Bak Kut Teh

Savor the comforting aroma and rich flavors of Bak Kut Teh, a hearty Chinese herbal soup that's perfect for soul-warming meals. This traditional dish features tender pork ribs simmered to perfection in a fragrant broth infused with garlic, black and white peppercorns, and an authentic Bak Kut Teh spice mix. Enhanced with dried shiitake mushrooms and soy sauces for depth, this slow-cooked delicacy is both nourishing and delicious. Garnished with fresh cilantro and crispy fried shallots, it’s best served piping hot alongside steamed white rice or youtiao, making it an irresistible blend of savory and earthy notes. Whether you're exploring Southeast Asian cuisine or seeking a cozy dinner idea, this quintessential dish promises a bowl full of comfort and tradition.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 800 grams pork ribs
• 10 whole garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon white peppercorns
• 1 packet Bak Kut Teh spice mix
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
• 6 pieces dried shiitake mushrooms
• 2 liters water
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 10 grams fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons fried shallots

Directions

Step 1

Soak the dried shiitake mushrooms in a bowl of warm water for about 20 minutes until softened. Once softened, slice the mushrooms and set aside.

Step 2

Rinse the pork ribs under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Set aside while preparing other ingredients.

Step 3

In a large pot, add 2 liters of water and bring it to a boil. Add the pork ribs and blanch them for 5 minutes to remove impurities.

Step 4

Remove the pork ribs and discard the water. Rinse the pot and return the blanched ribs back to the pot.

Step 5

Add garlic cloves, black peppercorns, white peppercorns, and the Bak Kut Teh spice mix to the pot.

Step 6

Pour in 2 liters of fresh water and bring the pot to a boil.

Step 7

Once boiling, reduce the heat to simmer. Add the sliced mushrooms, soy sauce, and dark soy sauce.

Step 8

Allow the soup to simmer gently for approximately 90-120 minutes until the pork ribs are tender and flavors have infused.

Step 9

Season the soup with salt and sugar, adjusting to taste. Stir well and allow it to cook for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 10

Ladle the Bak Kut Teh soup and ribs into serving bowls.

Step 11

Garnish with fresh cilantro and fried shallots before serving.

Step 12

Serve hot with steamed white rice or youtiao (fried dough sticks) on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	3107.2 grams (3107.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2872

Total Fat 194.40g	249%
Saturated Fat 69.00g	345%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.10g
Cholesterol 752mg	251%
Sodium 7641mg	332%
Total Carbohydrate 107.10g	39%
Dietary Fiber 26.50g	95%
Total Sugars 7.50g
Protein 189.90g	380%

Vitamin D 924IU	4620%
Calcium 491mg	38%
Iron 16mg	87%
Potassium 3554mg	76%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 59.6%

Protein: 25.9%

Carbs: 14.6%