Olivia Carter
If you are a fan of traditional Chinese hot pot, you have most likely heard of Little Sheep Hot Pot. This popular hot pot chain is known for its flavorful and aromatic soup base. While you can easily find their soup base in stores, it is also possible to make it at home. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making your own delicious Little Sheep Hot Pot soup base.
To start off, you will need a variety of ingredients. The key to the rich and complex flavor of the Little Sheep Hot Pot soup base lies in the combination of spices and herbs. Some of the essential spices include star anise, bay leaves, cloves, Sichuan peppercorns, and cinnamon sticks. These spices will create a fragrant and slightly spicy base for your hot pot.
In addition to the spices, you will need some aromatics to add depth and flavor to the soup base. Garlic, ginger, and scallions are commonly used in Chinese cooking and will enhance the overall taste of the hot pot. You can also add some dried mushrooms for an earthy and savory note.
Once you have gathered all the ingredients, it’s time to start making the soup base. First, heat some oil in a pot and add your spices. Stir fry them for a few minutes until they release their aroma. Then, add the garlic, ginger, and scallions and cook for another minute or two. Next, add water and bring it to a boil. Let it simmer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Preparing Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base
Little Sheep Hot Pot is a popular Chinese soup dish that originates from Inner Mongolia. It is known for its rich and flavorful broth made from a variety of ingredients. Preparing the soup base is an essential step in creating an authentic and delicious hot pot experience.
Ingredients
To prepare the Little Sheep Hot Pot soup base, you will need the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Water | 2 liters |
| Chicken bones | 500 grams |
| Pork bones | 500 grams |
| Chinese herbs (e.g. goji berries, dried red dates) | A handful |
| Garlic cloves | 6-8 |
| Ginger | 1 small piece, sliced |
| Scallions | 3-4, cut into large pieces |
| Soy sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Instructions
Follow these steps to prepare the Little Sheep Hot Pot soup base:
- In a large pot, add the water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the chicken bones and pork bones to the boiling water. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes to remove any impurities.
- Drain the bones and rinse them under cold water to remove any remaining impurities.
- Return the bones to the pot and add the Chinese herbs, garlic cloves, ginger, and scallions.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat for about 3 hours, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.
- Add the soy sauce and salt to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- Continue simmering the soup base for another 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Once the soup base is ready, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any solids.
Your Little Sheep Hot Pot soup base is now ready to be used for your hot pot feast! Simply pour the soup base into your hot pot and add your desired ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and tofu. Dip the cooked ingredients into the flavorful broth and enjoy the delicious and comforting flavors of Little Sheep Hot Pot.
Ingredients for Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base
When making Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients to ensure that your soup base is rich and flavorful. Here are the key ingredients you will need:
1. Mutton Bones or Lamb Bones
For an authentic flavor, mutton bones or lamb bones are essential. These bones will impart a deep, savory taste to your soup base.
2. Chinese Herbs and Spices
The unique flavor profile of Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base comes from a blend of Chinese herbs and spices. Some common ingredients include -star anise, Chinese cinnamon, Sichuan peppercorns, dried tangerine peel, and dried ginger.
3. Chicken Stock
To enhance the richness of the soup base, adding chicken stock is recommended. It adds a depth of flavor and helps to balance out the strong flavors from the mutton bones and spices.
4. Shaoxing Wine
Shaoxing wine is a Chinese cooking wine that adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the soup base. It is commonly used in Chinese cuisine for marinating and braising dishes.
5. Bean Paste
Bean paste, also known as doubanjiang, is a fermented chili bean paste that adds a spicy and savory kick to the soup base. It can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
6. Soy Sauce and Salt
To season the soup base, soy sauce and salt are required. Adjust the amount according to your taste preference.
7. Water
Water is the base of the soup, so make sure you have enough to cover the ingredients and allow them to simmer and blend together.
By having these ingredients on hand, you will be well-prepared to create a delicious Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base. Experiment with the flavors and adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.
Cooking Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base
Making your own hot pot soup base at home is easier than you might think. With a few simple ingredients, you can recreate the delicious flavor of Little Sheep Hot Pot right in your own kitchen.
To start, you’ll need:
- 500 grams of beef bones
- 200 grams of chicken bones
- 1 piece of ginger, sliced
- 5 cloves of garlic, crushed
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons of doubanjiang (spicy broad bean paste)
- 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 tablespoon of Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon of Chinese five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of Shaoxing wine
- 1 liter of water
First, preheat your oven to 200°C. Place the beef and chicken bones on a baking sheet and roast them for about 30 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.
