Discover the rich, comforting flavors of Bak Kut Teh, a traditional pork rib soup infused with aromatic garlic and pepper. This hearty Malaysian dish is perfect for cozy dinners and is commonly served with rice or crispy fried dough sticks. Follow our easy recipe to create this delicious and authentic soup at home.

Ingredients:

- 500g pork ribs

- 8 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tablespoon white peppercorns

- 1 tablespoon soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce

- 2 star anise

- 2-3 slices of dried tangerine peel (optional)

- 1 tablespoon sugar

- 6 cups water

- Salt to taste

- Fried dough sticks (for serving)

- Cooked rice (for serving)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pork Ribs:

  - Blanch the pork ribs in boiling water for 2-3 minutes to remove impurities. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Cook the Soup:

  - In a large pot, add the blanched pork ribs and 6 cups of water. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.

Add Flavors:

  - Add the minced garlic, white peppercorns, soy sauce, oyster sauce, star anise, dried tangerine peel (if using), and sugar. Stir well to combine.

Simmer:

  - Simmer the soup for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork ribs are tender and the flavors have melded together. Occasionally skim off any foam that rises to the surface.

Season:

  - Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

Serve:

  - Ladle the soup into bowls and serve hot with fried dough sticks and cooked rice on the side.

Enjoy the hearty, flavorful Bak Kut Teh that brings comfort and warmth to your table!

Nutritional values

500g Pork Ribs

  - Calories: 250

  - Protein: 20g

  - Fat: 20g

  - Carbohydrates: 0g

Benefits: Provides protein and essential amino acids. Fat adds richness and flavor to the dish.

8 Cloves Garlic, minced

  - Calories: 5

  - Protein: 0.2g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Adds flavor and aroma.

1 Tablespoon White Peppercorns

  - Calories: 6

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Carbohydrates: 1.5g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds a spicy heat and enhances overall flavor. Contains antioxidants and aids digestion.

1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce

  - Calories: 10

  - Protein: 1g

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Adds umami flavor and color. Contains sodium, which helps with flavor enhancement.

2 Tablespoons Oyster Sauce

  - Calories: 9

  - Protein: 0.3g

  - Carbohydrates: 2g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Provides a savory depth to the dish. Contains umami flavor and minerals.

2 Star Anise

  - Calories: 6

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

Benefits: Adds a sweet and licorice-like flavor. Contains antioxidants and may have antimicrobial properties.

2-3 Slices of Dried Tangerine Peel (optional)

  - Calories: 2

  - Carbohydrates: 0.5g

Benefits: Adds a citrusy aroma and flavor. Often used in traditional medicine for digestion.

1 Tablespoon Sugar

  - Calories: 48

  - Carbohydrates: 12g

Benefits: Balances flavors by adding sweetness. Provides quick energy.

6 Cups Water

 - Nutritional Values: No calories or nutrients.

Benefits: Essential for cooking and braising, helps in forming the broth.

Salt to Taste

  - Sodium: 2300mg

Benefits: Enhances flavor, but should be used in moderation.

Fried Dough Sticks (for serving)

  - Calories: 200

  - Protein: 2g

  - Carbohydrates: 20g

  - Fat: 12g

Benefits: Adds a crispy and savory element. Often enjoyed with soups and stews.

Cooked Rice (for serving)

  - Calories: 200

  - Protein: 4g

  - Carbohydrates: 45g

  - Fat: 0g

Benefits: Provides carbohydrates for energy. Complements the main dish and helps to balance the meal.