「Pork Rib and Bitter Melon Soup」

Ingredients and amounts

• 250-500 g pork ribs
• 100-200 g bitter melon
• 5-15 g dried shrimp
• 5-10 g ginger (optional, for blanching)

Step-by-step method

1. 1

   Step 1

   Wash the ribs and cut into pieces about 4 cm x 3 cm. (Ask the butcher to do this if needed.)

2. 2

   Step 2

   Place the ribs in a wok with 700 ml cold water. Bring to a boil, then remove the ribs and discard the water.

3. 3

   Step 3

   Cut the bitter melon in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and white pith. Slice into 0.5 cm thick strips. Wash thoroughly.

4. 4

   Step 4

   In a soup pot, combine 1100 ml water and the blanched ribs. Bring to a boil over high heat.

5. 5

   Step 5

   Once boiling, add the bitter melon and dried shrimp. Reduce to low heat and simmer for 120-240 minutes. After 120 minutes, test a piece of rib; if the meat easily separates from the bone, it is done.

6. 6

   Step 6

   Season with salt and white pepper before serving. Recommended: 0.3-0.6 g salt and 0.1-0.5 g white pepper per 250 ml of soup.

7. 7

   Step 7

   Alternatively, for a pressure cooker: combine 1000 ml water, ribs, dried shrimp, and bitter melon.

8. 8

   Step 8

   Select the soup/stew function and cook (typically 45 minutes under pressure).

9. 9

   Step 9

   Season with salt and white pepper before serving.