Winter Melon Pork Rib Soup (冬瓜排骨汤)

Instructions

1. 1Blanch the pork ribs: place ribs in a pot of cold water, bring to a boil over high heat. Boil for 3 minutes to release scum. Drain and rinse ribs under cold running water. This step removes impurities and ensures a clear broth.

   🔍 Look for High heat 3 分钟 · 3 minutes

   Visual: 灰褐色浮沫浮起，水变浑浊Gray-brown scum floats to the surface; water turns cloudy

   You know it's right when: 浮沫充分释放，水浑浊，需倒掉Scum is fully released and water is cloudy — time to drain

2. 2Prepare the winter melon: peel the tough outer skin, remove seeds, and cut the flesh into 3 cm chunks. The rind can be left on for a firmer texture or removed for a softer result.

   🔍 Look for

   Visual: 果肉纯白，质地坚实但按压微软Flesh is pure white, firm but yielding to slight pressure

   You know it's right when: 刀切有轻微阻力——不硬不烂Knife meets slight resistance — not rock hard, not mushy

3. 3In a clean pot, combine blanched ribs, sliced ginger, knotted scallion, and Shaoxing wine. Add cold water (1.5 L). Bring to a boil over high heat.

   🔍 Look for High heat 5 分钟 · 5 minutes

   Visual: 汤色清澈，锅边开始冒小泡Water is clear, small bubbles forming at the edges

   You know it's right when: 剧烈沸腾Vigorous rolling boil achieved

4. 4Once boiling, reduce heat to the lowest possible setting. Cover partially and simmer for 40 minutes. The broth should barely move — a few occasional bubbles, not a rolling boil.

   🔍 Look for Low heat 40 分钟 · 40 minutes

   Visual: 汤色清亮微金，每隔几秒破出一两个小泡Broth is clear golden, a few bubbles breaking the surface every few seconds

   You know it's right when: 汤面几近平静，仅微动Surface is almost still — only gentle movement

5. 5Add winter melon chunks to the pot. Continue simmering uncovered for another 30-35 minutes, until the melon is translucent and fork-tender.

   🔍 Look for 30-35 分钟 · 30-35 minutes

   Visual: 冬瓜由乳白转为半透明，边缘开始软化Winter melon turns from opaque white to semi-translucent, edges softening

   You know it's right when: 筷子一插即入，冬瓜入口即化Fork slides in with zero resistance — melon is melting

6. 6Remove ginger slices and scallion knot. Season with salt and white pepper to taste. Ladle into bowls and serve immediately.

   🔍 Look for

   Visual: 汤色清澈见底微泛金，冬瓜块如翡翠漂浮Broth is crystal clear with a faint golden sheen, melon pieces floating like jade

   You know it's right when: 汤本身可直接饮用——清澈鲜香，带冬瓜微甜Broth should be drinkable on its own — clean, savory, slightly sweet from the melon