hot pot dish：Freshly cut Beef

china Hot pot is a beloved communal dining experience, and freshly cut beef is a star ingredient that elevates the meal. Whether you’re a hot pot novice or a seasoned enthusiast, mastering the art of selecting, preparing, and cooking beef will ensure tender, flavorful results. Here’s everything you need to know.

Choosing the Right Cut of Freshly Cut Beef

The key to perfect hot pot beef lies in selecting the right cut. Opt for tender, well-marbled slices that cook quickly and melt in your mouth:

1. Ribeye: Rich marbling ensures juiciness and a buttery texture.
2. Sirloin: Lean yet tender, ideal for those who prefer lighter meat.
3. Brisket: Offers a balance of meat and fat, perfect for slow simmering.
4. Tenderloin: Ultra-soft and lean, best for quick dips in the broth.

Avoid overly tough cuts like shank or chuck unless thinly sliced, ask your butcher to slice it against the grain into 1–2 mm thick pieces—this ensures tenderness.

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Preparing Freshly Cut Beef at Home

1. Chill the Meat: Freeze the beef for 30–60 minutes to firm it up, making slicing easier.
2. Slice Thinly: Use a sharp knife to cut against the grain. Aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.
3. Arrange for Presentation: Layer the slices on a plate, slightly overlapping for a restaurant-style look.

Pro Tip: Lightly marinate the beef in a mix of soy sauce, rice wine, and cornstarch for 10 minutes to enhance flavor and tenderness.

Cooking Freshly Cut Beef in Hot Pot

1. Broth Temperature: Bring the broth to a rolling boil before adding beef.
2. Quick Dipping: Use chopsticks to swish 1–2 slices at a time in the broth for 5–10 seconds. Overcooking toughens the meat.
3. Pair with Sauces: Dip cooked beef in sesame sauce, soy-vinegar blends, or spicy Sichuan dips for extra flavor.

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Why Freshly Cut Beef Matters

Unlike pre-packaged slices, freshly cut beef retains its natural juices and texture. Thin slices cook in seconds, absorbing the broth’s aroma without losing tenderness. For an authentic Sichuan twist, pair it with a bold, numbing broth made with premium spices.

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Enhance Your Hot Pot with Our Authentic Soup Bases

At xiaoyi hot pot, we specialize in crafting authentic Sichuan hot pot soup bases that complement freshly cut beef perfectly. Our blends, made with handpicked Sichuan peppercorns and aged chili, deliver the fiery, aromatic flavors that make hot pot unforgettable.

Try our Mala Hot Pot Soup Base or Tomato Hot Pot Soup Base to elevate your homemade hot pot experience.