Thai cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors, and one dish that perfectly embodies this is the Spicy and Sour Pork Ribs Soup. It’s a comforting bowl of warmth that’s ideal for any occasion, layered with spicy, sour, and savory notes. Cooking this dish at home is simple and rewarding; let’s explore the straightforward steps to create this Thai delight.
Ingredients
To craft this delightful soup, you’ll need the following ingredients:
2 pounds pork ribs
4 cups pork or chicken broth (or water)
23 kaffir lime leaves, torn
23 stalks of lemongrass, bruised and chopped into sections
12 Thai bird’s eye chilies, sliced (adjust according to your heat preference)
1 cup tomatoes, quartered
1 medium onion, sliced
23 tablespoons fish sauce (to taste)
12 tablespoons tamarind paste (adjust for sourness)
1 tablespoon sugar
Fresh coriander leaves for garnish
Lime wedges for serving
StepbyStep Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Ribs
Begin by cutting the pork ribs into smaller, manageable pieces, if they aren’t already. Place them in a pot of boiling water for about 510 minutes to remove impurities and fat. Drain the ribs and set them aside.
Step 2: Create the Broth
In a large pot, combine the broth (or water) with the cleaned pork ribs. Add the kaffir lime leaves, chopped lemongrass, and sliced onion. Bring everything to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3040 minutes, or until the pork is tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Add Flavor Elements
Once the pork is tender, it’s time to infuse it with the signature Thai flavors. Add in the bird’s eye chilies, quartered tomatoes, fish sauce, tamarind paste, and sugar. The fish sauce adds umami, while the tamarind paste introduces a delightful sourness that characterizes this soup.
Step 4: Final Simmer
Let the soup simmer once more for another 1015 minutes. This will allow all the ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a fragrant and flavorful broth. Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more fish sauce for saltiness or tamarind for additional tartness.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Ladle the spicy and sour pork ribs soup into bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh coriander leaves for an aromatic touch. Serve with lime wedges on the side, allowing everyone to squeeze fresh lime juice into their soup for an extra zesty kick.
Enjoy Your Homemade Thai Delight!
Savor your homemade Spicy and Sour Pork Ribs Soup as is, or pair it with steamed rice for a more filling meal. This soup embodies the heart of Thai cooking—simple yet packed with bold flavors that warm the body and soul.
Whether shared with family or friends, this dish is certain to impress and transport them straight to the bustling streets of Thailand! Enjoy every spoonful of this spicy, sour, and savory delight!