Soups
Bitter Melon, Black-Eyed Pea & Pork Rib Soup
Traditionally clears heat, supports the spleen and helps drain dampness
Why people make this soup
When summer arrives, the heat seems to climb inside us too — short tempers, restlessness, that “fired-up” feeling. Bro Niu’s go-to is bitter melon, which is traditionally cooling. Paired with black-eyed peas and pork ribs, it makes a balanced bowl that suits hot days, especially for those who run warm or carry a little dampness.
Who it suits / who should be cautious
- Good for those who feel overheated in summer, carry extra weight, hold water, or watch their blood sugar, blood pressure or cholesterol
- Bitter melon is cooling — those with a cold constitution or weak digestion should take it in moderation
Why these ingredients (the food-therapy logic)
- Bitter melon (ku gua): traditionally clears heat and brings down “fire”; modern interest notes it for those mindful of blood sugar
- Black-eyed peas (mei dou): traditionally tonify the spleen, harmonize the stomach and help drain water
- Ginger (sheng jiang): warms the middle and balances the soup’s cooling nature
- Pork ribs (pai gu): add savory body and nourishment
Ingredients (4 bowls)
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bitter melon | 1 | Deseed, cut into chunks |
| Black-eyed peas | ~75 g | Rinse and soak |
| Ginger | 3 slices | |
| Pork ribs | ~300 g | Blanch first |
Method
- Wash the bitter melon, remove seeds and cut into chunks.
- Rinse and soak the black-eyed peas; blanch the pork ribs.
- Bring everything except the bitter melon to a rolling boil in 7 bowls of water.
- Add the bitter melon, then simmer over medium-low heat about 1 hour, down to 4 bowls.
Bro Niu’s tips
The dark-green, cone-shaped bitter melon cools heat best but tastes more bitter. The pale-green long type pictured here is milder and better for kids who dislike bitterness. Always add bitter melon to boiling water — this locks in its bitter compounds so the soup won’t turn too bitter.
Community questions answered (selected)
- Q (Joey): I just recovered from the flu — can I have bak kut teh (pork rib tea) and chicken? Thanks. Bro Niu: If there is no fever and no sore throat, yes, you can have bak kut teh and chicken — just don’t overdo it.
Published May 5, 2025 · Adapted and translated for Nourilo from a traditional home-kitchen recipe. Approx. 2 min read.
