Clean, clear, and full of flavor! Lotus Root Soup is one the most easy and nourishing soups in our repertoire. All you need is 3 ingredients. Instructions for Instant Pot and regular pot on stovetop are both included.
Lotus Root Soup is incredibly nourishing and good for you...in so many ways! This is the first soup we make when the weather gets cooler or rainy. Or when someone is feeling under the weather. It's like a warm hug that makes you feel so much better.
This is a very simple soup with only 3 ingredients: lotus root, pork ribs, and salt. When cooked together, it makes the most wonderful clear broth with very tender lotus root slices and sweet pork that really does fall off the bone. Pair with a bowl of rice and you are set!
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Ingredients
Here's what you'll need:
- Pork ribs - Bone-in pork is very important because you need the bones to make the soup flavorful. Don't use boneless pork.
- Lotus root - You can purchase fresh lotus root at most Asian markets. See FAQ below for more details.
- Salt - Just enough to taste.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Let's get cooking!
Prepare the pork ribs.
Rinse the pork ribs under cold running water for a few minutes. Set aside.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Then gently add the pork ribs into the pot. Let the water come back up to a boil and blanch for 1 more minute. Turn off the heat.
Drain the pork ribs. Rinse the ribs under running water again to get it really clean. This blanching step is what makes this a clear (instead of cloudy) and extra tasty soup. Set aside.
Prepare the lotus root.
Rinse and peel the lotus root. Cut the lotus root in half lengthwise. And then cut the lotus root into ¼-inch thick slices.
Cooking the soup...two ways!
If using a pressure cook / Instant Pot:
Place the blanched pork ribs and sliced lotus root into the pot. Fill the pot with cool water (you can go up to the "max" line in the pot). Cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes. Let it "natural release." Then season the soup with salt to taste
If using a regular pot on the stovetop:
Place the blanched pork ribs and sliced lotus root into a large pot. Fill with about 12 cups of water (you can do a little more or less depending how big your pot is). Bring to a boil and then let simmer (with the lid on) for 4-5 hours. Then season the soup with salt to taste.
Serve and enjoy.
Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls. Top with freshly ground white pepper (optional but delicious). Eat and enjoy ^_^
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few popular ideas:
- Green Onions - Top the soup with thinly sliced green onions.
- Goji Berries - Add a tablespoon of goji berries to the soup (add it before cooking). This will give natural sweetness to the soup.
- Jujubes - You can add 2-3 whole jujubes to the soup (add it before cooking the soup). If you add jujubes, you don't need goji berries.
There are many more variations you can do, feel free to leave more ideas in the comments!
Equipment
This recipe can be made on the stove or in an Instant Pot.
If you're making it on the stove, all you need is a big soup pot. If you're making it in the Instant Pot, make sure to use the big Instant Pot.
Storage
The soup keeps in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat leftovers in a pot over the stove or in the microwave.
For lunch the next day, I often scoop some rice into a large bowl, top it with a few ladles of soup, and microwave till hot. Microwave in 30 seconds increments.
Top Tip
For an extra oomph of flavor, add a dash (or two, or three) of fish sauce. We like these two brands. A little goes a long way and it makes the soup soooo good ^_^
FAQ
You can find lotus root at most Chinese (and Asian) markets. In Honolulu, we usually purchase lotus root from one of the many mom and pop shops in Honolulu's Chinatown.
We also buy lotus root from Nijiya in Ala Moana Shopping Center - Nijiya is a little more expensive than the Chinatown options, but it's more convenient (free and easy parking), and they also sell pre-peeled lotus root.
No. It will turn brown and slimy if you peel and slice it too far in advance. That's why we peel and slice only right before cooking the soup.
You can use soy sauce as an easy dipping sauce. Just pour soy sauce into a shallow dish (the same type of dish used for dipping sushi and sashimi). Dip the pork ribs and lotus root in it right before eating. We like to use Aloha or Kikkoman. Simple and good.
Lotus Root Soup Recipe
Lotus Root Soup
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds pork ribs
- 2 pounds lotus root
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the pork ribs under cold running water for a few minutes. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Then gently add the pork ribs into the pot. Let the water come back up to a boil and blanch for 1 more minute. Turn off the heat.
- Drain the pork ribs. Rinse the ribs under running water again to get it really clean. This blanching step is what gives a clear (instead of cloudy) and extra tasty soup. Set aside.
- Rinse and peel the lotus root. Cut the lotus root in half lengthwise. And then cut the lotus root into ¼-inch thick slices.
- If using a pressure cook / Instant Pot: Place the blanched pork ribs and sliced lotus root into the pot. Fill the pot with cool water (you can go up to the "max" line in the pot). Cook on High Pressure for 30 minutes. Let it "natural release." Then season the soup with salt to taste. If using a regular pot on the stovetop: Place the blanched pork ribs and sliced lotus root into a large pot. Fill with about 12 cups of water (you can do a little more or less depending how big your pot is). Bring to a boil and then let simmer (with the lid on) for 4-5 hours. Then season the soup with salt to taste.
- Ladle the soup into individual serving bowls. Top with freshly ground white pepper (optional but delicious). Eat and enjoy ^_^
Nutrition
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Mahalo for Reading!