南北杏南瓜排骨湯 Chinese Kabocha Pork Ribs Soup is the perfect Fall season. This simple TCM soup enhances the body's immunity, moistens the lungs, and invigorates Qi. Nourish the spleen and stomach meridians with a bowl filled with the smooth sweetness of Japanese pumpkin.
After perfecting these Kabocha squash recipes like Dim Sum Steamed Spare Ribs with Black Beans and Air Fried Crispy Kabocha Seeds, making the moisturizing Kabocha pumpkin soup with pork bones was on my mind! After all, this kid-friendly sparerib dish is an absolute favourite mom's recipe every Cantonese household makes during Autumn! I could quickly drink 3 large bowls of this Chinese herbal soup to boost immune system!
Check out this quick story summary of our recipe!
> In This Post: Everything You'll Need For Chinese Kabocha Pork Rib Soup
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Ingredients and Substitutes
- Whole Kabocha Squash
- Pork Ribs or Pork Bones - Pork Shank 豬展 Pork Tenderloin 瘦肉
- Apricot Kernels 南北杏
- Fresh Figs or Dried Figs 無花果
- Fresh Ginger Slices 生薑
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt
Optional Ingredients
Most dry goods ingredients, tools and supplies can be purchased at your local Asian supermarket or grocery stores or Amazon Online.
What is Kabocha Squash?
Kabocha (/kəˈboʊtʃə/; Japanese カボチャ, Chinese 南瓜) - is a type of Japanese pumpkin that is short and stubby. It is often referred to as winter squash. Compared to the traditional American pumpkin, its skin is thin and edible. The flavor of Kabocha is nutty.
The Kabocha squash is sweeter than butternut squash and has a soft, fluffy texture like sweet potatoes. They are an excellent vehicle to soak up saucy dishes like this Hong Kong Dim Sum Pumpkin and Pork Ribs with Black Bean Sauce.
Kabocha is healthier than pumpkins because they are richer in Vitamin C, pyridoxine, and thiamin. These winter pumpkins' health benefits include a good source of folic acid, beta carotene, and calcium, improving blood sugar levels.
In traditional Chinese Medicine, these Asian pumpkins are sweet and warm in nature. It belongs to the spleen and stomach meridians, invigorates Qi, moistens the lungs and reduces cough. It also helps to deworm, and detoxify, is a diuretic, corrects menstrual cycles, reduces constipation and improves vision.
The main ingredient, squash, is loaded with soluble fibre and has a natural sweetness, perfect for making vegetable soup during cold months.
Instructions
Soak the herbs for 20 minutes in a small bowl to remove traces of impurities. This will help remove dust and debris. Rinse and set aside in a small bowl.
First, wash the pork ribs, pork shank or tenderloin with cold water and pat dry with a kitchen paper towel. No need to cut the pork ribs into small pieces unless your pot is not big enough.
Parboil the pork ribs in a medium pot to remove the impurities. Rinse with cold water. Set aside.
Add all the ingredients into a large pot not made of stainless steel like this Perfect Pot or a Buydeem Health Beverage Maker. Although not all Chinese herbs react with metal, it is best not to use a metal pot when making Chinese medicinal herbal soups.
Pro Tip: Add other root vegetables like carrots and sweet corn to the pot if desired for added sweetness.
Cover ingredients with enough water and boil at high heat.
Once the hot water is boiling, reduce heat to low to medium heat and continue cooking for 90 minutes.
Enjoy this hot. The soup ingredients, like the bone-tender meaty pork riblets, are also perfect for eating as a side dish! The cooked pork shank goes perfectly with some Chinese Chili Soy Dipping Sauce.
Other Nourishing Chinese Soups
- Ba Wong Fa Soup for Cough and Phlegm 霸王花無花果瘦肉響螺湯
- Chinese Winter Melon Soup With Pork Ribs 冬瓜湯
- Moisturizing Chinese Apple Sea Coconut Soup 雪梨蘋果海底椰玉竹無花果湯
- Chinese Papaya Soup with Black Eyed Peas (Easy) 木瓜花生眉豆雪耳雞腳湯
- Si Shen Tang Herbal Soup Adrenal Fatigue 四神湯
- Silkie Chicken Cordyceps Fish Maw Conch Soup 蟲草花花膠响螺煲烏雞湯
Other Kabocha Pumpkin Recipes
This nourishing pork stock, tender meat, and clear soup is an absolute favourite if you love comfort food this time of year.
Looking for a different way to cook a delicious recipe in Chinese cuisine? Check out these Kabocha squash healthy recipes!
- Steamed Black Bean Pork Ribs With Kabocha
- Air Fried Crispy Pumpkin Seeds (Spicy Togarashi)
- Curry Kabocha Fries
- Easy Kabocha Curry Recipe
- Oven-Baked Kabocha Squash Recipes
- Korean Kabocha Squash Recipes
What To Serve With Pumpkin Soup Recipe
Chinese people love double-boiled soup boiled for a long time. The extra broth is a great way to warm up and absorb nutritious vitamins and minerals.
