Spicy Pickled Cabbage Soup with Minced Pork (Tom Pu)

Updated at: 11/06/2025

Tom Pu, or Spicy Pickled Cabbage Soup with Minced Pork, is a vibrant and flavorful dish from [mention region or country of origin, if known]. This isn't your grandma's cabbage soup; Tom Pu boasts a complex profile of spicy, sour, and savory notes, all balanced beautifully by the tender minced pork. The secret lies in the fermentation of the cabbage, creating a tangy depth that elevates the entire dish. Its bright, bold colors are just as appealing as its incredible taste, making it a perfect centerpiece for any meal, a satisfying lunch, or a surprisingly light yet filling dinner.

This intensely flavorful soup is easier to make than you might think. Ready to dive into the delicious world of Tom Pu? Let's embark on a step-by-step journey to create this culinary masterpiece, starting with preparing the key ingredients.

Tools Needed

  • Pot
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board

Ingredients

  • Pickled Cabbage: 20 baht worth
  • Minced Pork: 200 grams
  • Chinese Garlic: 8-10 cloves
  • Green Chili Peppers: null
  • Red Chili Peppers: null
  • Coriander: 1-2 sprigs
  • Lime: null
  • Salt: 1 teaspoon
  • Sugar: a little
  • Seasoning Powder: null
  • Light Soy Sauce: null
  • Water: null

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Ingredients

  • Separate and thoroughly wash the pickled cabbage. Wash multiple times to reduce sourness. If too sour, boil in hot water.
  • Cut the pickled cabbage into pieces. Reserve some leaves for another dish.
  • Chop the Chinese garlic (8-10 cloves) and chilies (green and red, for color and flavor).
Separate and thoroughly wash the pickled cabbage. Wash multiple times to reduce sourness. If too sour, boil in hot water.Cut the pickled cabbage into pieces. Reserve some leaves for another dish.Chop the Chinese garlic (8-10 cloves) and chilies (green and red, for color and flavor).
Prepare Ingredients

Step 2. Cook the Soup

  • Add water to a pot, enough to cover the cabbage. Add coriander roots, salt, sugar, seasoning powder, and light soy sauce.
  • Bring the water to a boil, then add the minced pork. Break up the pork with a spatula.
  • Add the pickled cabbage and garlic.
  • Add chopped chilies and simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Add water to a pot, enough to cover the cabbage. Add coriander roots, salt, sugar, seasoning powder, and light soy sauce.Bring the water to a boil, then add the minced pork. Break up the pork with a spatula.Add the pickled cabbage and garlic.Add chopped chilies and simmer. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cook the Soup

Step 3. Finish and Serve

  • Turn off the heat. Squeeze lime juice into the soup.
  • Garnish with coriander and serve.
Turn off the heat. Squeeze lime juice into the soup.Garnish with coriander and serve.
Finish and Serve

Read more: Creamy Thai Coconut Turkey Meatballs: Easy Recipe

Tips

  • If you don't have fresh pickled cabbage, use canned.
  • The leftover pickled cabbage can be used in other dishes, like stir-fried pickled cabbage.
  • Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your preferred spice level.

Nutrition

  • N/A

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of cabbage?

Yes! Napa cabbage or even regular green cabbage can be substituted, but the fermentation process and resulting flavor might differ slightly. Napa cabbage is a popular alternative.

2. How long can I store leftover Tom Pu?

Store leftover Tom Pu in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will deepen slightly over time.


With its vibrant flavors and surprisingly simple preparation, Tom Pu is a dish that will quickly become a favorite. This spicy, sour, and savory soup is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a more leisurely weekend lunch. So, gather your ingredients and experience the deliciousness of homemade Tom Pu!