Cantonese Winter Melon Soup with Tender Pork Ribs

Name: Cantonese Winter Melon Soup with Tender Pork Ribs
Prep time: 70 min
Cook time: 135 min
Total time: 205 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 32 oz pork ribs or pork rib tips; 24 oz winter melon; 5 slice ginger; 9 cup water; 1 1/4 tsp sea salt; 1/4 tsp white pepper; 1 handful cilantro and/or scallions; 2 tbsp light soy sauce

This comforting winter melon soup pairs tender pork ribs with a light, savory ginger broth. Slow simmering builds a clean, delicate flavor while the winter melon turns silky and refreshing in every spoonful.

Servings8 Portions

Prep Time70 Mins

Cook Time135 Mins

Difficulty

Intermediate

Ingredients

pork ribs or pork rib tips
32 oz
winter melon
24 oz
ginger
5 slice
water
9 cup
sea salt
0.3 tsp
white pepper
0.3 tsp
cilantro and/or scallions
1 handful
light soy sauce
2 tbsp

Step-by-Step Instructions

Place the pork ribs in a bowl of cold water and soak for 1 hour to help draw out excess blood. Drain well before cooking.

Transfer the ribs to a large soup pot and add enough water to cover them. Bring to a boil, cook for 1 minute, then drain and rinse the ribs under running water. Wash the pot before continuing so the broth stays clear.

Return the cleaned ribs to the pot with the smashed ginger slices and 9 cups of fresh water. Bring to a boil, then immediately lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 90 minutes, checking occasionally to keep the broth from boiling aggressively.

While the ribs simmer, prepare the winter melon. Remove the thick outer skin, rinse the flesh, and cut it into bite-size pieces about 1/4 inch thick.

After 90 minutes, skim excess fat from the surface of the soup. Add the winter melon and sea salt, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the melon is tender but still holds its shape.