Pork Bone Soup for Sick Kids | Daikon & White Pepper

When someone falls sick in our house, this is one of the pots that go on first.

It’s clear, peppery, warming and uncomplicated. Pork bones for depth. Daikon to soften and sweeten the broth. Garlic, ginger and white pepper to warm the body gently. Nothing complicated, just functional comfort.

This is my reset soup. The one that bridges fever days back to normal eating.

Why I Love It:

✔ Clear and light - easy on sensitive stomachs
✔ White pepper warmth without heavy spice
✔ Minimal prep, maximum comfort
✔ Even better the next day
✔ Transitions easily from rice to noodles

Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

800g pork ribs, blanched
1 medium daikon, sliced thick
8 cloves garlic, lightly smashed
2 slices ginger
1.5L water
1 tablespoon whole white peppercorns
(or a generous sprinkle of ground white pepper)
1.5 teaspoons salt, adjust to taste
Optional: Stock cube or 1tsp of chicken bouillon powder

To Serve:

Sliced spring onions
Fresh coriander

Instructions:

Stovetop

1. Place all ingredients into a pot.
2. Bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer.
3. Cover and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, until the pork is tender and the broth is fragrant.

Pressure Cooker

1. Add all ingredients to the pot.
2. Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes.
3. Allow natural release if time permits.

Once finished, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more salt or white pepper if needed.

Serve hot with spring onions and coriander if desired. Do not serve the white pepper corns.

Day 1 - Serve with warm rice.
Day 2 - Ladle leftovers over noodles.

👶🏻 Toddler-Friendly Tip:

If your child is sensitive to spice, use whole peppercorns instead of ground white pepper. The warmth infuses gently without sharp heat.

For very low appetites, strain and serve just the clear broth first.