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Thai Spicy Pork Bone Soup - 'Leng Saeb'

A comforting and flavorful Thai soup made from simmered pork bones, infused with spicy, savory, and tangy notes that evoke the essence of Thai culinary traditions.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Soup
Cuisine: Asian, Thai
Calories: 320
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Soup Base
  • 3 lb pork neck or back bones Look for fresh bones with a good amount of meat.
  • 3.7 qt water Purified or filtered water is best.
  • 0.5 pieces onion, large dice Sweet onions enhance the broth’s flavor.
  • 0.5 head garlic, peeled and smashed Fresh garlic adds an aromatic punch.
  • 0.5 teaspoons white peppercorns, cracked Adds a mild heat and depth.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce Opt for low-sodium varieties.
  • 2 tablespoons fish sauce A staple in Thai cuisine.
  • 2 cups pork stock Homemade is preferable for rich flavor.
For Flavoring
  • 3 tablespoons lime juice Fresh is always best.
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce Adjust according to taste.
  • 2 teaspoons sugar Balances the flavors.
  • 3 tablespoons chopped garlic For a flavor boost.
  • 3-4 pieces Thai chilies, seeds removed Control the heat as desired.
  • 2/3 cup chopped cilantro Adds a refreshing touch.
For Serving
  • servings Jasmine rice Perfect base for the soup.

Method
 

Make the Pork Stock
  1. In a large stock pot, add the pork bones and cover them with 3.7 qt of water. Add 2 tablespoons of soy sauce and 2 tablespoons of fish sauce.
  2. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 30 minutes, skimming off any scum that collects on top.
Add Aromatics
  1. After 30 minutes, add the diced onion, smashed garlic, and cracked white peppercorns, and let simmer for another 1.5 hours, topping with more water if necessary.
Prepare the Saeb Broth
  1. In a small pot, bring 2 cups of the pork stock to a boil.
  2. Keep the pork bones in the broth.
Pound the Chilies
  1. Using a mortar and pestle, pound the chilies until they form small bits and then add them to the boiling broth along with chopped garlic, sugar, fish sauce, and lime juice.
Serve It Up
  1. Stir in one-third cup of chopped cilantro just before serving and ladle the rich broth over the pork bones arranged on a platter. Serve with jasmine rice.

Notes

Quality ingredients lead to a delightful soup. Reheat gently for the best flavor if stored.