Pork Neck Bone Soup

Pork Neck Bone Soup

Pork Neck Bone Soup

What I love about Hmong food as a learn about their culture is the simplicity of many dishes. Pork neck bone soup is definitely that, but still boasts a ton flavor and is the perfect comfort food on a budget on a cold MN winter day. The pepper dip that goes along with the soup adds a whole new dimension of flavor.
The goal of this soup is to produce a rich, clear pork stock. The neck bones and riblets need to be soaked in salt water over night. This seasons the bones as well as draws out blood and other impurities. The next day, the bones get simmered in new water for 30 minutes. Skim the scum off the top of the stock. Then the stock gets poured through cheesecloth to remove anything else that keeps the stock from being clear. Then to bones and stock are briefly simmered with ginger, then the cabbage; just enough to wilt the leaves. This soup is served with steamed rice and the pepper dip to dunk the riblets in to.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Bone Soaking Time1 day
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Hmong
Keyword: East Asian, Hmong, main course, Pork, soup, Southeast Asian
Author: Alex Gorgos

Equipment

  • food processor or mortar and pestle
  • cheese cloth

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs pork riblets
  • 1 1/2 lbs pork neck bones
  • 3 tsp salt divided
  • 1 small green cabbage cored; chopped
  • 3” ginger peeled and minced
  • 1 tsp mushroom seasoning

Pepper Dip

  • 10 Thai chilies
  • 3 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp mushroom seasoning
  • 1/2 lime juiced
  • 2 tbsp fish sauce
  • 3 green onions chopped
  • 1/2 cup cilantro chopped

Instructions

Pepper Dip

  • Place all of the ingredients in a food processor.
    Hmong, main course, pork
  • Process until smooth.
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  • Set aside in the refrigerator.
    Hmong, main course, pork

Pork Neck Bone Soup

  • Soak the riblets and bones in a pot of water with 2 tsp of salt overnight.
    Hmong, main course, pork
  • Drain the water from the bones and wash. Bring 8 cups of water to a boil with the bones and riblets. Simmer for 30 minutes.
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  • Skim off the scum that floats to the top.
    Hmong, main course, pork
  • Scoop out the bones and riblets and place in another pot. Line the pot with cheesecloth. Pour the stock through the cheesecloth, removing any more bone debris and impurities.
    Hmong, main course, pork
  • Bring the pot back to boil.
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  • Add the ginger, salt, and mushroom seasoning to the pot and simmer for 3 minutes.
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  • Add in the cabbage. Allow to wilt for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat.
    Hmong, main course, pork
Hmong, main course, pork
Hmong, main course, pork
Serve the neck bone soup with steamed rice and the pepper dip on the side.