There’s nothing quite like the feeling of gathering around a bubbling hotpot with friends and family. There was a time when my husband and I were going to hotpot every week, but that soon proved to be a costly habit! Since we loved it so much, we decided to invest in our own hotpot pots and burners so we could enjoy it at home. It’s so much cheaper than going out, and we can indulge ourselves whenever we want with much less guilt.
While shopping for one of our at-home hotpot nights, we were a little taken aback when we realized just how much salt was in our favorite store-bought sesame sauce. It’s such a central part of the hotpot experience, but all that sodium made our guilt-free meal feel a little less so. I knew there had to be a better way to get that rich, savory flavor we love, so I set out to create a version that was lower in sodium than the typical options.
This hotpot sauce is a creamy, nutty, and savory blend that’s rich with the flavour of toasted tahini. The balance of low-sodium soy sauce, tangy rice vinegar, and a touch of honey creates a deep umami flavor that perfectly complements everything you cook in your pot. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for a healthier option.
The secret to this sauce is its simplicity. It comes together in just minutes with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. If you’re ready to start your own at-home hotpot journey, I’ve linked to some great [hotpot pots] and [burners] to help you get started. A little tip for the sauce itself: whisking in hot water gradually is key to achieving that smooth, velvety texture.
Ready to make your next hotpot night a healthier and even more delicious experience? Here’s my recipe for The Ultimate Lower-Sodium Hotpot Sesame Sauce.
The Ultimate Lower-Sodium Hotpot Sesame Sauce (Tahini Dipping Sauce)
Course: SidesCuisine: AsianDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes314
kcalReady to elevate your next hotpot night? This incredible Lower-Sodium Hotpot Sesame Sauce is the perfect solution. It’s a creamy, nutty, and savory dipping sauce that packs all the flavor you crave without the excessive salt of store-bought versions. Made with creamy tahini and a balanced blend of simple ingredients, it comes together in just minutes. Its simple, customizable nature means you can easily adjust it to your perfect taste, making your hotpot experience even more satisfying and worry-free.
Ingredients
30 ml tahini (approx. 2 tbsp)
1/2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce (1.5 tsp)
3 tsp rice vinegar (1 tbsp)
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp honey
1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp hot water (or more, as needed)
For Garnish: Toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together the tahini, low-sodium soy sauce, rice vinegar, minced garlic, honey, and toasted sesame oil until a thick paste forms.
- Whisk to Consistency: Gradually add the hot water, one tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously. The sauce will loosen and become a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Taste and Adjust: Give the sauce a taste. If it’s too bitter, add a tiny bit more honey. If it needs more tang, add a splash more vinegar. For extra savory flavor, you can add a pinch of salt-free mushroom powder.
- Garnish and Serve: Spoon the sauce into a serving bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and sliced green onions before serving with your favorite hotpot.
Tips & Variations:
- For a spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a teaspoon of chili oil to your desired heat level.
- Boost the freshness: Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro or scallions for a bright, herbal note.
- Adjusting for bitterness: If your tahini is particularly bitter, adding a little extra honey or a touch more rice vinegar is the best way to balance it out.
- Making it ahead: This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It may thicken as it chills, so simply stir in a small amount of hot water to thin it out before serving.
- Use hotpot broth: For a more savory and integrated flavor, use a few tablespoons of the hot broth from your hotpot instead of plain hot water to thin out the sauce. This adds richness and ensures the sauce is warm and ready to use.
Nutrition Facts
1 servings per container
Serving Size77
- Amount Per ServingCalories314
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat
32.8g
43%
- Saturated Fat 3.5g 18%
- Trans Fat 0.2g
- Cholesterol 0mg 0%
- Sodium 256mg 12%
- Total Carbohydrate
5g
2%
- Dietary Fiber 0g 0%
- Total Sugars 3g
- Protein 1g 2%
- Vitamin A -2mcg -0%
- Vitamin C 2mg 3%
- Calcium 1mg 1%
- Iron 2mg 12%
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Why You’ll Love This Hotpot Sesame Sauce
You’ll adore this recipe for its simplicity and the incredible flavor it delivers with a fraction of the sodium of a typical store-bought sauce. It’s the perfect canvas for your culinary creativity—you can adjust the sweetness, tang, and spice to perfectly suit your palate. This recipe proves that you don’t need to sacrifice flavor for health, making your next hotpot a delicious and guilt-free experience.
Serving Suggestions & Storage
This sauce is a must-have for any hotpot meal. It pairs beautifully with thinly sliced meats (like beef or lamb), tender tofu, and a variety of vegetables such as bok choy, mushrooms, and napa cabbage.
Storage: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may separate or thicken; just give it a good stir and add a splash of hot water to bring it back to the right consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why is my tahini sauce still bitter? A: This is a common issue! The bitterness in tahini can be caused by the quality of the sesame seeds or the roasting process. The best way to fix it is by adding a little more honey to balance the flavor or a touch more rice vinegar to cut through the bitterness.
Q: What is the purpose of the soy sauce in a lower-sodium sauce? A: Even in a lower-sodium recipe, the soy sauce provides essential saltiness and, more importantly, a deep umami flavor. This savory component is crucial for making the sauce rich and well-rounded, without needing to add excessive salt.
Share Your Take!
Did you give this a try for your last hotpot night? What’s your secret ingredient for the perfect dipping sauce? Share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe!
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