Why You’ll Love this Authentic Malaysian Bak Kut Teh

If you’ve ever dreamed of a bowl of cozy, aromatic comfort, Bak Kut Teh is just the dish you need!

This mouthwatering soup combines tender pork ribs with flavorful spices, making it simply irresistible!

You’ll love how easy it’s to prepare!

With every sip, the warm broth wraps around you, bringing happiness that’s hard to beat.

Trust me, you’ll want seconds!

What Ingredients are in Authentic Malaysian Bak Kut Teh?

When diving into the world of Bak Kut Teh, it’s essential to know what goes into this delightful dish. The ingredients create a glorious medley of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. Imagine the tender pork blending perfectly with a rich and aromatic broth—what a treat! So, let’s break down what you’ll need to whip up this comforting soup that warms both the body and soul.

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds pork ribs, cut every second rib
• 1 gallon water
• 6 dried shiitake mushrooms
• 1 bunch whole scallion
• 1 tablespoon whole coriander seeds
• 5 pieces whole star anise
• 2 packs of Bak Kut Teh herbs (found in Asian specialty stores)
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• A few dashes of white pepper powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 sheet rice noodles, sliced into 1/2 inch strips
• 4 fresh shiitake mushrooms, finely sliced
• 1 cup picked cilantro leaves
• 2 cups bean sprouts
• Diced pork meat (reserved from stock)
• 4 (not specified what type, probably refers to something like scallions or veggies), finely sliced
• 1/2 cup fish sauce
• 1/2 cup lime juice
• 3 tablespoons white sugar

Now, let’s talk a bit about those ingredients. First off, don’t skimp on the quality of your pork ribs. These beauties are the heart and soul of Bak Kut Teh.

Plus, using a mix of fresh and dried shiitake mushrooms adds depth to the flavor, infusing the broth with umami goodness that will have everyone asking for more.

And those spices? They bring warmth and complexity to the soup, while the Bak Kut Teh spice mix has secrets that make the dish truly authentic.

How to Make this Authentic Malaysian Bak Kut Teh

Making authentic Malaysian Bak Kut Teh is like taking a little flavor trip to Southeast Asia, all from the comfort of your cozy kitchen. Start by grabbing 3 pounds of pork ribs and cutting them every second rib. It sounds tedious, but hey, it saves you from wrestling with a mountain of meat later.

You’ll want to place those ribs in a heavy-base pot and cover them with cold water. Bring it to a rolling boil and let that froth rise to the surface, which usually takes about 10 minutes. After that little frothy show, it’s time to remove the ribs, discard the water, and scrub that pot clean—goodbye, froth residue.

Now, let’s get to the good stuff, the flavorful stock. Place the cleaned pork ribs back in the pot and add in 1 gallon of water, 6 dried shiitake mushrooms for a lovely umami kick, and a bunch of whole scallions. Plus, you can’t forget the spices! Toss in 1 tablespoon of whole coriander seeds, 5 pieces of star anise, and two packs of Bak Kut Teh herbs from your local Asian store—those beauties are the secret to this dish.

Set the heat to low to medium and let that simmer away, basking in the aroma wafting through your home. After about an hour, the meat should just start falling off the bone. This is the moment when you add in ½ cup of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, a few dashes of white pepper, and season to taste with salt.

After another 30 minutes of bubbling and mellowing out, snag those pork ribs from the stock while still warm. Now it’s time to get a little hands-on fun as you separate the meat from the bones—like an amateur archaeologist digging for treasure.

Once that’s done, slice up some fresh shiitake mushrooms and set the stage with a sheet of rice noodles, chopped cilantro, and bean sprouts while your separated pork waits in the wings. If you want to create perfectly smooth broths or sauces to complement your meal, a premium immersion blender can help achieve restaurant-quality results. Layer it all up in a bowl, letting those vibrant colors and textures shine, and maybe throw a splash of fish sauce and lime juice for a bit of zing.

Relish it—each bite unfolds layers of flavor that’ll transport your taste buds straight to Malaysia. It’s not just about cooking; it’s about experiencing something new, right in your own kitchen. So grab a bowl and savor the deliciousness of it all.

Authentic Malaysian Bak Kut Teh Substitutions and Variations

Cooking up a delicious bowl of Bak Kut Teh doesn’t mean you have to stick strictly to the original recipe!

You can use chicken or beef instead of pork for variety. If you’re short on time, try store-bought broth!

For a twist, add vegetables like carrots or radishes. Don’t forget, spices can always be adjusted to match your taste!

Enjoy experimenting!

What to Serve with Authentic Malaysian Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh isn’t just a tasty bowl of soup; it’s an experience to enjoy with friends and family!

I love serving it with fluffy rice to soak up the delicious broth. Add some crunchy pickled vegetables for a tangy bite, and don’t forget fresh cilantro on top!

You can even offer soy sauce for extra flavor. It’s a feast you can’t resist!

Final Thoughts

After savoring that delicious bowl of Bak Kut Teh, I can’t help but feel grateful for the whole experience!

Cooking this dish was a joy, from boiling the ribs to blending the spices. Trust me, you’ll love that fall-off-the-bone texture!

It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every flavorful bite!