Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lb pork ribs, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 slices fresh ginger, smashed
  • 2 cloves garlic, crushed
  • 8 cups filtered water
  • 1.5 lb winter melon (wax gourd), peeled and cut into 1-inch chunks
  • 2 tsp fish sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
  • 2 stalks scallions, sliced diagonally

Instructions:

  1. Place the pork ribs in a pot of cold water and bring to a rolling boil for 5 minutes to remove impurities. Drain the ribs into a colander, rinse each piece under cold water, and scrub the pot clean.
  2. Return the cleaned ribs to the pot. Add 8 cups of fresh water, smashed ginger, and crushed garlic. Bring to a boil, then immediately reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently for 60 minutes.
  3. Stir in the winter melon chunks. Increase the heat to medium-low and simmer for 15–20 minutes until the melon becomes semi-transparent and glassy.
  4. Stir in the fish sauce, salt, and white pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
  5. Turn off the heat and garnish with sliced scallions immediately before serving.