Taiwanese Pork Ribs and Daikon Soup
A comforting and nourishing soup that is a staple in Taiwanese home cooking. This simple yet flavorful broth features tender pork ribs and soft daikon radish, simmered to perfection with aromatics like ginger and garlic.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Pork spare ribs(cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 lb Daikon radish(peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(thinly sliced)
- 5 cloves Garlic(peeled)
- 8 cups Water(or enough to cover ingredients)
- to taste Salt
- to taste White pepper
- for garnish Scallions
- for garnish Cilantro
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Place the pork ribs in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and blanch for 2-3 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse the ribs under cold water.
💡 Tip: Blanching helps to create a clearer and cleaner-tasting broth. - 2
Return the blanched ribs to the pot. Add the daikon radish chunks, sliced ginger, and whole garlic cloves.
- 3
Pour in the water, ensuring all ingredients are submerged. Bring the pot to a boil over high heat.
💡 Tip: Start with enough water, as some will evaporate during simmering. - 4
Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the ribs are tender and the daikon is soft.
💡 Tip: Simmering gently allows the flavors to meld and the ingredients to become tender. - 5
Season the soup with salt and white pepper to taste. Adjust as needed.
- 6
Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with chopped scallions and cilantro, if desired. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: This soup is a perfect accompaniment to a Taiwanese meal.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer broth, you can use pork bones instead of ribs.
- ✓Add other root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for variation.
- ✓Leftover soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔄 Variations
- Add a few dried shiitake mushrooms for an umami boost.
- A small piece of dried tangerine peel can add a subtle citrus note.