Whiskey Hot Pot Recipe

Prepare broth

In a large heavy-bottomed pot (4–6 quart), combine the chicken stock and water. Add sliced ginger and smashed garlic. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Once simmering, stir in the soy sauce, mirin, sesame oil, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Reduce heat to low and let the broth gently simmer, uncovered, while you prepare the rest of the ingredients (10 minutes). Taste and adjust seasoning — it should be savory with a mild sweetness.

Pat the chicken pieces dry and season lightly with 1/4 tsp salt and a pinch of pepper. Add chicken to the simmering broth first and cook gently for 5–7 minutes until mostly cooked through.

Add the tofu cubes to the pot near the chicken to warm through and absorb some broth flavor, simmer 2–3 minutes.

Add the shrimp in the last 2–3 minutes of cooking so they just turn pink and curl. Do not overcook shrimp — remove any protein that finishes earlier to keep texture.

Add the heartier vegetables first: carrots and daikon. Simmer 3–4 minutes to begin softening.

Add napa cabbage and shiitake mushrooms, simmer another 2–3 minutes. Finally add any delicate mushrooms (enoki) and cooked noodles just to warm through (1–2 minutes). All vegetables should be tender-crisp; timing can be adjusted to preference.

With the heat on low and the pot at a gentle simmer (not a rolling boil), remove the pot briefly from the burner and stir in the whiskey and lemon juice. Return to low heat and simmer for 1–2 minutes to allow alcohol to mellow and flavors to integrate. Do not boil vigorously after adding whiskey to preserve aromatics.

Skim any foam or impurities from the surface with a spoon. Taste and adjust final seasoning with additional soy sauce or salt if needed.

Ladle the hot pot into bowls, ensuring a good mix of proteins, vegetables, tofu and noodles. Garnish with sliced scallions and cilantro leaves. Serve immediately with the optional dipping sauce on the side.

Whisk together ponzu (or soy sauce), toasted sesame oil and chili oil or flakes in a small bowl. Offer as a condiment for guests to dip pieces of meat, tofu or vegetables into for extra flavor.