In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the ginger and garlic, and sauté them until fragrant.
Add the doubanjiang and tomato paste to the pot, and stir fry them for a minute or two. This will help bring out their flavors.
Next, add the roasted bones, sugar, salt, Sichuan peppercorns, Chinese five-spice powder, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Shaoxing wine to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
Pour in the water, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 3 hours. This will allow all the flavors to meld together.
After 3 hours, strain the soup base through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solids. You’ll be left with a rich and flavorful hot pot soup base.
Your homemade Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base is now ready to use. Simply heat it up in a hot pot and add your favorite ingredients, such as thinly sliced meat, vegetables, and noodles. Enjoy!
Serving Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base
After preparing the Little Sheep hot pot soup base, it’s time to serve and enjoy the delicious flavors. Here are some tips on how to serve the hot pot soup base:
1. Prepare Fresh Ingredients
Before serving the hot pot soup base, make sure to prepare fresh ingredients. Little Sheep hot pot is all about enjoying the natural flavors of meats, vegetables, and mushrooms. Slice the meat thin, chop the vegetables into bite-sized pieces, and clean the mushrooms properly.
2. Heat the Soup Base
After preparing your ingredients, heat the soup base in a hot pot. You can use an electric hot pot or an induction cooker. Bring the soup base to a gentle boil and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Note: If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add some chili oil or chili flakes to the soup base.
3. Cook the Ingredients
Once the soup base is heated, it’s time to cook the ingredients. Start by placing the meat slices into the hot pot and let them cook until tender. Add the vegetables and mushrooms, and let them simmer until cooked to your desired texture.
Note: You can use a strainer spoon or a small ladle to remove any foam or impurities that may float on the surface of the hot pot soup.
4. Enjoy the Hot Pot
Once all the ingredients are cooked, it’s time to enjoy the hot pot. You can eat the ingredients directly from the hot pot or transfer them to individual bowls. Little Sheep hot pot pairs well with rice or noodles.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to dip your cooked ingredients in the tasty condiments provided, such as sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili oil, for an extra burst of flavor.
Now that you know how to serve Little Sheep hot pot soup base, gather your family and friends, and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal together. Happy hot pot cooking!
Tips for Making Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base
Making the perfect Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base requires attention to detail and a few key tips. Follow these suggestions to enhance the flavour and consistency of your homemade soup base.
1. Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh and high-quality ingredients. Use fresh vegetables, aromatic spices, and premium meats to create a rich and robust flavour profile.
2. Properly Preparing Meat: Before adding the meat to the soup base, it is important to properly prepare it. This includes washing and marinating the meat with appropriate seasonings, such as soy sauce or oyster sauce, to enhance its taste.
3. Balancing Flavours: Achieving a balanced flavour is crucial for a delicious soup base. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt, soy sauce, or other condiments to reach the desired taste. Consider adding additional spices or herbs to enhance the aroma.
4. Slow Cooking: To extract the maximum flavours from the ingredients, simmer the soup base on low heat for an extended period. This slow cooking process allows the ingredients to release their flavours gradually, resulting in a more concentrated and complex taste.
5. Skimming Off Impurities: While simmering the soup base, impurities may rise to the surface. Skim off any foam or scum that forms on top to ensure a clear and clean soup base.
6. Cooling and Storing: Once the soup base is ready, allow it to cool before storing it. Transfer the soup base to airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze it for later use. This will help preserve its freshness and flavour.
7. Experimenting with Flavours: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and seasonings to create your own unique variation of the Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base. Add your favourite spices, herbs, or vegetables to create a personalised and customised flavour profile.
By following these tips, you can elevate the taste of your Little Sheep Hot Pot Soup Base and create a delicious and satisfying meal for yourself and your loved ones.
FAQ
What is Little Sheep hot pot soup base?
Little Sheep hot pot soup base is a popular Chinese soup base that is used in the traditional Chinese hot pot dish. It is known for its rich and flavorful broth.
How do you make Little Sheep hot pot soup base?
To make Little Sheep hot pot soup base, you will need a variety of ingredients such as beef bone, ginger, garlic, star anise, and Sichuan peppercorn. You will need to simmer the ingredients together for several hours to extract the flavors. Once the soup base is ready, you can strain it and use it as a base for your hot pot dish.
