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Tom Saap recipe made with tender pork ribs and aromatic Thai herbs in a traditional clay serving bowl

Mastering Tom Saap Recipe (Thai Pork Rib Soup)

Susie Thompson
Thai Pork Rib Soup, or Tom Saap, is a soul-warming dish that combines tender pork ribs with a tangy, spicy, and aromatic broth. This traditional Thai soup perfectly balances flavors, featuring a medley of fresh herbs and spices that will tantalize your taste buds. The succulent pork ribs, slowly simmered to perfection, are infused with the fragrant notes of lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and galangal. Whether you're looking for comfort on a chilly day or a delicious, light meal, Tom Saap is sure to satisfy.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Course Soup and Stews
Cuisine Thai
Servings 5
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs pork ribs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 cups water
  • 1 stalk lemongrass cut into 2-inch pieces and bruised
  • 4 kaffir lime leaves
  • 1 inch piece galangal sliced
  • 5 cloves garlic crushed
  • 2 shallots sliced
  • 3-4 Thai bird's eye chilies crushed
  • 2 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1` tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 cup mushrooms sliced
  • Fresh cilantro chopped (for garnish)
  • Green onions chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh lime wedges for serving

Instructions
 

  • Prepar your ingredients:
    Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cut the pork ribs into bite-sized pieces and set aside. Bruise the lemongrass by lightly smashing it with the back of a knife to release its flavors. Tear the kaffir lime leaves to enhance their fragrance. Slice the galangal, crush the garlic, and slice the shallots. These aromatic ingredients will form the flavor base of your soup.
  • Boil the Pork Ribs
    In a large pot, bring the 8 cups of water to a boil. Add the pork ribs and let them boil for 5 minutes. This step helps to remove any impurities from the meat, ensuring a clean and clear broth. After boiling, drain and rinse the ribs under cold water to eliminate any remaining impurities after boiling.
  • Simmer with Aromatics
    Return the cleaned ribs to the pot and add the bruised lemongrass, torn kaffir lime leaves, sliced galangal, crushed garlic, and sliced shallots. Pour in the water and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 1.5 to 2 hours. This slow simmering allows the flavors to meld together and the pork ribs to become tender.
  •   Add Mushrooms and Season
    After simmering:Add the sliced mushrooms to the pot and cook for 10 minutes.Season the soup with fish sauce, lime juice, and sugar. Stir well to combine, and taste to adjust the seasoning as needed. The salty, sour, and slightly sweet balance should be just right, enhancing the soup's natural flavors.
  • Garnish and Serve
    Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions and Thai-bird chili's. Serve with fresh lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor. Enjoy your homemade Thai Pork Ribs Soup hot, and savor the aromatic and flavorful broth.

Video

Authentic Tom Saap Recipe: Thai Hot and Sour Pork Rib Soup

Thumbnail for Authentic Tom Saap Recipe: Thai Hot and Sour Pork Rib Soup

Notes

This authentic Tom Saap recipe (Pork Rib Soup) delivers the perfect balance of spicy, sour, and savory flavors characteristic of northeastern Thai cuisine. The slow-simmered pork ribs become fall-off-the-bone tender while absorbing the aromatic essence of lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves. Ready in under 2 hours with just 30 minutes of active preparation, this comforting soup offers a genuine taste of Thailand's countryside cooking traditions with every spoonful.

Nutrition

Serving: 4ServingsCalories: 250kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 900mgFiber: 1gSugar: 2g
Keyword Thai Pork Ribs Soup, Tom Saap
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