Hotpot is traditionally known for its thinly sliced meats, seafood, and bone broths—but it’s also one of the most flexible dining styles for plant-based eaters. Whether you’re vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to enjoy a meatless meal, hotpot offers a satisfying, customizable, and communal experience. With the right ingredients and broth bases, you can craft a flavor-packed meal that holds its own next to any carnivorous version.

Plant-Based Broth Options
The broth is the backbone of hotpot, and luckily, there are many vegetarian-friendly versions that don’t sacrifice depth or complexity.

• Mushroom Broth: Made with shiitake, enoki, and king oyster mushrooms, this savory, umami-rich option is a top pick for vegans.
  
• Tomato Broth: Sweet and tangy, tomato-based broths offer brightness and a full-bodied base for heartier vegetables.
  
• Seaweed and Kombu Broth: Inspired by Japanese shabu-shabu, this mild and mineral-rich broth is perfect for a light, clean flavor profile.
  
• Miso Broth: Adds a slightly creamy texture and salty-sweet flavor using fermented soybeans.
  
• Herbal Broth: Common in Cantonese-style hotpot, this combines goji berries, jujube, and ginger for a warming, tonic-like base.
  

You can find ready-to-use vegan soup bases at H Mart, Weee!, or make your own at home with broth recipes from The Woks of Life.

Top Vegan Hotpot Ingredients
Skip the meat and seafood—these ingredients are stars in their own right:

• Tofu (Firm, Silken, or Fried): Soaks up broth flavor and adds protein
  
• Tofu Skin (Yuba): Chewy and hearty, ideal for wrapping or rolling
  
• Napa Cabbage: Softens beautifully in the pot and adds sweetness
  
• Enoki and King Oyster Mushrooms: Meaty and umami-rich
  
• Lotus Root: Crunchy and slightly sweet, it holds up well in broth
  
• Daikon Radish: Adds body to the soup as it softens
  
• Pumpkin or Kabocha Squash: Brings a touch of sweetness
  
• Sweet Corn Rounds: Adds aroma and natural sugars to the broth
  
• Frozen Tofu: Spongier texture and excellent broth absorption
  
• Glass Noodles, Udon, or Rice Cakes: Fulfilling carb options with great texture
  

Vegan Dipping Sauce Ideas
Many traditional hotpot sauces contain fermented seafood or meat-based flavoring, so making your own vegan-friendly sauce is key. Try combinations like:

• Soy sauce + sesame oil + garlic + scallions + chili crisp
  
• Miso paste + rice vinegar + ginger + a touch of maple syrup
  
• Tahini + lemon juice + crushed peanuts + sriracha for a creamy-spicy option
  

Use sauce recipes from sources like Bon Appétit or Minimalist Baker to customize your own plant-based blends.

Hosting a Vegan Hotpot Night at Home
Planning your own meat-free hotpot is easy and cost-effective. Set up a dual hotpot with one mild and one spicy broth, prep all your ingredients ahead of time, and use a portable induction burner or tabletop cooker. You can shop for ingredients at local farmers markets, Asian grocers, or online.

To save even more, use cashback apps like Ibotta or Rakuten for grocery purchases. You can also earn rewards when you shop for groceries using a digital gift card from Fluz, helping you stock up on vegetables, sauces, and noodles with instant savings.

Satisfying, Flavorful, and 100% Plant-Based
Hotpot proves that a hearty, social meal doesn’t need meat to be memorable. With rich broths, nutrient-dense vegetables, and customizable sauces, vegan and vegetarian hotpot brings variety and depth to the table—no sacrifice required.