Traditional Bak Kut Teh: A Flavorful Malaysian Soup Recipe

Ingredients

  • 500g pork ribs
  • 2 litres water
  • 2 packets bak kut teh herbs
  • 5 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 200g fried tofu puffs
  • 200g enoki mushrooms
  • 1 bunch mustard greens
  • 2 red chillies

Steps and instructions

  1. Blanch the pork ribs in a pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes to remove impurities.
  2. Discard the water and rinse the ribs under cold water.
  3. In a large pot, add the 2 litres of water and bring it to a boil.
  4. Add the bak kut teh herbs and garlic to the pot. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes.
  5. Add the blanched pork ribs into the pot. Continue to simmer for another 40 minutes.
  6. Add the dark soy sauce, light soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt into the pot. Stir well to combine.
  7. Add the fried tofu puffs, enoki mushrooms, and mustard greens into the pot. Let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
  8. Finally, add the red chillies for an extra kick. Let it simmer for 2 more minutes.
  9. Turn off the heat. Let the bak kut teh sit for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Chicken Bak Kut Teh: Substitute pork ribs with chicken pieces for a lighter option.
  • Vegetarian Bak Kut Teh: Replace the pork ribs with tofu or tempeh for a meat-free version.
  • Seafood Bak Kut Teh: Add prawns, fish, or clams to the broth for a seafood twist.
  • Spicy Bak Kut Teh: Increase the amount of chili peppers or add chili paste to make it spicier.
  • Mushroom Bak Kut Teh: Use a variety of mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, and button mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian option.
  • Herb-infused Bak Kut Teh: Experiment with adding herbs like dang gui (angelica root) or huai shan (Chinese yam) for additional herbal flavors.
  • Richer Broth: Simmer the broth for a longer time to intensify the flavors and create a richer broth.
  • Customize Seasonings: Adjust the amount of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and salt according to personal preference.

Recipe overview

Bak Kut Teh, a popular dish in Malaysia and Singapore, is a flavorful and comforting pork rib soup. The name literally translates to "meat bone tea", and it's a dish that's packed with a myriad of flavors. The pork ribs are first blanched and then simmered in a rich and aromatic broth made from bak kut teh herbs, garlic, and soy sauce. A variety of delicious additions like fried tofu puffs, enoki mushrooms, and mustard greens are added to the pot, transforming it into a hearty meal that's perfect for any time of the day. With a hint of heat from the red chillies, this dish is a true delight for the senses. This recipe takes you through the process of making your own Bak Kut Teh at home, allowing you to adjust the flavors to your liking. It's a relatively simple process, but the result is a deeply flavorful soup that's sure to satisfy.

Common questions

  1. What is bak kut teh? Bak kut teh is a popular Chinese pork rib soup dish that is simmered in a flavorful broth made with a combination of herbs and spices.
  2. Can I use other cuts of pork instead of ribs? Yes, you can use other cuts of pork such as pork belly or pork shoulder if you prefer. However, using pork ribs will give the traditional and authentic flavor to the bak kut teh.
  3. What are bak kut teh herbs? Bak kut teh herbs are a combination of various herbs and spices typically used to make the broth for this dish. They often include ingredients like star anise, cinnamon, cloves, fennel seeds, and peppercorns.
  4. Can I adjust the spiciness of the dish? Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the dish by adding more or fewer red chillies according to your preference. You can also remove the seeds from the chillies if you want a milder heat.
  5. What can I serve with bak kut teh? Bak kut teh is commonly served with steamed rice, youtiao (Chinese fried dough), or Chinese tea. Some people also enjoy having it with side dishes like braised peanuts or pickled vegetables.
  6. Can I make bak kut teh in advance? Yes, you can make bak kut teh in advance and store it in the refrigerator for a day or two. The flavors will continue to develop, making it even more delicious. Just reheat it before serving.
  7. Can I freeze bak kut teh? Yes, you can freeze bak kut teh. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - A large pot is essential for boiling the pork ribs and simmering the bak kut teh.
  • Strainer - A strainer will be useful for discarding the blanching water and rinsing the pork ribs.
  • Cooking spoon - A cooking spoon is needed for stirring and combining the ingredients in the pot.
  • Chopping board - A chopping board is necessary for cutting the garlic and red chillies.
  • Knife - A knife is required for chopping the garlic and red chillies.
  • Soup bowls - Soup bowls are ideal for serving the bak kut teh.
  • Serving ladle - A serving ladle helps in scooping and serving the bak kut teh.
  • Chopsticks - Traditional chopsticks are commonly used for enjoying bak kut teh.

Origin stories

Bak kut teh, a hearty soup that carries the weight of heritage and culture, was born out of the hard-labored lives of the Chinese coolies in the early 19th century Singapore. These laborers, sapped of energy by their grueling work, needed a cheap, invigorating meal to rejuvenate their tired bodies. With their limited means, the coolies concocted a broth by slowly simmering pork bones with various herbs and spices, creating a nutritious soup rich in collagen and medicinal properties. The name 'Bak kut teh' directly translates to 'meat bone tea', capturing the essence of the dish's humble origins. The soup, originally a simple tonic for the weary, has now evolved into a comforting staple enjoyed by many, a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the coolies who first brewed it.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.