Beef Tallow vs. Clear Oil: Hot Pot Base Guide

Make the Most of Spicy Hot Pot Base in Your Restaurant

Spicy hot pot base (麻辣底料) is the heart of many popular Chinese hot pot dishes. It brings heat, aroma, and bold flavor that customers love. Whether you're serving a traditional beef tallow version or a lighter clear oil version, this type of base creates an unforgettable dining experience.

What is the Difference?

Beef Tallow Spicy Base
This type uses real beef fat to cook the chili, spices, and aromatics. The result is a rich, thick, and deeply savory flavor. It clings to meat and vegetables, making every bite intense and satisfying. This is the traditional style used in many Sichuan hot pot restaurants.

Clear Oil Spicy Base
Made with plant-based oils, this version is lighter but still flavorful. It’s less greasy and has a cleaner aftertaste, making it a good choice for health-conscious diners or those who prefer a lighter feel.

The clear oil version is also suitable for customers with religious dietary needs, such as Buddhists, or for those following a vegetarian diet.

What Ingredients Go Best with Spicy Hot Pot?

If you are planning your restaurant’s hot pot menu, here are the top food pairings that work especially well with spicy soup base:

1. Sliced Beef and Lamb
Thinly sliced fatty beef is one of the most popular choices in China. It soaks up the spicy broth and stays tender. Lamb slices are another great option.

2. Meatballs and Offal
Chinese-style meatballs (beef balls, pork balls, shrimp balls) and offal like duck intestine and beef tripe (毛肚) are often must-haves. They absorb the rich, spicy flavors beautifully.

3. Seafood
Shrimp, fish fillets, squid, and mussels work well with spicy hot pot and give the meal variety.

4. Vegetables and Tofu Products
Lotus root, potato slices, napa cabbage, enoki mushrooms, and various types of tofu (frozen tofu, tofu skin) balance out the heat and add texture.

How to Use Our Spicy Hot Pot Base

Using our spicy hot pot base is simple and efficient. Follow these steps for the best flavor:

1. Add Water First: Pour clean water into the pot.

2. Bring It to a Boil: Heat until the water starts boiling.

3. Add the Soup Base: Mix the hot pot base at a 1:4 ratio (1 part base to 4 parts water). Stir well.

4. Add Your Ingredients: Once the broth is well mixed and boiling again, start adding meat, seafood, tofu, and vegetables.

Now your rich and spicy broth is ready to deliver the perfect hot pot experience!

Let Your Guests Be the Chef

One of the best parts of hot pot is that customers cook their own food at the table. With the right soup base and fresh ingredients, your guests feel empowered — they are the chef.

You can encourage this interactive dining by:

• Offering ingredient pairing suggestions on the menu

• Showing recommended cooking times for meat and veggies

• Providing dipping sauces to personalize the flavor

This not only makes the experience fun, but also keeps diners engaged longer and more likely to return.