Healthy One
Known as ma la xiang guo in Mandarin, mala dry pot is a popular restaurant phenomenon in China that’s recently made its way to the United States and elsewhere. Colorful vegetables of different textures and proteins like lean beef and tofu are stir-fried and coated in a spicy umami-rich sauce. Ingredients like spicy bean paste, chili crisp and tongue-tingling Sichuan pepper typically give the dish its signature kick. We developed this recipe to streamline preparing dry pot at home and also chose ingredients that skew healthier than some versions. We chose in particular to add bok choy, tomatoes and shiitake mushrooms for big flavor while also paying homage to the dish’s inspiration from hot pot, minus the broth. In fact, this recipe is a perfect way to use up any leftover hot pot ingredients you might have on hand.







