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Bak Kut Teh

Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Malaysian
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

🛒 Ingredients
Main
  • 1.2 kg pork ribs (cut into pieces)
  • 2 liters water
  • 1 whole garlic bulb (split in half, do not peel)
  • 2 tbsp light soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt to taste
Traditional Herbal Spices (You can find these at Chinese medical halls or Asian markets)
  • 5 slices dang gui (Angelica root)
  • 2 tbsp wolfberries (goji berries)
  • 2 pieces dang shen (codonopsis root)
  • 2 pieces yu zhu (polygonatum)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 star anise
  • 1 tbsp whole white peppercorns (lightly crushed)
  • 👉 Shortcut option: Replace all herbs with 1 Bak Kut Teh herbal packet.

Optional Add-Ons

  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • Fried tofu puffs
  • Enoki mushrooms
  • Lettuce or napa cabbage

Method
 

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
    Step 1 – Blanch the Pork
    1. Bring a pot of water to boil.
    2. Add pork ribs and boil for 5 minutes to remove impurities.
    3. Drain and rinse ribs under clean water.
    Step 2 – Prepare the Soup Base
    1. In a large pot, add 2 liters fresh water.
    2. Add blanched pork ribs and garlic.
    3. Add all herbal ingredients or the herbal packet.
    Step 3 – Season the Soup
    1. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, and sugar.
    2. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low simmer.
    Step 4 – Slow Cook for Flavor
    1. Cover and simmer for 60–90 minutes until pork is tender.
    2. Skim off excess oil if needed.
    Step 5 – Add Optional Ingredients
    1. Add mushrooms, tofu puffs, or vegetables.
    2. Simmer another 5–10 minutes.
    Step 6 – Final Taste Adjustment
    1. Taste and adjust salt or soy sauce.
    2. Add extra crushed pepper for stronger aroma if desired.
    🍚 How to Serve Bak Kut Teh
    1. Serve hot with steamed white rice.
    2. Side dishes: youtiao, preserved vegetables, chili garlic, dark soy sauce with chopped garlic.
    3. Best enjoyed fresh and piping hot.
    💡 Cooking Tips
    1. Use spare ribs or pork belly ribs for richer soup.
    2. Crushing peppercorns releases stronger fragrance.
    3. Soup tastes even better the next day.