Easy Bak Kut Teh (Pepper Pork Rib Soup Recipe) - Quick Family Version

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Easy Bak Kut Teh (Pepper Pork Rib Soup)

One of our favourite simple, nourishing soup that comes together with minimal effort. Adapted to make the spice levels family friendly

Easy Bak Kut Teh (Pepper Pork Rib Soup)

A simple, nourishing soup that comes together with minimal effort. Perfect for days when you want something warm, comforting and family-friendly without overthinking.

If too spicy - Use one spice packet or add more water for a milder base.

Not spicy enough (that's us) - Remove a portion for the children first, then tear open spice bag and stir the spices back into the pot for a stronger, more peppery finish for the adults.

Ingredients:

1.2kg pork ribs (bone-in, blanched)
2 litres water
20 cloves garlic (whole, unpeeled)
2 bak kut teh spice packets

Alternative DIY spice blend: (If you can't find spice packets)
2 tablespoons whole white peppercorns (crushed if you like it spicier, keep whole for children)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon powder (optional, for added depth)
Place in a spice bag

For dipping:
Sliced red chilli
Dark soy sauce or cooking caramel

Instructions :

Stove top method:
Add blanched pork ribs, garlic, spice packets (or DIY spice bag) and water into a pot
Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 45 to 60 minutes until ribs are tender
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed
Serve hot with rice and dipping sauce

Pressure cooker / Instant Pot method:
Add all ingredients into the pot
Pressure cook on high for 20 minutes
Allow natural release for 10 to 15 minutes before opening
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving
Optional:
For a deeper flavour, before serving you can remove the lid, use the sauté function, bring everything to a rapid boil for 5 mins.


Adjusting the spice level for toddlers and adults:

If too spicy - Use one spice packet or add more water for a milder base.

Not spicy enough (that's us) - Remove a portion for the children first, then tear open spice bag and stir the spices back into the pot for a stronger, more peppery finish for the adults.

What I Used to Make This

These are the tools I use and love. Some links are affiliate, thank you for your quiet support 🤍

All in one

Prime Ribs Bak Kut Teh Set

What I used in my reel, this Prime Ribs Bak Kut Teh Set includes all you need: 1.2kg fresh Quan Shui Signature Prime Ribs, MaMa Bak Kut Teh Spices x2, Garlic, Coriander, Chili Padi, Dark Soya Sauce

Serves 4-5 pax

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Easy to use

MaMa Pepper Bak Kut Teh Spice Pack

This Spice Pack has a perfect balance of peppery taste whilst providing flavouring to your soup without being too spicy for kids. No MSG or preservatives.

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Most used appliance

Tefal Pressure Cooker

This pressure cooker saves me on the busiest days. It locks in flavour, cooks everything faster, and makes broths, soups, and stews taste like they’ve simmered for hours but in just 20 mins. I use it for everything from toddler meals to melt-in-your-mouth dinners with none of the wait

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Non-toxic swap

Stainless Steel Inner Pot

I swapped out the original non-stick pot for this stainless steel inner pot. It’s a simple, low-tox upgrade that gives me peace of mind. No peeling coatings, just clean, even cooking I can trust for family meals. It's a pretty penny when compared with the cost of the Tefal pressure cooker, but worth every dollar for the peace of mind it offers in my books

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Non toxic swap

Stainless Steel Saucepan

My go-to for blanching veggies, boiling pasta, and perfect for instant noodles

Lightweight, non-toxic, and heats fast with no coating to worry about. I use this Japanese pot almost daily - it’s simple, sturdy, and quietly reliable

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