Vietnamese Pork Rib Soup with Potatoes (Canh Sườn Khoai Tây)

Canh Sườn Khoai Tây, also known as Vietnamese Pork Rib Soup with Potatoes, is a soul-warming dish that brings comfort and joy to many Vietnamese families. This aromatic soup features fork-tender braised pork ribs and starchy potatoes simmered in a savory broth. The combination of sweet and salty flavors with the tender meat and potatoes makes this a beloved staple in Vietnamese cuisine.

In this article, Iscleecam will explore what makes Vietnamese Pork Rib Soup with Potatoes such a distinctive and crave-worthy soup. We will break down the key ingredients that provide its signature taste and texture. You’ll also learn step-by-step cooking instructions to make authentic Canh Sườn Khoai Tây at home. From choosing the right cut of pork to seasoning the broth, you’ll gain all the secrets to whip up this Vietnamese favorite.

So let’s dive in and demystify the magic behind Vietnamese Pork Rib Soup with Potatoes. Grab your apron and get ready to master this heartwarming family soup.

Ingredients and Preparation

• Pork Ribs: For Canh Sườn Khoai Tây, choose meaty pork spare ribs cut into individual ribs. The spare ribs contain more fat and collagen to keep the meat tender when braised. Avoid back ribs or baby back ribs, which can dry out. Look for ribs with some meat between the bones.
• Potatoes: Go for starchy russet or Yukon Gold potatoes. Their high starch content allows them to thicken the broth while turning tender but not mushy when simmered. Dice them into 1-inch cubes with the skin on for the best texture.
• Aromatics: Sauté yellow onion and garlic to build flavor. Ginger, lemongrass, and fish sauce provide signature Vietnamese taste.
• Seasonings: Use fish sauce for savoriness along with rock sugar or granulated sugar to balance the saltiness. White pepper adds subtle heat.
• Herbs: Fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and chopped Thai basil garnish the soup with aromatic finish.
• Soup Stock: For the broth, use chicken or vegetable stock enhanced with pork bones for full-bodied flavor.
• Fish Sauce and Sugar: For a family-size pot, start with 3-4 tablespoons fish sauce and 1-2 tablespoons sugar. Taste and adjust seasoning until you achieve the perfect salty-sweet balance.
• Other Vegetables: Optional additions like carrots, celery, and mushrooms boost nutrition. But keep it simple to highlight the pork and potato stars.

How to Cook Vietnamese Pork Rib Soup with Potatoes?

Braising the Pork Ribs

Season the ribs generously with salt and pepper. Brown them well in batches in a pot with hot oil. This caramelization boosts flavor. Once ribs are browned, remove them from the pot.

Sauté aromatics like onion, garlic, ginger in the same pot. Add ribs back along with enough broth to cover. Simmer ribs for 45 minutes to 1 hour until very tender. The meat should easily fall off the bones.

Adding the Potatoes

Once ribs are fork-tender, add the diced potatoes to the pot. Let them simmer for 15-20 minutes until potatoes are cooked through but not mushy. Potatoes will help thicken the broth.

Seasoning and Adjusting the Broth

Now is the time to adjust seasoning. Add fish sauce, sugar, white pepper and taste. The broth should taste distinctly savory-sweet with a subtle peppery kick. For more sweetness, add a bit more sugar. For more saltiness, add extra dash of fish sauce.

Let the soup simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes to allow flavors to concentrate after seasoning. Add any fresh herbs and vegetables near the end to retain their vibrancy.

Serving

Ladle piping hot Canh Sườn Khoai Tây into deep bowls. Garnish with fresh herbs. Accompany with steamed jasmine rice and extra fish sauce as a dipping condiment. Soups on!

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Quick Version in Pressure Cooker

Using a pressure cooker drastically cuts down cooking time. Brown ribs as directed. Then pressure cook ribs for only 20 minutes with broth and aromatics until fall-off-the-bone tender. Release pressure, add potatoes and simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to finish soup.

Vegetable Additions

For variation, add sliced shiitake mushrooms, cubed taro, or julienned carrots in the last 10 minutes of simmering. Leafy greens like bok choy or napa cabbage also pair nicely.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve Canh Sườn Khoai Tây with steamed jasmine rice. The rice soaks up the tasty broth.
• For a low-carb option, ladle the soup over rice vermicelli noodles.
• Garnish with sliced green onions, cilantro, lime wedges, and chili sauce.
• For spice, add sliced Thai chilies or a dash of Sriracha sauce.

Change up the Protein

Substitute beef short ribs or oxtails for the pork ribs. Chicken thighs or drumsticks also work nicely.

FAQs

What cut of pork ribs works best for Canh Sườn Khoai Tây?

Baby back ribs or spare ribs work best since they tend to be more tender and meaty. Avoid ribs with too much fat or gristle.

What is the ideal potato variety to use in Canh Sườn Khoai Tây?

Waxy potatoes like red or yellow potatoes hold their shape better during cooking. Russet potatoes can get too soft and mushy.

How do you braise the pork ribs to tender perfection?

Braise the ribs in a seasoned broth of water, fish sauce, garlic, spices, and sugar for 1-2 hours until fork tender. Low and slow braising breaks down the connective tissue.

When should you add the potatoes to the soup?

Add the potato chunks during the last 20-30 minutes of braising so they don’t overcook and get mushy.

What are some key seasonings that give Canh Sườn Khoai Tây its signature flavor?

Key seasonings are fish sauce, garlic, black pepper, sugar, dried shrimp powder, onion, and tomato. Adjust to achieve the perfect saltiness and sweetness.

What are some vegetable additions that pair well?

Tomato, onion, carrot, bean sprouts add nice flavor and texture. Add them in the last 10-15 minutes.

What are some serving suggestions?

Garnish with scallions, cilantro, lime wedges. Serve with a chili garlic sauce. Accompany with rice or crusty bread.

How can you speed up cooking with a pressure cooker?

Use a pressure cooker to reduce braising time to 20-30 minutes. Natural pressure tenderizes the ribs faster.

What are some topping and garnish ideas?

Sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, chili oil, chili garlic sauce, lime wedges, crushed peanuts.

Conclusion: Vietnamese Pork Rib Soup with Potatoes

Canh Sườn Khoai Tây is the ultimate comforting Vietnamese soup starring meaty braised pork ribs and tender potatoes. Its signature blend of sweet and salty with hints of anise makes this soup crave-worthy. Following the step-by-step instructions, anyone can master the technique and flavors to make Canh Sườn Khoai Tây at home. Served steaming hot and garnished with fresh herbs, this soul-warming soup will become a favorite meal for your family. The combination of fork-tender pork, starchy potatoes and savory-sweet broth makes Canh Sườn Khoai Tây the perfect belly-filling, spirit-soothing dish.