Homestyle Herbal Pork Soup

Ingredients

• 2 lbs (900g) pork ribs 2 lbs (900g) pork ribs
• 10 cloves garlic, minced 10 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cinnamon sticks 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 star anise 4 star anise
• 6 dried shiitake mushrooms 6 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 1 tablespoon white peppercorns 1 tablespoon white peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 8 cups (1.9 liters) water 8 cups (1.9 liters) water
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste
• Optional: 2 bok choy, chopped Optional: 2 bok choy, chopped

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 400 kcal / 1674 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 8g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 10g, 2g
• Protein: 35g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. 2.
   Add the pork ribs to the pot and brown them on all sides.
3. 3.
   Add the cinnamon sticks, star anise, dried shiitake mushrooms, white peppercorns, and black peppercorns to the pot. Stir well to coat the pork ribs with the spices.
4. 4.
   Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the pork ribs are tender.
5. 5.
   Add the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce to the pot. Stir well to combine.
6. 6.
   If desired, add the chopped bok choy to the pot and simmer for an additional 5 minutes, until the vegetables are cooked but still crisp.
7. 7.
   Season with salt to taste.
8. 8.
   Serve the Homestyle Herbal Pork Soup hot with steamed rice or Chinese dough fritters.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Pork ribs — Choose meaty ribs with a good amount of fat for a richer flavor and tender texture.
• Dried shiitake mushrooms — Soak the mushrooms in hot water for 20 minutes before using to rehydrate them and enhance their flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a spicier kick, add a few dried chili peppers to the soup while simmering.
• If you prefer a thicker broth, you can add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the soup and simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
• Feel free to adjust the amount of herbs and spices according to your personal taste preferences.
• Serve the soup with a side of chili sauce or soy sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

Serving advice

Serve the Homestyle Herbal Pork Soup in individual bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro or chopped green onions for added freshness and color. Accompany the soup with steamed rice or Chinese dough fritters for a complete and satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

Present the Homestyle Herbal Pork Soup in a rustic ceramic bowl, allowing the rich broth and tender pork ribs to take center stage. Garnish with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and a small drizzle of dark soy sauce for an elegant touch.