Tomato Pork Rib Soup with Corn & Shiitake Mushrooms

Serves: 4–6 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Soup

• 2 lbs (900 g) pork ribs, cut into individual pieces

• 2 large tomatoes, cut into wedges

• 2 ears sweet corn, cut into 2-inch pieces

• 8 fresh or dried shiitake mushrooms

• 1 medium onion, quartered

• 4 cloves garlic, smashed

• 1-inch piece fresh ginger, sliced

• 8 cups (2 L) water or pork broth

• 1 tbsp cooking oil

Seasonings

• 1 tbsp fish sauce

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• ½ tsp white pepper

• 1 tsp sugar (optional)

• 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)

Garnish

• 2 green onions, chopped

• Fresh cilantro (optional)

• Cracked black pepper

Instructions

Step 1 – Blanch the Pork Ribs

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

2. Add the pork ribs and boil for 5 minutes.

3. Drain and rinse the ribs under cold water to remove impurities.

Step 2 – Build the Broth

1. Heat the cooking oil in a soup pot.

2. Sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.

3. Add the blanched pork ribs and cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Pour in the water or broth and bring to a boil.

5. Reduce to a gentle simmer and cook for 45 minutes.

Step 3 – Add the Vegetables

1. Add the corn and shiitake mushrooms.

2. Simmer for 15 minutes.

3. Stir in the tomato wedges and cook for another 10 minutes, just until softened but still holding their shape.

Step 4 – Season

Add:

• Fish sauce

• Salt

• White pepper

• Sugar (if using)

• Soy sauce (optional)

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 5 – Serve

1. Ladle the soup into bowls.

2. Garnish with chopped green onions and cilantro.

3. Finish with freshly cracked black pepper.

4. Serve hot.

Chef's Tips

• Blanching the ribs first creates a clearer, cleaner-tasting broth.

• For a richer flavor, simmer the soup for up to 2 hours.

• Dried shiitake mushrooms should be soaked in warm water for 20–30 minutes before cooking; reserve the soaking liquid and strain it into the broth for extra umami.

• Add carrots, daikon radish, or potatoes for a heartier soup.

• The soup tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this comforting soup with:

• Steamed jasmine rice

• Crusty bread

• Pickled vegetables

• Stir-fried greens

• Chili fish sauce or sliced fresh chilies for extra heat

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: ~360 kcal

• Protein: 28 g

• Fat: 18 g

• Carbohydrates: 18 g

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 6 g

• Sodium: 620 mg

Serving Description

This Tomato Pork Rib Soup with Corn & Shiitake Mushrooms is a nourishing, home-style dish featuring tender pork ribs simmered in a light, flavorful broth with sweet corn, juicy tomatoes, and earthy shiitake mushrooms. The tomatoes add a gentle acidity that balances the richness of the pork, while the corn contributes natural sweetness. Finished with fresh green onions, this wholesome soup is perfect for family dinners, comforting lunches, or any time you want a warm, satisfying meal.