Pork bone radish soup, a culinary treasure from East Asian cuisine, is a comforting and deeply flavorful dish perfect for a chilly evening or a restorative meal. Its simplicity belies the richness of its taste, a harmonious blend of savory pork broth, subtly sweet daikon radish, and aromatic spices. This classic soup is not only delicious but also boasts numerous health benefits, thanks to the collagen-rich pork bones and the vitamins found in the radish. It's a nourishing and satisfying meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare.
The beauty of this soup lies in its versatility; you can adapt it to your preferences by adding other vegetables or herbs. But at its core, the magic resides in the slow simmering of the pork bones, allowing their essence to infuse the broth. Ready to experience the culinary magic firsthand? Let's dive into the detailed, step-by-step instructions below to create your own perfect bowl of pork bone radish soup.
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Pestle and mortar
- Pot
Ingredients
- Pork ribs: 700 grams
- Pork meat: 200 grams
- Water: 1.5 liters
- Carrots: 100 grams
- Garlic: 5 cloves
- Coriander root: 3 stalks
- Peppercorns: 1/2 teaspoon
- Chives
- Oyster sauce: 2 tablespoons
- Sugar: 2 teaspoons
- Pork stock cube: 1
- Bone stock cube: 1
- Fish sauce: 1 tablespoon
- Galangal: 25 grams
- White vinegar
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Ingredients and Marinade
- Pound peppercorns, coriander root, and garlic together until fine. This mixture is called 'Three Friends'.
- Cut pork ribs into pieces following the rib grooves. Cut pork meat into small pieces.
- Wash and clean the pork ribs and meat thoroughly.
- Cut carrots into small pieces.




- In a mixing bowl, combine pork ribs, fish sauce, white vinegar, oyster sauce, sugar, and the 'Three Friends' mixture. Mix well until the sugar dissolves. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2. Boil and Simmer the Soup
- In a pot, add 1.5 liters of water, pork bone soup cubes, and marinated pork ribs. Bring to a boil. Do not stir until the pork ribs start to cook.
- Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface while the soup boils.
- Add pork head, feet, and carrots to the pot. Simmer until the pork ribs are tender (at least 20 minutes).



Step 3. Season and Finish
- Add the reserved fish sauce and chopped chives. Cook until the chives are wilted and the soup is heated through.

Read more: Thai Mussel Pie Tee: Michelin-Starred Amuse-Bouche Recipe
Tips
- Pound the 'Three Friends' mixture until it is finely ground for a more fragrant soup.
- Cutting the meat and vegetables into small pieces ensures even cooking.
- Check the tenderness of the pork ribs to determine the cooking time.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of radish instead of daikon?
While daikon is best for its mild sweetness and texture, you can experiment with other white radishes, but be mindful that the flavor profile might change.
2. How can I make the soup thicker?
Add a cornstarch slurry (mix cornstarch with cold water) towards the end of cooking to thicken the soup to your desired consistency.
3. Can I make this soup in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
Absolutely! Slow cookers and Instant Pots are great for this recipe. Adjust cooking times according to your appliance's instructions.
This simple yet deeply satisfying Daikon Radish Soup with Pork Ribs is a testament to the magic of slow cooking and fresh ingredients. Enjoy the comforting warmth and rich flavors of this nourishing soup, perfect for any occasion. We hope you’ll enjoy making (and eating!) this recipe as much as we do!