Pork rib sour soup is a rustic dish, full of Vietnamese flavors, perfect for a family meal. The sour and sweet flavors from the ribs combined with vegetables create an appealing soup. Below is the detailed recipe for delicious sour rib soup.
Ingredients for Sour Soup
Pork ribs: 500g
Tomatoes: 2 (about 200g)
Ridged gourd (silver grass): 1-2
Sour fruit (tamarind): 1-2 fruits (or 1-2 teaspoons of concentrated tamarind)
Scallions, coriander: 50g
Shallots: 2 bulbs
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, fish sauce, sugar, cooking oil
Water: 1.5 liters
How to Cook Sour Rib Soup
Step 1: Prepare the ingredients
Pork ribs: Wash, cut into bite-sized pieces. Blanch the ribs in boiling water for about 2-3 minutes to remove impurities, then rinse with cold water.
Tomatoes: Wash and cut into wedges.
Ridged gourd: Peel, cut into 4-5cm lengths, and soak in a dilute salt solution for 10 minutes to reduce itching, then rinse.
Scallions, coriander: Wash and chop finely.
Tamarind: If using fresh tamarind, soak in warm water and crush to extract the juice. If using concentrated tamarind, prepare accordingly.
Step 2: Cook the ribs
Boil 1.5 liters of water and add the ribs. Simmer for about 20-25 minutes over medium heat until the ribs are tender and the broth is flavorful.
Skim off any foam that rises to the surface to clarify the soup.
Step 3: Make the soup
Sauté the finely chopped shallots in a small pot with 1 teaspoon of cooking oil.
Add the tomatoes and a pinch of salt to help them soften and develop a beautiful color.
Pour the sautéed tomatoes into the rib broth and stir well.
Add the tamarind juice (or concentrated tamarind), and season with 1 teaspoon of fish sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Adjust according to your taste.
Put in the ridged gourd and cook for another 3-5 minutes until just tender; avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Finish and serve
Garnish with scallions and coriander, and add a pinch of pepper for aroma.
Turn off the heat and ladle the soup into bowls.
Tips for Cooking Sour Rib Soup
Choose pork ribs with a balanced ratio of meat and cartilage for a sweeter and less greasy soup.
If tamarind is unavailable, you can substitute sour fruit such as green mango or lemon to achieve the desired sourness.
Soak the ridged gourd thoroughly to eliminate any itching sensation when eating.
You can add bean sprouts, cucumber, or pineapple to enhance the flavor.
Serving
Sour rib soup is best served hot with steamed rice and savory dishes like braised meat or fried fish. The tangy, slightly sweet, and crunchy texture of the ridged gourd will elevate your meal.
Happy cooking!
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