Chinese Pork Ribs Soup Recipe

Chinese Pork Ribs Soup is a beloved dish in many homes across China, often regarded as both a comfort food and a health tonic. This recipe brings together tender pork ribs, aromatic herbs, and spices, simmered to perfection in a broth that is as nourishing for the body as it is satisfying to the soul. The key to an excellent Chinese pork ribs soup lies not only in the quality of ingredients but also in the slow-cooking process that extracts deep, rich flavors from the meat and spices.

The dish itself varies regionally across China, with subtle variations in flavor profiles depending on where it’s made. However, one thing remains constant: it is always soothing, hearty, and packed with flavor. It’s often served during the colder months to warm the body or as a remedy for ailments-traditional Chinese medicine often recommends this soup for its cooling properties and restorative qualities.

In this post, we’ll dive into a recipe that blends rich tradition with modern convenience, allowing you to recreate this comforting dish right at home.

This recipe is a simplified yet authentic way to make Chinese Pork Ribs Soup at home. The key ingredients include pork ribs, Chinese herbs, and vegetables, simmered in a deliciously fragrant broth. Here’s how you can make it:

Ingredients Needed

For this recipe, you’ll need the following:

Pork Ribs: About 1.5 lbs of pork ribs (cut into sections). The ribs are the heart of the dish and will provide that rich, deep flavor that’s so characteristic of the soup. If you want extra tenderness, ask the butcher to cut the ribs into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
Ginger: 2-3 slices. Ginger not only adds a bit of heat and spiciness but also has strong anti-inflammatory properties, helping to balance the flavor profile of the soup.
Garlic: 4 cloves, smashed. Garlic offers a fragrant, earthy backdrop to the dish and enhances the savory depth.
Chinese Red Dates (Jujube): 5-7 dates. These sweet, chewy fruits are often used in Chinese cooking for their health benefits, helping to replenish energy and support digestion.
Goji Berries: 1/4 cup. Another common herb in Chinese medicine, goji berries are loaded with antioxidants and have a mild sweetness that balances the savory flavor of the pork.
Dried Shiitake Mushrooms: 4-5 mushrooms. Dried shiitake mushrooms have a deep umami flavor, adding richness to the broth. You can soak them in warm water before cooking to rehydrate.
Carrots: 2 medium-sized carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds. The sweetness of the carrots contrasts wonderfully with the savory pork broth.
Chinese Yam (optional): 1/2 cup, peeled and sliced. Chinese yam, also known as Dioscorea opposita, adds a silky texture and has a slightly sweet, earthy taste.
Chinese Wolfberries: (Optional, but recommended) 1/4 cup. They are known for their immunity-boosting properties.
Salt: To taste. Start with about 1-2 teaspoons, but adjust according to your personal preference.
Water: About 8 cups. You can use regular water, but for extra flavor, you could also use chicken stock or bone broth.

Cooking Instructions

Prepare The Ingredients
- Cut the pork ribs into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using dried shiitake mushrooms, soak them in warm water for about 15-20 minutes until they’re soft, then slice them.
- Slice the ginger, smash the garlic, peel and slice the carrots, and if you have Chinese yam, peel and cut it into pieces.
Blanch The Pork Ribs
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the pork ribs. Boil for about 3-5 minutes, skimming off any impurities (like foam or scum) that rise to the top. This step helps ensure the soup remains clear.
- Drain and rinse the pork ribs to remove any residual impurities.
Simmer The Soup
- In the same pot, add about 8 cups of fresh water or broth, then toss in the pork ribs, ginger, garlic, carrots, Chinese dates, goji berries, shiitake mushrooms, and Chinese yam (if using).
- Bring the soup to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours. The key here is slow and steady. The longer you simmer, the more the flavors meld together, and the more tender the pork becomes.
Season The Soup
- After simmering, taste the broth and season it with salt. Depending on the quality of your stock or broth, you may need a little extra seasoning. Adjust as necessary.
Serve And Enjoy
- Once the soup has simmered to perfection, serve it hot. It pairs wonderfully with a bowl of steamed rice or some steamed buns on the side.

Ingredient Insights

Pork Ribs: Pork is the base for the soup, and its rich fat content adds a depth of flavor that enhances the broth. The marrow inside the bones also contributes a wonderful richness.
Ginger and Garlic: These two ingredients are the powerhouse of many Chinese dishes. Ginger adds warmth, while garlic adds that savory undertone that balances out the sweetness of the dates and goji berries.
Chinese Dates and Goji Berries: These ingredients are not only flavorful but are also part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Chinese dates are believed to nourish the blood, and goji berries are said to improve eyesight and boost vitality.
Shiitake Mushrooms: These mushrooms, when dried, provide an earthy umami flavor that deepens the broth. Shiitakes also have immune-boosting properties, making them a perfect addition to any restorative dish.

Expert Tips

Simmering Time: The longer you simmer the soup, the richer the flavor. If you have time, let it go for 2-3 hours on a low heat, and you’ll notice how much more intense and satisfying the broth becomes.
Use Bone Broth: If you want a more nutritious soup, consider using homemade bone broth instead of plain water. This will add additional collagen and minerals, enhancing both the flavor and health benefits.
Adjust Sweetness: Chinese dates and goji berries add sweetness to the broth, but if you find it too sweet for your taste, you can balance it by adding a splash of soy sauce or fish sauce.
Use Fresh Ingredients: If possible, use fresh Chinese herbs and vegetables. The better the ingredients, the better the final result.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Variation: Add a few dried red chilies or a spoonful of chili paste to the soup for a subtle kick.
Vegetarian Version: Skip the pork ribs and use tofu or a variety of mushrooms (such as king oyster or enoki) as the base. This will create a plant-based version of the soup that still maintains depth and flavor.
Herbal Variation: You can add additional herbs like angelica root or astragalus, which are common in Chinese soups and tonics, for even more medicinal benefits.
Add More Vegetables: Feel free to experiment by adding vegetables like bok choy, lotus root, or even sweet potato for more texture and a different flavor profile.

Final Words

Chinese Pork Ribs Soup is one of those dishes that feels like a hug in a bowl. It’s warm, comforting, and packed with layers of flavors that tell a story of tradition and health. It’s a dish that’s meant to be savored slowly, enjoyed with loved ones, and appreciated for both its taste and its healing properties.

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this recipe is relatively simple to prepare but results in a deeply satisfying and nourishing meal. Plus, the ingredients are not only flavorful but offer numerous health benefits, making this soup a great choice for boosting immunity and promoting overall wellness.

Chinese Pork Ribs Soup Recipe