Chinese Fondue Recipe for the Arteflame Grill
Chinese fondue, also known as hot pot, is a beloved communal eating experience where diners cook a variety of ingredients in a flavorful broth. This version is adapted for the Arteflame grill, combining the joy of grilling with the rich flavors of Chinese cuisine.
Ingredients:
For the Broth:
- 8 cups chicken or vegetable stock
- 2 slices of ginger
- 4 cloves of garlic, smashed
- 2 star anise
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns (optional for a numbing effect)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 bunch of scallions, chopped
- 1 bunch of cilantro, leaves and stems separated
For Dipping:
- Thinly sliced beef, lamb, or chicken
- Shrimp, cleaned and deveined
- Fish balls or tofu
- Assorted mushrooms (shiitake, oyster, enoki)
- Leafy greens (bok choy, spinach, napa cabbage)
- Noodles (udon, rice noodles, or glass noodles)
- Dumplings or wontons
Sauces for Serving:
- Sesame sauce
- Chili oil
- Soy sauce
- Hoisin sauce
- Minced garlic and scallions
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions:
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Prepare the Broth: On the Arteflame grill, place a large pot or a fondue pot if you have one that's suitable for the grill. Pour the stock into the pot and add ginger, garlic, star anise, cinnamon, and Sichuan peppercorns. Bring to a simmer, then stir in soy sauce and oyster sauce. Add half of the chopped scallions and cilantro stems. Let the broth simmer for 20-30 minutes to infuse the flavors.
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Prepare the Ingredients: While the broth is simmering, prepare and arrange the dipping ingredients on platters. Thinly slice the meats for quicker cooking. Wash and cut the vegetables into bite-sized pieces. Soak the noodles in warm water if needed.
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Cooking at the Table: Place the pot on a stable surface on or near the Arteflame grill where everyone can reach. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Guests can use fondue forks or wire baskets to cook their chosen ingredients in the broth. It only takes a few seconds for thin meats and about 1-2 minutes for vegetables and dumplings.
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Enjoy with Sauces: Mix and match the sauces to create personalized dipping sauces. Use small bowls for each guest to mix their sauces.
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After the Feast: Once the solids are enjoyed, add noodles to the flavorful broth and enjoy a delicious soup as the finale of your meal.
Tips:
- Keep additional broth handy to add to the pot as the liquid evaporates or is absorbed.
- Encourage guests to experiment with different combinations of ingredients and sauces.
- For an authentic touch, include ingredients like thinly sliced lotus root or bamboo shoots.
Enjoy this Chinese fondue on your Arteflame grill for a unique and interactive dining experience that brings people together over delicious food.