Tom Jok's Bitter Melon & Pork Bone Soup is a culinary treasure, a heartwarming and healthy broth that balances the subtly bitter notes of bitter melon with the rich savoriness of pork bone. This isn't your average soup; it's a nuanced experience, a delicate dance between contrasting flavors that culminates in a deeply satisfying bowl of nourishment. The recipe, passed down through generations in Tom Jok's family, emphasizes simplicity and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients to unlock the full potential of each component. The careful simmering process draws out the natural sweetness of the pork bones and creates a clear, crystal-like broth, a testament to the recipe's time-honored techniques.
Forget bland and boring soups! This recipe, while straightforward, demands attention to detail, revealing the secrets to a truly exceptional broth. From selecting the perfect bitter melon to achieving the ideal simmer, every step is crucial. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's dive into the step-by-step process to create Tom Jok's unforgettable Bitter Melon & Pork Bone Soup.
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Mortar and pestle
- Strainer
Ingredients
- Chinese bitter melon
- Pork bones: 400 grams
- Pickled cabbage (canned): 1 can
- Salt
- Granulated sugar
- Oyster sauce
- Fish sauce
- Chopped spring onions
- Coriander roots
- Garlic
- Pepper
- Soup stock cube: 1 cube
- Water: 1.3 liters
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Prepare Ingredients
- Choose bitter melons with wide gaps between the eyes. Scrape off the inside, remove seeds, and soak in salt water. Cut into small pieces.
- Cut pork bones into pieces.
- Marinate pork bones with granulated sugar, salt, oyster sauce, and fish sauce.
- Pound coriander roots, garlic, and pepper together. Add this mixture to the pork bone marinade.
- Blanch bitter melon in boiling salted water until tender (briefly). Immediately transfer to cold water to stop cooking.
- Blanch pork bones until the color changes on the outside, then rinse with clean water.
Step 2. Marinate and Boil Pork Bones
- Marinate the blanched pork bones with the prepared spice mixture for at least 35-40 minutes.
- Bring 1.3 liters of water to a boil. Add a soup stock cube, then add the marinated pork bones.
- Once boiling, skim off the foam for 3-4 minutes.
Step 3. Simmer the Soup
- Add the blanched bitter melon to the soup.
- Add one can of pickled cabbage. Reduce heat to low and simmer for at least 40 minutes, until the bones are tender. Do not stir.
Step 4. Season and Serve
- Season with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped spring onions.
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Tips
- Use pickled cabbage for a fragrant and sweet broth.
- Changing the water after blanching the bitter melon can reduce bitterness.
- Don't overcook the pork bones during blanching; just change the outside color.
- Simmer the soup on low heat to keep the broth clear. Do not stir.
- Dried shiitake mushrooms can be added for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Calories: approximately 250-350
- Fat: 15-25g
- Carbs: 10-15g
- Protein: 20-30g
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of melon instead of bitter melon?
No, bitter melon is key to this soup's unique flavor profile. Other melons won't provide the same slightly bitter, yet refreshing taste.
2. How can I reduce the bitterness of the bitter melon?
Salting the sliced bitter melon and letting it sit for 15-20 minutes helps draw out some of the bitterness before cooking. Rinsing thoroughly afterward is essential.
This recipe for Bitter Melon & Pork Bone Soup offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures, perfect for a comforting and healthy meal. The clear broth, achieved through careful simmering, showcases the natural sweetness of the pork and the unique bitterness of the melon. Enjoy the rewarding experience of crafting this delicious and nourishing soup!