Description
A traditional Vietnamese soup side dish with pork ribs and mustard greens. Pair with steamed rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Pork
- 3/4 lb pork spare ribs (cut into bite-size pieces)
- 2 teaspoons salt (half for cleaning)
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
Stock Seasoning
- 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
- 2 garlic cloves (peel and mince)
- Half of small yellow onion
- 2 liters water
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder
- 1 teaspoon granulated white sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon MSG (optional)
Vegetables and Garnish
- 1 bunch Chinese mustard greens (Cai Be Xanh; cut into 2-inch segments)
- Dash ground black pepper
Instructions
- Parboil the Pork Ribs: Optional by highly recommended: Cleaning/parboiling the pork ribs will remove all the impurities and foul-smell of pork. Add bones and salt (1 teaspoon) to small stock pot and fill with water to cover. Bring the pot to a rolling boil on the stove (uncovered). Once it comes to a rolling boil and foam/impurities float to the top, immediately turn off heat. Place a colander in the sink and pour content of pot into the colander, discarding the dirty water. Rinse bones under cold running water and drain dry.
- Marinate the Ribs: To the parboiled bones, marinate with remaining salt (1 teaspoon), stock powder and sugar for at least 30 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: To a small stock pot, heat vegetable oil on medium high. Add garlic and onions. Saute until fragrant (10-20 seconds only). Add marinated pork spare ribs and quickly toss to coat in aromatics.
- Simmer the Soup: Add water and bring pot to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook for 40 minutes. Occasionally skim off any foam that float to the top. Scoop out and discard yellow onion once it becomes translucent and limp.
- Season the Stock: Season stock with salt, stock powder, sugar and MSG.
- Add the Mustard Greens: Add Chinese mustard green and cook for additional 5 minutes. Turn off heat and transfer to a serving bowl. Top with a dash of black pepper for a beautiful finish.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Soup, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vietnamese