Canh Sườn Đậu Hũ Hẹ

(Vietnamese Pork Ribs & Tofu Soup)

Ingredients

  • 1½–2 lbs pork ribs, cut into small pieces

  • 1 package soft tofu, drained and cut into cubes

  • 1 bunch garlic chives, woody ends removed and cut into 2-inch pieces

  • 2 garlic cloves, diced

  • 1 shallot, diced

  • 2 tsp vegetable oil

  • 6–8 cups water or chicken stock

  • 1 tbsp chicken stock powder

  • 1 tsp granulated sugar

  • ½ tsp salt, plus more to taste

  • ½ tsp fish sauce, plus more to taste

  • ¼ tsp ground black pepper

  • ½ tsp MSG, optional

  • ½–1 tsp habaNANO seasoning, adjust to heat tolerance

  • Steamed jasmine rice, for serving

Pork Rib Prep

  • Rinse pork ribs under cold water.

  • For a cleaner broth, blanch ribs in boiling water for 3–5 minutes.

  • Drain, rinse the ribs, and clean the pot before making the soup.

  • Season ribs with chicken stock powder, sugar, salt, black pepper, and ½ tsp habaNANO seasoning.

Broth Method

  • Heat vegetable oil in a pot over medium-high heat.

  • Add garlic and shallot, then sauté until fragrant.

  • Add the seasoned pork ribs and stir-fry for a few minutes until lightly browned.

  • Add 6–8 cups water or chicken stock.

  • Bring to a boil, then lower to a gentle simmer.

  • Skim off any foam for a clearer broth.

  • Simmer for 35–45 minutes, or until the pork ribs are tender.

Season the Soup

  • Add fish sauce and MSG, if using.

  • Taste the broth and adjust with salt, fish sauce, or a small pinch of habaNANO seasoning.

  • Add tofu and simmer gently for 5–10 minutes so it warms through without breaking apart.

Finish with Garlic Chives

  • Add garlic chives at the very end.

  • Immediately turn off the heat so the chives stay bright and fresh.

  • Ladle into bowls and serve hot.

Flavor Notes

  • habaNANO adds a gentle heat and savory depth to the pork rib broth without overpowering the tofu or chives.

  • Start with ½ tsp in the rib seasoning, then add more at the end only if needed.

  • Soft tofu gives the soup a silky texture, while firm tofu works if you want a heartier bite.

Quick Adjustment Tips

  • Too salty → add more hot water or unsalted stock.

  • Too mild → add a light sprinkle of habaNANO before serving.

  • Broth looks cloudy → skim foam while simmering and avoid boiling too hard.

  • Tofu breaking apart → lower the heat and stir gently.

  • Can’t find garlic chives → use green onions or Chinese chives.