Make a complete meal with these delicious recipes:
- Easy Homemade Char Siu (Air Fried)
- Honey Garlic Pork Ribs (Air Fry) 蒜子蜜汁骨
- Steamed Chicken with Chinese Mushrooms and Sausages Claypot Rice 臘腸冬菇滑雞煲仔飯
- Instant Pot Braised Chinese Mushrooms 髮菜炆冬菇食譜
- Microwave Soy Sauce Chicken Wings 豉油雞翅微波爐
- Chinese Tomato Egg Stir-fry 番茄炒蛋
I'd love to see how you went with my recipes! Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @INSTANOMSS #INSTANOMSS.
> Recipe
PrintChinese Kabocha Pork Ribs Soup 南北杏南瓜排骨湯
南北杏南瓜排骨湯 Chinese Kabocha Pork Ribs Soup is the perfect Fall season. This simple TCM soup enhances the body's immunity, moistens the lungs, and invigorates Qi. Nourish the spleen and stomach meridians with a bowl filled with the smooth sweetness of Japanese pumpkin.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 90
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 2-4 persons 1x
- Category: Soup
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: Chinese, TCM
Ingredients
- 400g or Half of one Whole Kabocha Squash 南瓜
- 1 lbs Pork Ribs 排骨 (or Pork Shank 豬展 or Pork Tenderloin 瘦肉)
- 50g Apricot Kernels 南北杏
- 4 Fresh Figs or Dried Figs 無花果
- 4 Slices of Fresh Ginger Slices 生薑
- Sea Salt or Kosher Salt 鹽 適量
- Cold Water, enough to cover
Optional Ingredients
- 2 Sweet corn 玉米
- 2 Carrots 紅蘿蔔
Instructions
- Soak the herbs for 20 minutes in a small bowl to remove traces of impurities. This will help remove dust and debris. Rinse and set aside in a small bowl.
- First, wash the pork ribs, pork shank or tenderloin with cold water and pat dry with a kitchen paper towel. No need to cut the pork ribs into small pieces unless your pot is not big enough.
- Parboil the pork ribs in a medium pot to remove the impurities. Rinse with cold water. Set aside.
- Add all the ingredients into a large pot not made of stainless steel like this Perfect Pot or a Buydeem Health Beverage Maker. Although not all Chinese herbs react with metal, it is best not to use a metal pot when making Chinese medicinal herbal soups.
- Cover ingredients with enough water and boil at high heat.
- Once the hot water is boiling, reduce heat to low to medium heat and continue cooking for 90 minutes.
- Enjoy this hot.
Notes
- Add other root vegetables like carrots and sweet corn to the pot if desired for added sweetness.
- The soup ingredients, like the bone-tender meaty pork riblets, are also perfect for eating as a side dish! The cooked pork shank goes perfectly with some Chinese Chili Soy Dipping Sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pot
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 9.5 g
- Sodium: 72.6 mg
- Fat: 18.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 25.3 g
- Fiber: 3.5 g
- Protein: 13.8 g
- Cholesterol: 60.4 mg
Pin the above image to your Chinese Medicinal Food Therapy TCM Recipe Pinterest Board to bookmark this page. We are so excited to share our recipes with you!
More Chinese Recipes
Chinese Steamed Chicken With Shiitake Mushroom 冬菇蒸雞
Air Fryer BBQ Pork Char Siu 氣炸鍋蜜汁叉燒
Red Bean Soup (Instant Pot) 蓮子百合紅豆沙
Braised Beef Brisket & Tendon 柱侯蘿蔔炆牛筋腩
Best Postpartum Pig Trotter Black Vinegar and Ginger 豬腳薑醋
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Melinda says
What a delicious soup recipe and my first time cooking with kabocha pumpkins. My family loved the spices and it was a great new way to enjoy the flavors of fall.
Nancy says
Melinda i'm so happy to hear that you aced this recipe and everyone enjoyed it!
Elizabeth says
Perfect for the upcoming season - such a cozy recipe!
Nancy says
ABSOLUTELY! i can't get enough of this delicious sweet squash!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
This dish is a wonderful combination of sweet, salty, and spicy ginger flavors. We’re going to be making this again!
Alexandra says
This is the perfect nourishing soup - it really feels as though it is doing you good when you're eating it! The addition of the kabocha squash gives it a lovely flavour.
Jess says
Love the fresh ingredients for this nourishing soup!
Nancy says
This one is definitely a keeper! It is so soothing for the body!
Sisley White - Sew White says
So healthy and full of fresh flavour. Great for warmth too.
Nancy says
I'm so happy to hear that you are a fan! Don't forget to enjoy the spareribs with a side of chili soy dipping sauce!
Farah says
Could I make this soup vegetarian? I love the idea of the kabocha! Thank you for such a unique recipe!
Nancy says
Hi Farah - you can swap out the meat with and replace with cashews - that would you help bulk up and provide the needed nutrients!
Kate says
This is the ultimate bowl of nourishment! The flavors are incredible.
Nancy says
Thanks Kate! I'm so happy that it was satisfying! Can't wait to see how it came out for you!
Dana says
Love kabocha squash! Can't wait to try this it looks so cozy.
Nancy says
I can't wait to hear what you think about it!
