Bitter Melon Soybean And Pork Ribs Soup Recipe

Sometimes, when life feels a bit too ordinary, it only takes one pot of soul-warming soup to transport you to a world of savory goodness and nostalgia—allow me to introduce you to a heartwarming symphony of tender pork ribs and vibrant bitter melon.

Bitter Melon Soybean and Pork Ribs Soup is a nourishing dish I love for its blend of health-boosting ingredients. For me, the richness of the pork combined with the bitterness of the melon and the nutty taste of the soybeans makes for a very satisfying meal.

I wouldn’t change a single ingredient in this almost-solemn dish, the infusion of ginger and garlic making it just a shade more wholesome.

Ingredients

• Pork Ribs: Rich in protein, they contribute depth and a savory foundation to the soup.
• Bitter Melons: Known for their distinct bitterness, they offer dietary fiber and vitamin C.
• Soybeans: Packed with protein and essential amino acids, enhancing the soup’s nutrition.
• Ginger: Adds warmth and spiciness, known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
• Garlic: Provides an aromatic base, known for immune-boosting and heart health benefits.

Ingredient Quantities

• 500g pork ribs, cut into small pieces
• 2 medium bitter melons, seeded and cut into chunks
• 1 cup dried soybeans, soaked overnight
• 1 thumb-sized ginger, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, smashed
• Salt to taste
• Water, for soup base
• Optional: spring onion for garnish

How to Make this

1. Wash the pork ribs in cold running water and dry them well. Boil them in a large pot of water for 5 minutes to remove any impurities. Drain the ribs and set them aside.

2. In a big pot, pour in enough water to cover all the ingredients, which is about 8 cups. Heat it until it’s coming to a boil.

3. After the water reaches a boil, put in the pot the blanched pork ribs, the sliced ginger, and the smashed cloves of garlic.

4. Once the ribs and aromatics are in the pot, turn the heat down to a simmer. Put on the lid and let it go for about 30 minutes. This is a good time to chop up the carrots and celery for the next step in our soup. After 30 minutes, the cooking should have developed some really nice flavors.

5. Wash and filter the beans so they are not sopping wet. They shouldn’t be in any standing water. If the beans have been soaking a long time, use a fresh medium of water for rinsing and draining. Now add the beans to the pot with the pork ribs. In terms of sequence, it’s better to add the beans to the pot before adding water, since the ribs will be on top of the beans, and they need to cook evenly.

6. Continue to simmer the soup for another 30 minutes to make certain the soybeans start to soften.

7. As the soup simmers, ready the bitter melon. Cut it into pieces and take out the seeds. If you want, you can lessen the bitterness further by blanching the melon in boiling water for a minute. Cut the melon into chunks after the seeds are removed.

8. Add the soup to the tender chunks of bitter melon and continue cooking for another half hour. Alternatively, keep simmering until the pork ribs are tender and the bitter melon has achieved the desired level of tenderness.

9. Add salt to suit your taste. Stir well.

10. Serve the soup steaming, decorated with thinly sliced spring onion (if using), and relish this robust and healthful repast.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pot (for boiling and simmering)
2. Colander (for draining ribs and beans)
3. Cutting board (for chopping vegetables and ginger)
4. Sharp knife (for cutting pork ribs, vegetables, and ginger)
5. Medium bowl (for soaking beans)
6. Ladle (for serving soup)
7. Measuring cup (for measuring water)
8. Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring soup)

FAQ

• Can I substitute another cut of pork for the ribs?Certainly! It is possible to utilize other cuts such as pork shoulder or belly; however, the ribs yield a wonderfully flavored broth, thanks to the bones.
• What if I don’t have time to soak the soybeans overnight?As a swift substitute, consider using canned soybeans; however, be sure to rinse them beforehand to cut down on the sodium levels.
• How do I balance the bitterness of the melon?Immerse the bitter melon in boiling water for 1 to 2 minutes to cut its bitterness before adding it to the soup.
• Can I make this soup in a slow cooker?Certainly! Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours for tender meat and flavorful broth.
• Is there a vegetarian version of this soup?You can leave out the pork and substitute vegetable broth. Add mushrooms to give it the umami flavor it needs.
• How long should I simmer the soup for the best flavor?Cook for no less than 1.5 to 2 hours, and preferably more, until the pork has become tender and the flavor has melded to your satisfaction.
• Can I freeze leftovers?Certainly! This soup freezes nicely. For best results, keep it in sealed containers for no more than 3 months in the freezer.

Bitter Melon Soybean And Pork Ribs Soup Recipe Substitutions and Variations

500g pork ribs: For a different flavor profile, substitute with chicken thighs or beef short ribs.
2 medium bitter melons: For a milder taste, substitute zucchini or cucumber.
1 cup dried soybeans. If soybeans are unavailable, substitute with red lentils or chickpeas.
1 thumb-sized ginger: Replace with 1 teaspoon ground ginger.

This ingredient is ginger the size of your thumb. If you don’t have it, then what you probably have is ground ginger, considering the next step in working with whole spices.
2 cloves garlic: For a different aroma, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1/4 teaspoon asafetida.

Pro Tips

1. Blanch the Bitter Melon To further reduce the bitterness of the melon, you can blanch it in salted boiling water for 1-2 minutes before adding it to the soup. This can make the soup more palatable if you’re sensitive to its strong flavor.

2. Roast the Garlic and Ginger For an added depth of flavor, try lightly roasting the ginger and garlic in a dry pan before adding them to the soup. This brings out their natural sweetness and adds complexity to the broth.

3. Soak the Soybeans with Baking Soda While soaking the soybeans overnight, add a pinch of baking soda to the water. This can help soften the beans more effectively and reduce cooking time.

4. Skim the Broth As the soup simmers, occasionally skim off any impurities or froth that rises to the surface. This will help keep the broth clear and improve the overall taste and presentation of the dish.

5. Balance with a Touch of Sugar To balance the bitterness of the melon, consider adding a small amount of sugar (or a natural sweetener) towards the end of cooking. This can help enhance the flavors without overpowering the soup.