Teresa's Recipes
Bak Kut Teh
Bak Kut Teh, which translates to 'meat bone tea', is a beloved dish that has its roots in the Chinese immigrant communities of Malaysia and Singapore. This soul-warming stew is renowned for its fragrant herbal broth, tender pork ribs, and rich umami flavors, making it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Traditionally enjoyed for breakfast, it has become a cherished culinary staple that brings families and friends together around the table. Garnished with fresh spring onions, each spoonful is a delightful blend of savory and aromatic notes, promising a hearty meal that warms both the belly and the heart.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds, cut into sections Pork ribs
- 6 cloves, smashed Garlic
- 2 inches, sliced Ginger
- 1 packet (includes dang gui, yu zhu, etc.) Chinese herbs
- 2 tablespoons Dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rock sugar
- 1 teaspoon White pepper
- to taste Salt
- to taste White pepper powder
- 8 cups Water
- for garnish Chopped spring onions
Dietary Notes
- Servings: 4-6
- Dish Type: Main Course
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 30g
- Carbs: 15g
- Protein: 35g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Sugar: 2g
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil over high heat.
- Once boiling, add the pork ribs, smashed garlic, sliced ginger, white pepper, dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, rock sugar, and the packet of Chinese herbs.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot, allowing the stew to simmer gently for 2 hours. This slow cooking will ensure the pork ribs become tender and the flavors meld beautifully.
- After 2 hours, taste the broth and season with salt and white pepper powder according to your preference.
- Serve hot in bowls, garnished with freshly chopped spring onions for a burst of color and freshness.
- Enjoy this comforting dish with steamed rice or youtiao (Chinese crullers) for an authentic experience.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, consider adding some sliced red chili or a splash of chili oil to the broth.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use chicken or beef instead of pork ribs.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like tofu or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.