Pork Bone and Daikon Soup
A simple but delicious soup that is accompanied with a healthy pinch of green onions.
My body is telling me I need a restorative soup.
Pork bone and daikon soup is one of the simplest yet most fulfilling Chinese soups in my repertoire. It’s a dish rooted in tradition, where comfort meets nourishment. The recipe begins by simmering pork rib bones in a hearty, flavorful bone broth until they become fall-apart tender. Then, the ribs are joined by chunks of daikon and carrots, creating a harmonious blend of savory and subtly sweet flavors.
What makes this soup special is its purity. No heavy seasonings, no overpowering spices—just a good piece of fresh ginger to lightly infuse the broth with warmth. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. The soup itself remains clean and clear, while the cooked pork ribs and vegetables are served with a dipping sauce made from soy sauce and black vinegar on the side. This allows each ingredient to shine in its own way while giving you the option to add a little zing to each bite.
For this recipe, I’ve chosen to keep things accessible for the average home cook. There are no specialty ingredients like Chinese dates, dried shiitake mushrooms, or dried scallops, which are often used to enrich the broth in more traditional versions. If you have access to an Asian grocery store, by all means, add them! Chinese dates, for instance, not only enhance the flavor but are believed to aid digestion and reduce inflammation. However, this recipe proves that even without these extras, you can achieve a deeply satisfying soup that’s both light and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simplicity: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is perfect for anyone, regardless of their cooking experience.
Nutritious and Clean: Packed with protein and vitamins, the broth is light but deeply nourishing—ideal for a chilly day or when you’re craving something wholesome.
Customizable: Have access to specialty ingredients? Feel free to experiment and make the soup your own.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into the process of making this beloved classic. Whether you’re familiar with Chinese soups or just dipping your toes into this culinary tradition, this recipe will leave you feeling warm, satisfied, and ready to take on the day.
Pork Bone and Daikon Soup
Ingredients
2 racks of pork ribs, silver skin removed
4 medium-sized daikon, peeled*
6 carrots, peeled
2 inch piece of ginger, skin on, sliced into pieces
12 cups beef bone broth
Kosher salt
6 spring onions (green parts only), thinly sliced
Soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar for serving
*If you do not have access to daikon, you can substitute with turnips.
Serves 6-8
Directions
Remove the tops and stems from the daikons and carrots. Cut them into uniform 1-1½-inch pieces and set aside.
Ensure the silver skin membrane is removed from the back of the pork ribs. If it’s still intact, use a fork to loosen the membrane, then peel it back by pinching and pulling. Once removed, cut the ribs into individual pieces.
Bring a large stockpot of water to a boil. Add the pork ribs and blanch them for 10 minutes to remove impurities that can make the broth cloudy. Transfer the ribs to a bowl, discard the water, and clean the stockpot. Rinse the ribs thoroughly under cold water to remove any remaining impurities.
In the cleaned stockpot, combine the bone broth, two teaspoons of Kosher salt, and sliced ginger. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then add the pork ribs. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 3 hours.
Fifteen minutes before the soup finishes cooking, add the carrots and daikon pieces to the pot. Let them cook until tender. Prior to serving, adjust the seasonings if necessary with additional Kosher salt.
Ladle a few pork ribs and a generous serving of vegetables into individual bowls. Pour over some of the rich, flavorful broth and top with a handful of thinly sliced spring onions. Serve immediately with soy sauce and Chinese black vinegar on the side for dipping.
Enjoy this hearty, nourishing soup with family and friends!