The Beginning of a Tradition
I love Hearty Pork Bone Soup and As a child I always looked forward to Sunday dinners at my grandmother’s house. The smell of Hearty Pork Bone Soup would greet me at the door, wrapping me in warmth before I even stepped inside. My grandma would spend hours in the kitchen, boiling pork neck bones with fresh vegetables and spices. I remember watching her chop ginger and garlic, and feeling excited to taste her special recipe. Those Sundays became a cherished tradition in our family.
Cooking Together
When I grew older, my grandma taught me how to make her famous soup. She would guide my hands as I blanched the pork bones and prepared the ingredients. “Rinse them well,” she would say, “to keep the broth clear and delicious.” I loved listening to her stories while we cooked together. Each step in making the soup was filled with laughter and love. The way she mixed the seasoning paste always amazed me. It felt magical to watch how simple ingredients transformed into something so flavorful.
A Cozy Family Dinner
Finally, the soup was ready! I could hardly wait to sit at the table with my family. As we gathered around, the steam rose from the pot, carrying the rich aroma of tender meat and vegetables. We served the soup in big bowls, garnished with green onions and perilla leaves. Each bite warmed my heart and reminded me of all the wonderful moments shared around that table. My family would smile and talk, making each meal feel special. This soup was not just food; it was a part of our family history.
Keeping the Tradition Alive
Now, I make Hearty Pork Bone Soup for my family. I want to pass on the same love and tradition my grandmother shared with me. Sometimes, I try adding new vegetables or spices, but I always keep her recipe at heart. Every time I make this soup, I think of my grandmother’s warm kitchen and her joyful laughter. I hope my children will carry on this tradition, creating their own memories and stories with every bowl.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes-Hearty Pork Bone Soup
- For the best flavor, select pork neck bones that have a good amount of meat on them. This will enhance the richness of the broth.
- Don’t skip the blanching step! It removes impurities and excess fat, resulting in a cleaner and clearer soup.
- Feel free to customize your soup by adding other vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, or radishes for added nutrition and color.
- If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of gochugaru (Korean hot pepper flakes) and gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste) to suit your taste.
- If time permits, let the soup rest for an hour after cooking. This allows the flavors to meld and develop even further.
- Serve the soup with steamed rice and traditional Korean side dishes like kimchi or pickled vegetables for a complete meal.
Hearty Pork Bone Soup
4
bowls30
minutes2
hours450
kcal2
hours30
minutesDive into the rich, savory world of Hearty Pork Bone Soup! This traditional Korean dish, known as Gamjatang, is a delightful blend of tender pork neck bones and fresh vegetables. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this soup is both nutritious and budget-friendly. The succulent meat and perfectly cooked veggies make it a family favorite. Try this simplified version for a delicious meal in less time!
Ingredients
2½ to 3 pounds Pork Neck Bones meaty pork neck bones
1 ounce Ginger fresh ginger, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Korean Bean Paste doenjang (fermented soybean paste)
2 large Dried Shiitake Mushrooms dried shiitake mushrooms
1 medium Onion thinly sliced
1 large Dried Red Chili Pepper dried red chili pepper or a few smaller ones
1 pound Napa Cabbage core removed and leaves cut into bite-sized pieces
2 to 3 medium Potatoes peeled and halved
8 ounces Soybean Sprouts rinsed and drained
4 Green Onions green onions cut into 2-inch pieces plus 1 chopped for garnish
8 to 12 Perilla Leaves perilla leaves, washed
6 cloves Garlic minced
3 tablespoons Korean Hot Pepper Flakes gochugaru
1 tablespoon Korean Hot Pepper Paste gochujang
3 tablespoons Fish Sauce fish sauce
¼ cup Perilla Seeds Powder deulkkae-garu
½ teaspoon Black Pepper ground black pepper
½ cup Water
Directions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Blanch the napa cabbage for 1 minute and then remove it with tongs. Rinse the cabbage in cold water and strain.
- Add the pork bones to the boiling water and cook for 7 minutes over medium-high heat. Strain the bones and rinse them under cold running water to remove any impurities.
- In a bowl, combine minced garlic, gochugaru, gochujang, fish sauce, perilla seeds powder, ground black pepper, and ¼ cup water. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Add the blanched napa cabbage, soybean sprouts, green onions (cut into pieces), and peeled potatoes to the pot.
- finish and serve the soup in a large pot placed at the center of the table with rice and side dishes.
Equipment
- Chef’s Knife
- Cutting Board
- large pot
- colander
- mixing bowls
- measuring cups and spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 450kcal
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Potassium: 900mg
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 30g
- Vitamin A: 15IU
- Vitamin C: 40mg
- Calcium: 10mg
- Iron: 20mg
FAQ-Hearty Pork Bone Soup
Can I use other types of pork bones?
Yes! You can substitute pork neck bones with pork ribs or shoulder bones, but the cooking time may vary slightly. The goal is to ensure the meat becomes tender and the broth is flavorful.
Is this soup suitable for freezing?
Absolutely! Hearty Pork Bone Soup freezes well. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What can I use as a substitute for doenjang (Korean bean paste)?
If you can’t find doenjang, miso paste is a good alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
How do I know when the potatoes are done cooking?
The potatoes are done when they can be easily pierced with a fork. They should be tender but not falling apart. This typically takes about 30-40 minutes after adding them to the soup.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Yes! To increase the heat, you can add more gochugaru or fresh sliced chili peppers to the soup. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
