When preparing new hot pot seasoning, the choice of ingredients and proper cooking techniques are essential to achieve authentic flavor and aroma. Tianying pepper plays a crucial role, offering a unique spiciness and aroma that distinguishes this seasoning from others. To maximize its flavor, it’s important to carefully stir-fry the pepper with appropriate quantities of rapeseed oil — about seventy catties in volume are traditionally used for a rich base. Rapeseed oil is preferred because of its high smoke point, around 240 degrees Celsius, as noted in the cooking temperature. This allows for frying ingredients like old ginger and green onions until fragrant without burning the oil, which can otherwise lead to bitter tastes. Frying the ginger until it’s slightly dry helps release its essential oils, which enhances the seasoning’s depth. After the aromatics are well-cooked, pouring the bean paste into the mixture adds umami and a complex savory flavor. It’s important to maintain medium heat and stir continuously to prevent the paste from sticking or burning. Once cooked for a few minutes, turning off the heat promptly preserves the balance of flavors. Many home cooks find that squeezing the cooked ginger and green onion mixture dry before removing it from the oil keeps the seasoning clean and concentrated. This helps in preventing excess moisture, which can dilute the seasoning’s intensity when added to hot pot broth or other dishes. By following these steps and respecting the cooking temperatures and ingredient proportions, the resulting hot pot seasoning will provide a rich, fragrant spiciness that elevates any communal dining experience. This method also allows flexibility—try adjusting the amount of pepper or bean paste according to your spice preference and taste. Overall, mastering the stir-fry technique of hot pot seasonings at home not only enhances your culinary skills but also ensures you enjoy the authentic flavors loved by many hot pot enthusiasts. It’s also a great way to customize your meals with fresh, high-quality ingredients tailored to your liking.