Cherry & Dennis Recipes
Bitter Melon, Soybean and Pork Rib Soup
涼瓜黃豆排骨湯
Recipe overview
Bitter melon, soaked soybeans and pork ribs slowly simmer into a clear Cantonese home soup with gentle bitterness and tender meat.
01
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 700 g bone-in pork ribs, cut into 4 cm pieces
- 1 piece bitter melon, about 400 g
- 120 g dried soybeans
- 20 g ginger
Seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
Stock
- 2 L water
02
Tools
- mixing bowl
- knife
- cutting board
- tablespoon
- pot
- colander
- stockpot
- ladle
- tongs
- bowl
03
Steps
Step 1
Soak the soybeans
Rinse the dried soybeans, soak in plenty of water for 2 hours, then drain and discard the water.
Step 2
Blanch the pork ribs
Cover the ribs with cold water, bring to a boil and blanch for 3 minutes so scum rises.
Step 3
Rinse the ribs
Lift out the ribs, rinse away surface scum with warm water and drain.
Step 4
Prepare the bitter melon
Halve the bitter melon lengthwise, scrape out seeds and white pith, then cut into 3 cm pieces.
Step 5
Slice the ginger
Wash and lightly crush the ginger, then cut into four slices.
Step 6
Boil the soup water
Bring 2 litres of water to a full boil in a stockpot.
Step 7
Add ribs, soybeans and ginger
Add the ribs, drained soybeans and ginger and return to a boil.
Step 8
Simmer the soup base
Lower the heat, cover and maintain a gentle simmer for 60 minutes.
Step 9
Add the bitter melon
Add the bitter melon pieces and turn them so they are submerged.
Step 10
Simmer until tender
Cover and simmer 30 to 35 minutes until the melon is tender and soybeans crush easily.
Step 11
Season the soup
Stir in the salt, simmer for 2 minutes and taste.
Step 12
Rest and serve
Turn off the heat, rest for 5 minutes, skim excess surface fat and ladle into bowls.
Common mistakes
- Unsoaked soybeans remain hard; soak for at least 2 hours and discard the soaking water.
Tips
Scrape away the inner white pith to reduce harsh bitterness while keeping the melon aroma.
