How to Make Lẩu Thái (Thai-style Hotpot) (Traditional & Healthy Version)
Lẩu Thái, also known as Thai-style Hotpot, is a beloved Vietnamese communal soup that brings friends and family together around a simmering pot of aromatic broth. While its flavors are inspired by neighboring culinary traditions, Lẩu Thái has been wholeheartedly embraced and adapted in Vietnam, where it is a staple at gatherings and special occasions. The dish features a vibrant, spicy, and tangy soup base brimming with fresh seafood, lean meats, and a colorful array of vegetables, allowing everyone to customize their bowl with their favorite ingredients. What sets Lẩu Thái apart in Vietnam is its focus on freshness, balance, and the ritual of sharing—core elements of Vietnamese dining culture. The broth is infused with lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and chili, creating a fragrant and invigorating foundation. With its interactive, do-it-yourself style, Lẩu Thái fits perfectly into Vietnam’s tradition of group meals, where conversation flows as freely as the broth. This dish is not only delicious but also a joyful culinary experience, making it an excellent choice for health-conscious food lovers seeking authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
Ingredients
- 150g Shrimp (tôm) (peeled and deveined)
- 100g Squid (mực) (cleaned and sliced)
- 100g Firm tofu (đậu hũ) (cubed)
- 100g Beef sirloin (thịt bò thăn) (thinly sliced)
- 100g Enoki mushrooms (nấm kim châm)
- 100g Baby bok choy (cải thìa nhỏ) (halved)
- 2 medium Tomatoes (quartered)
- 2 Lemongrass stalks (bruised and cut into 2-inch pieces)
- 4 Kaffir lime leaves (torn)
- 1 Fresh chili (sliced, adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Fish sauce (nước mắm)
- 1 liter Low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 Lime (cut into wedges)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro (chopped)
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1 · Prepare all seafood and meat by cleaning and slicing as directed
Prepare all seafood and meat by cleaning and slicing as directed. Arrange shrimp, squid, and beef on a platter for easy access.
Step 2 · Wash and cut all vegetables and mushrooms
Wash and cut all vegetables and mushrooms. Halve the bok choy, quarter the tomatoes, and trim the enoki mushrooms.
Step 3 · In a large pot
In a large pot, bring the low-sodium chicken broth to a boil. Add lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, tomatoes, and sliced chili. Simmer for 5 minutes to infuse flavors.
Step 4 · Season the broth with fish sauce and a squeeze of lime juice
Season the broth with fish sauce and a squeeze of lime juice. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more fish sauce or lime as needed.
Step 5 · Bring the broth to a gentle simmer
Bring the broth to a gentle simmer. Add seafood, beef, tofu, and vegetables in batches, cooking only what you plan to eat immediately. Each ingredient only needs a few minutes.
Step 6 · Serve Lẩu Thái hotpot family-style at the table
Serve Lẩu Thái hotpot family-style at the table. Ladle cooked ingredients and broth into individual bowls, garnish with fresh cilantro, and serve with lime wedges.
Why this recipe is healthy
This Vietnamese hotpot is a healthy choice because it features a broth-based preparation, minimizing added fats while maximizing nutrients. The emphasis on fresh seafood, lean meats, and assorted vegetables ensures a high protein, low-calorie meal that keeps you full and satisfied. With its customizable nature, you can easily adapt Lẩu Thái to suit various dietary needs, making it perfect for weight management and balanced nutrition.
A note on tradition
Lẩu Thái is especially popular in southern and urban regions of Vietnam, where it is often enjoyed at family gatherings, celebrations, and social events. Hotpot meals like this symbolize unity and warmth, as everyone cooks and eats together from the same bubbling pot. Lẩu Thái is commonly found in restaurants and street-side eateries, but home-cooked versions are cherished for their personal touch and adaptability.