Bak Kut Teh Recipe – Authentic Malaysian Pork Rib Soup at Home

Bak Kut Teh is one of the foods that I have always connected with because it has a backstory. I will never forget the smell alone when I first got it. I’ve prepared it several times in my kitchen, making small adjustments but maintaining its basic components of the original recipe. I’m going to show how I prepare Bak Kut Teh at home today. Let’s explore it:

What’s Bak Kut Teh?

Bak Kut Teh is arguably one of the most beloved and cozy dishes in Southeast Asia, particularly in Malaysia and Singapore. The dish’s name, which translates as “meat bone tea,” has great cultural importance. Interestingly, this soup contains no tea at all. In fact, it’s the name of the herbal soup that was historically served with Chinese tea. Warmth, tolerance, and aromatic goodness combine in Bak Kut Teh, which is more than just a meal. This soup is quite fulfilling because of the braised pork ribs and the herbs and spices.

Why Bak Kut Teh Is So Popular

It’s one of the most popular dishes because it presents tradition, comfort, and taste. People love to eat it as a family meal, especially during breakfast or lunchtime. When people get together around the table for a get-together, they love to enjoy dishes like Bak Kut Teh.

This recipe has been passed through multiple generations within the family because of Earth. Balance herbs and spicy taste. Ingredients are very simple, and the process is straightforward. This meal gives feel like home food rather than a restaurant dish. It has a very strong aroma, tender meat, and very flavourful broth.

All these things combined have become loved worldwide. Another reason this dish is popular because people love its filling and natural taste. It has a very popular deep connection to the Chinese heritage. If you love to experience something spicy and flavourful, you must try this recipe.

Ingredients Used in Bak Kut Teh

In my opinion, the best part about Bak Kut Teh is that it is one of the simplest recipes that can be made with a few ingredients. Each ingredient adds flavour to the recipe. The mixed flavours beautifully blend, and all the ingredients are cooked together. Let’s get into the list of ingredients:

• Pork ribs (1 KG, se pork bones with meat)
• Garlic (8 cloves crushed)
• White peppercorns (1 tablespoon)
• Ground white pepper (1 tablespoon)
• Salt (1 tablespoon or according to taste)
• Sugar (1 tablespoon)
• Water (2 liters)
• Light soy sauce (2 tablespoons)
• Dark soy sauce (1 tablespoon)
• Chopped red chilies (2 tablespoons)
• Sesame oil (1 tablespoon)

Optional Add-ins

• Pork liver, stomach, belly
• Enoki mushrooms
• Shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried)
• Tofu
• Lettuce

Equipment Needed

When I first made this recipe, I thought it required special cookware. But it truly does not need anything specific. Let’s have a look on equipment that is needed for this recipe:

• Large stockpot or soup pot (heavy bottom required)
• Lid for the pot
• Stove
• Knife (sharp, for cutting the pork)
• Cutting board
• Strainer (to strain the water or washing)
• Ladel (for serving)
• Mortar (for crushing white peppercorns)
• Skimmer (to remove scum)
• Tongs (for twisting or handling the pork bones)
• Measuring spoons
• Small bowl

How to Make Bak Kut Teh at Home

Bak Kut Teh cooking is a calm and patient process. In the end, the dish is incredibly flavourful and promotes patience. The peaceful pleasure of letting the soup simmer and fill the house with its scent is something I always look forward to.

Step 1: Prepare the Pork Ribs: I start by giving the pork ribs a good wash under running water. After that, I blanch the pork ribs for a few minutes in boiling water to get rid of any contaminants. This contributes to the soup’s clarity. The pork ribs are then drained and placed aside.

Step 2: Start the Broth: I add water to a big saucepan and bring it to a slow boil. I then quickly add the crushed garlic, white pepper, and herbal spices to the saucepan with the pork ribs. The delicious scent fills the house as soon as the water gets hot.

