Description
A clear soup featuring Taiwan's specialty 'White Bitter Melon'—less bitter than green—and pork ribs. Believed to lower body heat, it's immensely popular in summer.
Restaurants serving Bitter Melon with Pork Rib Soup
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We are researching restaurants that serve this dish.
On this site you can check dictionary details and, later, places to buy or eat related items.
The Recipe section below is a general reference, not a recipe from the listed shops.
Recipe
Ingredients
- White bitter melon
- Pork ribs
- Ginger
- Dried scallops
- Salt
Instructions
- [Authentic Recipe]
- Parboil pork ribs (Pai Gu) to remove scum.
- Halve Taiwanese white bitter melon, thoroughly scrape out seeds and 'white pith' (the key to reducing bitterness). Cut into large chunks.
- Put water, ribs, bitter melon, ginger, and a few dried scallops (or shrimp) in a pot.
- Simmer on low for ~
- hr until the melon is soft and translucent.
- Season with salt. Optionally add goji berries at the end.
- Aim for a clear golden broth where slight bitterness and meat umami harmonize.
Learn more Spice, substitutes, tips
Key spices
Refreshing bitterness of bitter melon
Substitutes at Japanese supermarkets
Japanese green bitter melon (will be more bitter)
Pairing
Lu Rou Fan or Ganmian(soupless noodles)
Trivia
[For Adults] Bitter melon is loved in Taiwan as a health food to 'lower fire (body heat)'. White bitter melon, in particular, becomes melon-soft when simmered; its unique bitterness cuts through meat fat, making it perfect for summer.
Eating tips & etiquette
[Unique Eating] Sip the broth first, then dip the 'meltingly soft bitter melon' into a bit of sweet thick soy sauce (Jiangyou Gao) to eat like a side dish!
Allergen
Pork