Sean says
I have a miserable cold right now, and this soup is just speaking to me on a molecular level. Haha. I've always had a soft spot for soups that use apricot kernels, and kabocha is ALWAYS so tasty, so the combination is just perfect here. The dried figs are really cool too - never used those in a soup before! But they work really well with the pork and the squash!
Nancy says
Awww hope you feel better Sean! This year, the cold and flu is terrible! Drink up and boost your immune! This soup should help sooth the soul!
Jacqueline says
It's the perfect time of year for pumpkin soup recipes. I love homemade soup in the autumn.
Nancy says
In season pumpkin soup is perfect to nourish and provide extra soluble fibre!
Alina says
This soup looks so delicious and inviting! Love it!
Nancy says
It is calling your name Alina!
Dannii says
So simple, but full of flavour. Total comfort food.
Nancy says
I love the extra sauce over a bowl of white rice!
Emily says
I only learned about kabocha squash a few years ago but it is now one of my favorites! It pairs beautifully with spare ribs in this soup!
Nancy says
I love the gentle and sweet flavours of this japanese squash. it pairs so beautifully with so many recipes!
Kristen says
I always see Kabocha squash at the grocery store and can never think of something different to do with it. I’m so excited to make this because our family is obsessed with soup, so I know they’ll love it.
Nancy says
I'm so happy to hear that everyone loves soup! i love how easy it is to bank in all the nutrients!
Nes says
This soup was perfect for a fall evening. I loved how nourishing yet delicious it was.
Nancy says
Everyone in my family has like 2 bowls or more every time I make this!
Swathi says
This chinese kabocha pork ribs soups looks delicious. Perfect Soup treat.
Nancy says
Every night should be soup night!
Bernice says
This is such a beautiful bowl of soup. Love that clean broth and tasty additions. It's a bowl made for the stomach and the soul.
Nancy says
I couldn't agree with you more Bernice! Soups are great for the Soul!
Evi says
This was such a delicious and comforting soup! The squash and pork was a perfect pair.
Nancy says
Thanks!! Don't forget to bookmark this recipe!
Vanessa says
What a delicious and nourishing soup! Perfect for the immune system this cold and flu season!
Nancy says
Enjoy this wellness soup!
Sara Welch says
I love soup season for recipes just like this one! A unique and unexpected recipe that has easily become a new favorite; delicious!
Nancy says
THanks Sara - she's a classic!
Patty at Spoonabilities says
I have never had pork ribs soup! This so interesting with the use of the apricot kernels. I cannot wait to try this!
Nancy says
Enjoy all the TCM wellness and nutrients of this classic Chinese soup!
Colleen says
I love kabocha squash, so I was happy to find this yummy soup recipe. We loved it. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy says
Enjoy this wellness soup Colleen - your soul thanks you!
Marie B says
I need to get one of those kabocha pumpkin asap! Sound like a lovely new ingredient to my ears. Nothing like a warm pumpkin soup for the fall! Thanks for sharing!
Nancy says
Happy Autumn cooking!
Nora says
Such a wonderful soup! The absolute comfort food! Just right for these frosty days! Thanks for the great recipe!
Nancy says
Happy Autumn cooking!
Nancy says
Thanks Nora!
Stephanie says
This is a wonderful soup to come home to - the perfect amount of ginger to warm the belly! Thank you for all the tips.
Nancy says
I love the smell of soup filling the house!
Mahy says
I wondered how the Chinese pork chops are made.... Excited to try the recipe myself now!
Nancy says
Enjoy this fork tender and flavourful recipe!
Dannii says
What a delicious and comforting meal. So easy to make too.
Nancy says
Easy to make and super rewarding!
Andrea says
What fabulous flavors in this kabocha pork rib soup. Love the hearty pieces of kabocha and pork. Looking forward to trying this.
Nancy says
It's the perfect one pan meal!
Tayler says
I made this soup for dinner last night and it was incredible! So full of flavor and delicious!
Nancy says
You speak my language ! I love soup for dinner toO!
Holley says
I love how fresh and flavorful this soup is! Loving this recipe for those chilly days!
Nancy says
Just like a war hug!
Dana says
I absolutely love kabocha squash and this recipe was a hit in our house! Loved it!
Nancy says
Enjoy the wonderful smell of soup filling the house too!
Stephanie says
I love the flavor that the ginger adds to this dish. It gives it a nice "zing"!
Nancy says
The ginger balances out the flavours and character of the soup
Kim says
WOW this recipe has so many nutritional benefits. I can't wait to try it!
Nancy says
I love that we can use food for our wellness rather than taking all the supplements
Michelle says
I love the squash and pork with ginger. Simple and fresh ingredients, and my whole family loved it!
Nancy says
Eat fresh is number one!
tina says
What a nourishing soup! Perfect for the weather cooling down - I love it!
Nancy says
Your body will thank you!
Anjali says
This looks so flavorful and delicious! Perfect for these cooler fall months we're having!
Nancy says
It's so cold and rainy here already!
Gina Abernathy says
This was fabulous and so comforting. I added a few shredded carrots. Will make again soon!
Nancy says
Great idea to add the carrots! I bet it was extra nourishing!