mushrooms join the chicken, followed by a pour of your preferred broth. The canvas is then adorned with a symphony of seasonings – soy sauce, mirin, sake, and a subtle touch of sugar or honey to elevate the taste. Seal the pressure cooker, setting it on ‘High Pressure’ for a magical 15 minutes, ensuring the chicken becomes tender while the flavors intertwine in a culinary dance.
As the lid unveils a world of aromatic wonders, gently stir in cubes of tofu, sealing the lid again to let the residual warmth caress the tofu for an additional 5 minutes, ensuring a soft and velvety texture. A final touch of perfection involves releasing any remaining pressure, unveiling a pot filled with a tantalizing amalgamation of ingredients.
The masterpiece is complete with a sprinkle of thinly sliced scallions and perhaps a whisper of sesame oil for an added layer of aroma. Serving this culinary symphony is an art in itself – pour the masterpiece into individual bowls, ensuring each serving boasts a harmonious blend of succulent chicken, velvety tofu, and crisp vegetables.
To elevate this dining experience further, consider pairing it with Sui-Gyoza Soup for comforting warmth, or the rich flavors of Vegetarian Gyoza. For those seeking a fusion of tastes, Steak Teriyaki offers a hearty accompaniment.
FAQs on Chicken Tofu Hot Pot
- How long does the hot pot last in the fridge?Once cooled, the Chicken Tofu Hot Pot can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure you store it in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
- Can I freeze the leftovers?Yes, you can freeze the hot pot, but it’s best to exclude the tofu when freezing as its texture can change upon thawing. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
- What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?Feel free to experiment! Thin slices of beef or pork work wonderfully. Seafood, especially shrimp or clams, can also be a delectable addition.
- Is it okay to use different vegetables?Absolutely! The beauty of a hot pot is its adaptability. Use veggies you have on hand or those that are in season for best results.
- My broth seems too bland. What can I do?If the broth is lacking in flavor, consider adding more seasonings. Soy sauce, miso paste, or even a touch more salt can enhance the broth’s depth. Remember, always add in small increments and taste as you go.
Conclusion
I hope you all enjoyed this glimpse into my Japanese Chicken Tofu Hot Pot recipe and some of my favorite cooking tips. Hot pot is such a fun, interactive meal that brings people together through good food and conversation.
If you try out this recipe, let me know! I’d love to see your hot pot creations and hear how it turned out. Share photos on social media and tag @foodandmeal so I can check them out.
Hot pot holds a special place in my heart because of the memories it evokes. I feel so grateful when friends tell me that enjoying this dish together has given them special memories too.
Hi! I'm Nazia of ‘Nazia Cooks’, a self-taught baker and cook residing in Chennai. Rooted in the rich South Indian culinary landscape, my palate has expanded to embrace global flavors. I revel in crafting fusion dishes, melding traditions to birth unique tastes.