How to Cook Vegetarian Mushroom Hot Pot at Home

Mushroom vegetarian hot pot is an ideal choice for family gatherings on holidays, full-moon days, or vegetarian occasions. This dish offers a light, naturally sweet flavor from fresh mushrooms and vegetables while helping balance nutrition after periods of rich or meat-based meals. Let’s explore a detailed and easy recipe shared by Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant to create a fragrant and satisfying vegetarian hot pot at home.

Vegetarian Mushroom Hot Pot – A Perfect Dish for Family Gatherings

Vegetarian mushroom hot pot is a traditional dish in Vietnamese vegetarian cuisine. Instead of meat or seafood, it uses a variety of fresh mushrooms and vegetables to create a naturally sweet broth without artificial additives. This dish is especially popular on full-moon days, the first day of the lunar month, or during family reunions.

Mushrooms play the central role, providing a pleasant chewy texture and a distinctive aroma. You can prepare a mixed mushroom vegetarian hot pot using diverse ingredients, making the meal both visually appealing and nutritionally balanced. This dish is also easy to adjust for people on special diets or those with health concerns.

Families love vegetarian hot pot because it is light, easy to digest, and not greasy. Both children and elderly family members can enjoy it comfortably without feeling bloated. Sitting together around a steaming pot also creates a warm, cozy atmosphere. If you follow a vegetarian lifestyle or simply want to refresh your weekly menu, mixed mushroom vegetarian hot pot is a perfect way to nourish the body while enjoying a comforting meal.

How to Cook a Light and Flavorful Vegetarian Mushroom Hot Pot

Ingredients for Mixed Mushroom Vegetarian Hot Pot

Careful ingredient preparation is key to a successful vegetarian hot pot. Always choose fresh mushrooms and clean vegetables to ensure food safety and flavor.

Mushrooms

• 100g straw mushrooms

• 100g enoki mushrooms

• 100g oyster mushrooms

• 50g shiitake mushrooms

• 50g reishi mushrooms

Vegetables

• 1 sweet corn (cut into chunks)

• 1/2 carrot (sliced)

• 1/2 taro root (cubed)

• 100g broccoli

• 100g napa cabbage

• 2 pieces of sugarcane

Tofu

• 2 blocks of soft tofu

• 50g dried tofu skin

Seasonings

• 2 tbsp vegetarian seasoning powder

• 2 tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tbsp sugar

• 1/2 tsp salt

• Cooking oil

• 1 stalk leek (vegetarian scallion substitute)

To Serve

• 500g fresh rice vermicelli or vegetarian noodles

If reishi mushrooms are unavailable, button mushrooms can be used to maintain natural richness. Sugarcane can be replaced with red apples for a lighter sweetness. When shopping, choose mushrooms that are firm and free from bruising.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Mixed Mushroom Vegetarian Hot Pot

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Soak the mushrooms in lightly salted water for 5 minutes, then rinse and drain well. Cut mushrooms into bite-sized pieces. Peel and slice the carrot and taro; lightly fry the taro until golden to enhance flavor. Wash vegetables thoroughly and cut into manageable portions. Sauté minced leek in oil until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the Naturally Sweet Broth

Bring 1.5 liters of water to a boil with sugarcane and corn. Simmer for 15–20 minutes, then remove the sugarcane and corn. Add carrot and taro and simmer for another 10 minutes to deepen the natural sweetness.

Step 3: Add Mushrooms and Vegetables, Then Season

Add mushrooms to the pot and gently boil for 3–5 minutes. Add tofu, broccoli, and napa cabbage. Season with vegetarian seasoning powder, soy sauce, sugar, and salt to taste. Stir gently and turn off the heat once vegetables are just cooked.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange mushrooms, vegetables, and tofu on separate plates. Place the hot pot on the table and enjoy it hot with vermicelli. Serve with soy sauce or vegetarian chili dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Other Delicious Ways to Cook Vegetarian Mushroom Hot Pot

Vegetarian mushroom hot pot is naturally light and easy to eat, but you can easily customize it with different flavors to suit your taste or the season. By adjusting spices, additional ingredients, or broth styles, you can keep the dish exciting while preserving its vegetarian essence.

Thai-Style Spicy and Sour Vegetarian Mushroom Hot Pot

This Thai-inspired vegetarian hot pot delivers a bold sour and spicy flavor while remaining completely plant-based. Aromatic herbs such as lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves combine with pineapple and tamarind for a vibrant taste.

Additional ingredients

• 3–4 stalks lemongrass (crushed)

• 1 galangal root (sliced)

• 5–6 kaffir lime leaves

• 2–3 chili peppers

• 1/2 pineapple (cubed)

• 2–3 tbsp tamarind juice

• Vegetarian chili paste or vegetarian Thai hot pot seasoning

Simmer herbs with the base broth, add pineapple and tamarind, then season to taste. Add mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables before serving. This version is perfect for cool weather or when you crave a warming, spicy dish.

Vegetarian Mushroom Hot Pot with Vietnamese Lemon Basil (Lá É)

This rustic version features the distinctive aroma of fresh lemon basil leaves combined with mild chili heat. It is a popular countryside-style dish in central Vietnam.

Additional ingredients

• 100–150g fresh lemon basil leaves

• 2–3 fresh chilies (crushed)

• A pinch of salt

Add mushrooms and vegetables first, then stir in crushed lemon basil just before turning off the heat to preserve its fragrance. Serve with fresh noodles and raw vegetables for a refreshing experience.

Korean-Style Vegetarian Mushroom Hot Pot

Inspired by Korean kimchi hot pot, this vegetarian version uses plant-based kimchi and Korean chili paste to create a rich, spicy broth.

Additional ingredients

• 200–300g vegetarian kimchi

• 2–3 tbsp vegetarian gochujang

• 1–2 tbsp fermented soybean paste (vegetarian doenjang)

• Korean noodles or fresh noodles

Sauté leek and garlic, add kimchi, pour in vegetable broth, and season. Add mushrooms, tofu, and vegetables, then cook noodles directly in the pot before serving. This version is hearty, spicy, and perfect for gatherings with friends.

With these vegetarian mushroom hot pot variations, you can easily rotate flavors and keep your meals exciting. Try each style and adjust ingredients to suit your family’s preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions About Vegetarian Mushroom Hot Pot

Which mushrooms are best for vegetarian hot pot?

Straw mushrooms, enoki mushrooms, and oyster mushrooms are the top choices because they are naturally sweet and have a pleasant, crunchy texture.

Is vegetarian mushroom hot pot suitable for a weight-loss diet?

Yes. This dish is low in calories, high in fiber, and well suited for a healthy or weight-control diet.

What is the ideal cooking time for vegetarian mushroom hot pot?

The total cooking time is about 45–60 minutes, including ingredient preparation and broth simmering.

Conclusion

Mixed vegetarian mushroom hot pot is not only delicious but also highly beneficial for your health. This light and nourishing dish is perfect for family meals and special gatherings. If you are short on time, you can visit Vô Úy Vegetarian Restaurant to enjoy expertly prepared vegetarian dishes made with fresh ingredients and praised by vegetarian food lovers. Good luck with this recipe, and enjoy your vegetarian hot pot experience!