Spicy & Numbing Mala Xiang Guo (Dry Pot)
#Mala #MalaXiangGuo #EasyMala #MalaSauceRecipe #StirFry #SpicyFood
Discover how to make a delicious Mala Xiang Guo (dry pot) using leftover mala sauce and a variety of ingredients from your freezer and fridge. Mala Xiang Guo is a flavorful stir-fry dish, distinct from Mala Tang which is soup-based. Experience a unique kind of spicy heat that numbs your mouth for a few seconds, quite different from Korean chili peppers. Perfect for when you’re craving something intensely flavorful and a little bit adventurous, this dish offers a quick spicy kick that fades pleasantly, making it an addictive yet satisfying meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 pack Mala Sauce
- 3 leaves Napa Cabbage
- 2 King Oyster Mushrooms
- 2 Bok Choy
- 1/3 Red Bell Pepper
- 1/3 Yellow Bell Pepper
- 1/2 Green Bell Pepper
- 1/2 Onion
- 3 Button Mushrooms
- 4 Shrimp
- 10 Mussels
- 1/2 cup Frozen Mixed Seafood
- 4 Baby Squids
- 3 Fried Tofu Puffs
- 12 Fish Cakes/Balls
- 2 Scallops
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing all your vegetables and ingredients. Chop them into bite-sized pieces. For a vibrant color palette, slice the red and yellow bell peppers, and the green bell pepper. Cut the bok choy into similar sizes. Slice the king oyster mushrooms and button mushrooms into manageable pieces. If you have leftover napa cabbage leaves, simply tear them into appropriate sizes to add more texture and volume to the dish.
Step 2
Next, prepare your seafood, which is essential for a rich Mala Xiang Guo. Don’t hesitate to use frozen seafood from your freezer to make the dish extra abundant. Gather your frozen mixed seafood, baby squids, scallops, shrimp, and any leftover items like fried tofu puffs or fish cakes you might have from hot pot preparations. This is a great way to use up ingredients and create a truly satisfying meal.
Step 3
With all your ingredients prepped, it’s time to stir-fry! Making Mala Xiang Guo at home is as simple as choosing your favorite ingredients. First, heat a wok or large pan over medium heat. Add the chili oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chopped scallions. Stir-fry until fragrant, allowing the aromatics to infuse the oil beautifully.
Step 4
Once the aromatics are fragrant, add all the prepared vegetables (except the seafood) to the pan. Stir-fry them quickly until they are slightly softened but still retain a pleasant crunch. We want to keep the vegetables crisp for the best texture.
Step 5
After a quick stir-fry of the vegetables, when they are still slightly crisp, add all the prepared seafood to the pan. Turn the heat up to high and stir-fry everything together vigorously. Cooking on high heat is crucial to seal in the juices of the seafood and ensure it cooks through without becoming rubbery.
Step 6
Now it’s time to season your Mala Xiang Guo. Add the mala sauce directly into the pan. The amount can be adjusted based on your spice preference and the intensity of your mala sauce. If you’re using a solid block of mala sauce, the heat from the pan will melt it quickly. Continue stir-frying everything on high heat until the sauce coats all the ingredients evenly. Keep stirring to prevent anything from burning.
Step 7
You’ll notice that even without adding extra broth, the vegetables and seafood will release their own delicious juices, creating a flavorful sauce. Continue stir-frying on high heat, allowing the flavors to meld together. It’s traditional not to use a thickening agent like cornstarch slurry for Mala Xiang Guo. Taste the dish and if you feel it needs more seasoning, you can add a splash of oyster sauce to adjust the flavor. For an extra touch of aroma, you can drizzle in a bit of sesame oil just before serving, but many prefer to omit it to fully appreciate the distinct mala flavor.
Step 8
Finally, transfer the flavorful Mala Xiang Guo to a serving plate, arranging the seafood and vegetables attractively. The combination of tender seafood, crisp vegetables, and the signature numbing and spicy mala sauce is absolutely irresistible. No need for sesame seeds; this dish is a star on its own! Enjoy your homemade taste of China.
