Vegetarian Hotpot Recipes for Cozy and Flavorful Meals

There’s something magical about gathering around a steaming pot of hot broth, adding colorful vegetables, tofu, and noodles, and sharing a hearty meal with friends and family. Vegetarian hotpot recipes are the perfect way to bring everyone together, regardless of dietary preferences.

These recipes offer a creative, vibrant twist on the classic Asian hotpot, making it easy to enjoy all the comfort and flavor—without the meat. Whether you’re seeking a cozy winter dinner or a festive meal for a special occasion, vegetarian hotpots are endlessly customizable, nourishing, and fun to prepare.

In this post, I’ll share my go-to vegetarian hotpot recipes, from a classic Chinese-inspired version to a spicy Korean-style option and a uniquely fusion coconut curry hotpot. Each one is packed with umami, texture, and the freshest seasonal produce.

Ready to warm your soul and ignite your taste buds? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Versatile & Customizable: Build your own hotpot adventure by choosing your favorite vegetables, proteins, noodles, and broths.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Hotpot is inherently social, making it a fantastic centerpiece for dinner parties and family meals.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein, these recipes are as nourishing as they are delicious.
• Easy to Prepare: Most of the work is in prepping the ingredients—the actual cooking is quick and fuss-free!
• Global Flavors: With recipes inspired by Chinese, Korean, and Southeast Asian cuisines, there’s a hotpot for every palate.

Ingredients

Vegetarian Chinese-Style Hotpot

Korean-Inspired Vegetarian Hotpot

Coconut Curry Hotpot (Fusion)

Equipment

• Portable tabletop burner (or induction hot plate)
• Large, deep pot (for broth)
• Chopsticks and/or slotted spoon for retrieving ingredients
• Small bowls and plates for dipping sauces and individual servings
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Colander or fine mesh strainer (for rinsing noodles and veggies)
• Ladle

Instructions

Vegetarian Chinese-Style Hotpot

1. Prepare the broth: In your large pot, combine vegetable broth, garlic, ginger, and green onions. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Prep the ingredients: While the broth simmers, wash and slice all the vegetables, cube the tofu, and arrange them on platters for easy access at the table.
3. Cook the noodles: If using glass noodles or rice noodles, soak or cook according to package instructions. Set aside.
4. Transfer the pot: Move the hot broth to the tabletop burner. Return to a gentle simmer.
5. Build your hotpot: Invite everyone to add their choice of veggies, tofu, and noodles into the simmering broth. Ingredients like carrots, lotus root, and daikon radish may take longer (5-10 minutes); leafy greens and mushrooms cook quickly (2-3 minutes).
6. Season to taste: Add soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and white pepper to the broth as desired. Drizzle with chili oil for heat.
7. Enjoy! Use chopsticks or a slotted spoon to fish out your cooked ingredients, dip in your favorite sauces, and savor with hot broth.

Korean-Inspired Vegetarian Hotpot

1. Make the spicy broth: In your pot, combine vegetable broth, gochujang, gochugaru, garlic, and onion. Bring to a simmer for 10 minutes.
2. Prep the veggies: Slice the zucchini, mushrooms, and cube the tofu. Lay out all toppings (vegan kimchi, spinach, baby corn, etc.) on a tray.
3. Prepare the noodles: Soak or cook sweet potato glass noodles per package instructions.
4. Simmer and serve: Transfer the pot to the tabletop burner. Let everyone add their favorite ingredients into the spicy broth, cooking until tender (2–8 minutes, depending on the ingredient).
5. Finish & garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and green onions. Serve with extra soy sauce or chili paste on the side.

Coconut Curry Hotpot

1. Start the broth: In your pot, combine vegetable broth, coconut milk, red curry paste, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Simmer for 10 minutes to blend flavors.
2. Prep the fillings: Slice the butternut squash, mushrooms, and bok choy. Cube the tofu and rinse the snow peas.
3. Cook the noodles: Prepare rice noodles as directed on the package.
4. Simmer and dip: Place the broth on the tabletop burner. Let guests add ingredients, cooking until just tender (most veggies: 3–6 minutes; tofu: 2–3 minutes).
5. Finish with flavor: Add soy sauce and chili slices to taste. Serve with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for brightness.

Tips & Variations

• Customize the Vegetables: Hotpot is a fantastic way to use seasonal produce. Try adding asparagus, broccoli, sweet corn, kale, or even pumpkin for extra color and flavor.
• Boost the Protein: For more heartiness, add marinated tempeh, seitan, or even plant-based “fish balls”.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and opt for glass noodles, rice noodles, or sweet potato noodles.
• Try Different Broths: Mushroom, miso, and spicy tomato broths are all delicious vegetarian bases.

• “Don’t overcrowd the pot! Add ingredients in small batches to keep the broth at a gentle simmer and ensure even cooking.”

• Dipping Sauces: Mix up small bowls of soy sauce, black vinegar, chili crisp, sesame paste, or hoisin sauce for dipping cooked goodies.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrition facts are estimates and will vary based on the exact ingredients and serving sizes you choose.

Serving Suggestions

• Set up a DIY hotpot station for guests, with platters of vegetables, tofu, noodles, and dipping sauces.
• Pair with sides: Serve with homemade vegetable crackers, moist vegetarian date cake for dessert, or a crisp salad.
• For a full meal, offer steamed rice or fresh vegan bread on the side.
• For extra flair, garnish with fresh herbs (cilantro, Thai basil), scallions, or toasted sesame seeds.
• Don’t forget chopsticks and soup spoons for an authentic experience!

Conclusion

Vegetarian hotpot recipes are more than just a meal—they’re an experience. The steamy broth, the rainbow of vegetables, the satisfying noodles and tofu all come together to create a dish that is both comforting and celebratory.

Whether you’re hosting a lively dinner party or enjoying a quiet meal at home, hotpot is a nourishing way to unwind, connect, and savor the best of plant-based cooking.

I hope these recipes inspire you to get creative with your own hotpot feasts. Don’t be afraid to mix and match flavors or try new vegetables and broths.

For even more veggie-forward inspiration, check out my posts on Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals, Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas, and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Happy hotpotting!

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