Step 3: Slow Cooking the Soup: I turn the store to the lowest level so the soup can thicken slowly. It is one of the important step that make the soup thick and presentable. On the slow flame, the meat turns out so soft and tender. It becomes juicy and delicious. I just have to add herbs to make it flavourful. I usually cook it for 1.5 to 2 hours maximum. Just make sure there is enough to cook.

Step 4: Seasoning the Soup: To improve the flavor and color, I now add light and dark soy sauce to the meat once it becomes soft. In addition, I check the soup for salt and make any necessary changes if the salt level is not perfect. The soup should be thick, spicy, and delicious without being over-flavored.

Step 5: Final Touch and Resting: Allow the soup to rest for a few minutes after turning off the stove. This makes it possible for the flavors to grow and become deeper in flavor. The soup sauce tastes its best, and the meat gets extremely soft.

How to Serve Bak Kut Teh: Usually, I serve hot, freshly made Bak Kut Teh straight from the pot. A plate of steamed rice and a cup of Chinese tea go well with it. Some people enjoy adding tofu or mushrooms, which help the soup soak well. I taste it carefully, spoonful by spoonful, and allow the warm, reassuring deliciousness.

How to Store Bak Kut Teh: There are multiple ways to store this dish to serve it later. Here are my go-to tips for storing leftovers:

1. Place the jar in the refrigerator; make sure to use an airtight container. It will remain fresh for about the next two days. Even on the second day, you will feel it tastes better. 

2. To preserve the smells and the taste of the dish, I love to reheat the food on the stove rather than in the microwave. Add a little bit of water to the soup if it has a thick consistency.

Best Tips and Tricks

I have learnt over the years that this dish required the lot of patience. If you speed up the cooking process, then you can’t achieve the perfect flavour. The secret to a successful recipe, I always prefer to season the food near the end of cooking. I don’t cook it with soy sauce. But it’s totally optional; you can use soy sauce according to your preferences.

Extra Variations of Bak Kut Teh

The flavors of Bak Kut Teh vary by region. Some are light and full of herbs, while others are dark and have a thick, powerful color and flavor. While some enjoy it mild, others want it hot. Depending on how I’m feeling, I sometimes like to add garlic or mushrooms. These small changes don’t change Bak Kut Teh’s flavor.

Why Bak Kut Teh Means So Much to Me

This special recipe is very special to me. My whole family loves it as their comfort food. When I think about making it at home, it feels grounding and peaceful.  I enjoy every part of making it, from the sound of simmering it to the smell of filling my kitchen.

Every moment feels meaningful. It also reminds me of good and healthy food that doesn’t need complicated steps to make it. It only needs time and proper steps; within a couple of minutes, you can have a traditional meal like me.

Final Verdict

I truly believe that Bak Kut Teh is one of the most soulful dishes that I have ever tried. It is very simple and satisfying to eat. You don’t need advanced cooking skills to make it at home. With some basic ingredients and patience.

You can create a dish that feels rich in culture and flavour. Each ball carries history, care, and affection for the others. Once you try making it yourself, you will understand why it remains a loved dish in generations and cultures. Do try to experience a rich meal.

FAQs

Can I make Bak Kut Teh without herbs?

Yes, but without the herbs, you taste very simple and normal. If you want to enhance the flavor, add herbs. It adds a strong aroma and better flavor to the recipe.

Is Bak Kut Teh very spicy?

People love this recipe the most because of its spice. Moreover, you can adjust the spices according to your needs. If you are not a spicy lover, you can use a smaller amount. But the fun part it’s more bitter instead of spicy.

Can I use chicken instead of pork? 

Yes, it is possible to use the chicken in the recipe, but the taste will be totally different from the traditional one. 

How long should it take to be cooked?

Boil it for at least one and a half hours for the best flavor. It takes almost 1.5 hours to cook it completely.

Can Bak Kut Teh be frozen?

Yes, it can be frozen and even reheated later without losing its actual flavor.