Authentic Bak Kut Teh from Indonesia — traditional Indonesian main dish with step-by-step cooking instructions

Bak Kut Teh: Pork Rib Soup

★★★★☆4.5
|Editor's rating

A Chinese-Indonesian herbal pork rib soup simmered with star anise, cinnamon, and medicinal herbs. A warming, medicinal soup popular in Indonesian Chinese communities.

🗺️ Origin: Indonesia⏱ Time: 30 mins👥 Servings: 4 servings📊 Difficulty: Medium
📋 Recipe
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Tested by NusantaraEats Kitchen·Last updated: 29 June 2026

📑 In This Guide

🛒 Ingredients👨‍🍳 Instructions FAQ

💡 Did You Know?

This authentic recipe has been passed down through generations, preserving the rich flavors of Indonesian cuisine.

🛒 Ingredients

  • 500 g pork ribs, cut into pieces
  • 1 liter water
  • 1 tbsp white peppercorns
  • 3 cloves
  • 2 star anise
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 6 garlic cloves, unpeeled
  • Chinese herbs: dang shen, yu zhu (optional)
  • Salt and soy sauce
  • Rice or you tiao (fried dough) for serving

👨‍🍳 Instructions

  1. Blanch pork ribs. Drain.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a pot.
  3. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer.
  4. Cook for 1.5-2 hours until pork is very tender.
  5. Season with salt and soy sauce.
  6. Serve hot with rice or fried dough sticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bak Kut Teh: Pork Rib Soup?

A Chinese-Indonesian herbal pork rib soup simmered with star anise, cinnamon, and medicinal herbs. A warming, medicinal soup popular in Indonesian Chinese communities.

Where does Bak Kut Teh: Pork Rib Soup come from?

Bak Kut Teh: Pork Rib Soup originates from Indonesia. It is a beloved traditional dish that has been passed down through generations of Indonesian cooks.

Is Bak Kut Teh: Pork Rib Soup difficult to make?

Bak Kut Teh: Pork Rib Soup requires moderate cooking skills. While the steps are clear, some techniques need practice.

How do I store leftover Bak Kut Teh: Pork Rib Soup?

Store leftover Bak Kut Teh: Pork Rib Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight as the spices continue to meld.

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Recipe researched by the NusantaraEats Editorial Team

This recipe has been carefully researched, tested, and documented to preserve authentic Indonesian culinary traditions. Sources include traditional cookbooks, regional culinary experts, and cultural heritage references from Indonesia.

📚 Traditional Indonesian Cookbooks🏛️ Cultural Heritage References👨‍🍳 Regional Culinary Experts
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