Step 1: Prepare Your Broth: In a large pot, combine your chosen broth base (chicken, beef, or vegetable stock) with ginger slices, smashed garlic cloves, star anise, dried red chilies (if using), and goji berries. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Let it simmer for at least 20 minutes to infuse flavors, then transfer to your hot pot cooker at the table. If using a pre-made hot pot base, follow package instructions.
Step 2: Slice & Dice Your Ingredients: Prepare all hot pot ingredients. Arrange thinly sliced meats (beef, lamb) on separate platters. Peel and devein shrimp. Cut firm tofu into 1-inch cubes. Wash and chop Napa cabbage, bok choy, and trim mushrooms. Cut corn into rounds and slice daikon radish if using. Arrange all vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu neatly on separate serving platters. Have glass noodles or udon ready.
Step 3: Set Up Your Hot Pot Station: Place your electric hot pot cooker or portable gas burner in the center of your dining table. Pour the simmering broth into the hot pot. Arrange all the platters of prepared ingredients around the hot pot. Provide individual bowls, chopsticks, and small dipping sauce dishes for each diner. Ensure there are ladles or small mesh strainers available for cooking and retrieving food.
Step 4: Assemble Your Dipping Sauces: In small bowls, set out the various dipping sauce components: soy sauce, sesame paste, rice vinegar, chili oil, minced garlic, chopped green onions, cilantro, and sriracha. Allow each guest to mix and customize their own dipping sauce to their preference.
Step 5: Begin the Hot Pot Feast: Once the broth is simmering gently in the hot pot, guests can begin adding their desired ingredients. Use chopsticks or strainers to place items into the hot broth. Thinly sliced meats and leafy greens will cook quickly (10-30 seconds). Denser vegetables, tofu, and shrimp will take a few minutes. Cook items until they are tender and thoroughly cooked, then retrieve them and dip into your personalized sauce.
Step 6: Enjoy the Flavorful Broth: As the meal progresses, the broth will become richer and more flavorful from all the cooked ingredients. Towards the end, add the glass noodles or udon to the broth and cook until tender. Serve the flavorful broth with the cooked noodles in small bowls as a satisfying finish to your hot pot recipe experience.