Food & Receipts

The Ultimate Guide to Cooking a Delicious and Nutritious Pork Rib and Lotus Root Soup

"Braised pork ribs with lotus root soup is a delicious dish that will keep you coming back for more. The sweet and tender lotus roots combined with the juicy, fatty pork ribs create a perfect harmony of flavors that is simply irresistible. This mouth-watering dish is a true testament to the power of well-combined ingredients, creating a culinary experience that is both satisfying and memorable."

Administrator

20 July, 2024

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Are you tired of the same old boring soups and stews? Spice up your family meals with this exciting new recipe using pork ribs and lotus root!

This dish not only offers a plethora of health benefits but also helps detox and cool down your body during hot summer days.

Learn how to cook this delicious and nutritious lotus root and pork rib soup and impress your family this weekend!

1. Simple and Easy Pork Rib, Lotus Root, and Carrot Stew

Ingredients:

Pork ribs: 200 – 300gr

Lotus root: 2 roots

Carrot: 1 carrot

Scallions and cilantro

Seasonings: MSG, salt, sugar

Preparation:

Peel and cut the carrot into bite-sized pieces. Peel the lotus root and cut it into 1cm thick rounds, then soak them in a brine solution to prevent discoloration. Rinse the pork ribs with salted water and cut them into manageable pieces. Finely chop the scallions and cilantro.

Cooking Instructions:

First, blanch the pork ribs in boiling water to eliminate any unpleasant odors and toxins; this also helps tenderize the meat. In a separate pot, briefly boil the lotus root to soften it.

For the stew, prepare a new pot of boiling water and add the pork ribs and lotus root. Simmer for 15 minutes, then add the carrot and continue simmering for another 5 minutes.

Next, season the stew with 2 tablespoons of MSG, ½ tablespoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of fish sauce. Adjust the seasonings to your family’s taste.

Finally, add the scallions, cilantro, and a pinch of pepper to the stew and turn off the heat. This hearty stew is best served hot.

2. Tips for Choosing Fresh Pork Ribs and Lotus Root

Lotus Root Shape: Opt for lotus roots with short, round, and plump segments. The number of segments isn’t as important, as roots with more segments tend to be thinner and longer, resulting in tougher texture and less flavor.

Spacing Between Segments: A lotus root with wider spacing between segments indicates ripeness. When cooked, these roots tend to be softer and more tender.
Air Holes: When you cut open a lotus root, you’ll see numerous air holes, which are larger in riper roots. The larger the holes, the more water the root contains, resulting in better flavor.
External Appearance: A fresh lotus root will have a smooth, even surface without any noticeable dents or bumps.
Scent: Freshly harvested lotus roots will have a slight earthy scent and some residual moisture. If the root is completely clean and dry, it may have been treated and won’t keep for long.
Color: Naturally ripe lotus roots are yellow and free of any strange odors. However, if the root is excessively white, it may have been soaked in chemicals.

Frequently asked questions

Blanching the pork ribs in boiling water for a few minutes helps to remove any impurities and also makes the meat more tender. You can then proceed to cut the ribs into suitable sizes for your soup.

Lotus root is a starchy vegetable that adds a nice crunchy texture and a subtle sweet flavor to the soup. It is also believed to have medicinal properties, such as improving digestion and boosting the immune system.

Using a pressure cooker can significantly reduce cooking time while still ensuring the ribs are tender. Adding a small amount of cooking wine can enhance the flavor of the soup, and using rock sugar instead of regular sugar adds a deeper sweetness. Finally, don’t forget to skim off any excess fat or oil that rises to the top during cooking to create a healthier, less oily soup.

You can adjust the amount of water added to the soup depending on your preferred consistency. For a stronger lotus root flavor, you can increase the amount or add some pureed lotus root to the soup. Spices and seasonings can also be adjusted to taste, and you can always add more green onions and white pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

Always ensure that meat, especially pork, is properly cooked to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Use a food thermometer to check that the pork ribs have reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Also, be cautious when handling and cutting lotus root, as it can be slippery and difficult to grip firmly.